Transparency around mental health has come a long way, especially in the USA and Europe. It wasn’t long ago when mental health was not a part of the bigger-picture conversation around health and well-being. However, in the last few years, there has been a significant shift in society, putting a more vital and needed emphasis on mental health and its impacts on overall health and people's lives. In light of this conscious shift, Better Brain & Body is highlighting two important internationally recognized days:
World Mental Health Day (October 10)
International Day of the Girl Child (October 11)
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World Mental Health Day
Today, October 10th, is World Mental Health Day, an internationally recognized day that promotes spreading mental health awareness and addressing issues worldwide to support people's mental health challenges (WHO, 2024).
Mental health awareness is a key pillar of our clinic’s brain and body rehabilitation work with patients. Dr. Alicia Brown states, “Mental and brain and body health are strongly tied to one another. The brain-mind-body connection is real, and mental health can have drastic implications on a person’s brain and body health.” The New York Times Best Seller The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk conveys how traumatic experiences can be physically stored in the body, influencing mental, emotional, and physical health long after the event(s)–possibly manifesting into actual medical conditions that can shorten lifespan. Bringing awareness to how mental health impacts overall health is essential, and World Mental Health Day aims to hit all the bases in the quest for widespread awareness.
As mentioned, mental health awareness is a critical aspect of overall health. Still today, there remains a considerable stigma and taboo around mental health, whether due to lack of understanding, fear of the unknown, societal expectations, historical stigma, or others. In the developed world, fear of the unknown tends to be a significant cause of stigma. In contrast, in underdeveloped countries, lack of understanding and education tends to be the leading cause. Mental health awareness has made immense progress worldwide but still remains a taboo topic in many parts of the world. As a result, children, families, and everyone in between may struggle with mental health challenges that they may not understand, which can impact their physical, emotional, and mental health.
Women And Their Role in Mental Health
Women and the Women’s Movement in the developed world should be praised for initiating this shift towards mental health awareness today. Historically, in the United States, being vulnerable and expressing your feelings was a sign of weakness, especially in the traditional male role. As Dr. James Hollis points out in a podcast conversation with Dr. Huberman, women have had the courage to challenge historical stereotypes and societal roles, leading men to now question their own identities (Huberman, 2024, 1:36:28). This cultural shift has influenced sincere self-reflection, and the breaking down of traditional rules and expectations that limited both men and women.
Many men are now grappling with identity loss as their lives may not be defined by success, outcomes, productivity, and perfectionism in our changing world, as was the case before. Historically, cutthroat and competitive environments have not incentivized strong mental health awareness. This suppression can result in a lack of self-awareness about their emotional and mental needs, leading them to lose touch with their true identities (Huberman, 2024). Similarly, men have often suppressed their emotions for fear of appearing weak. But today, men are beginning to seek to define their lives beyond conventional work roles. A cultural shift such as this one allows people to destigmatize mental health and put it at the forefront to craft their own well-rounded and meaningful lives.
International Day of the Girl Child
While women and girls have made large strides in the mental health space in the modern world, girls worldwide still need our support in executing the vision of their futures across countries and cultures. Tomorrow, October 11th is International Day of the Girl Child. The International Day of the Girl Child was founded in 2011 and has provided a global platform for celebrating women's potential and advocating for their rights.
Girls’ Vision For The Future
The United Nations writes, “This year’s theme conveys both the need for urgent action and persistent hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future” (2024). There have been many hard-fought battles with much progress in the name of girls. Still, girls worldwide are affected by natural disasters, conflict, and poverty (UN, 2024). Many girls do not have basic rights, contributing to a perpetuating cycle of poor health and unmet needs.
Unmet basic needs, conflict, disasters, poverty, and others can significantly impact the mental health of girls. Teenage girls worldwide are also disproportionately affected by mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. These challenges vary widely depending on cultural, social, and economic factors, but some common themes emerge:
Gender-Based Violence: Girls and young women are more likely to experience sexual harassment, abuse, and discrimination, which can have devastating consequences for their mental health.
Societal Expectations: With the rise of social media and the internet in developed countries, girls are often subjected to unrealistic beauty standards, academic pressures, and expectations to be perfect. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and anxiety.
Cultural and Social Pressures: Traditional gender roles, early marriage, and child labor can limit girls’ opportunities and contribute to feelings of hopelessness.
Poverty and Economic Inequality: Lack of access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities can create significant stress and hardship for girls. Lacking any of these three necessities can contribute to trauma, which wreaks havoc on the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of girls’ health left untreated.
Biological Factors: Hormones can fluctuate rapidly during puberty and affect the consistency of emotions. Teenage girls worldwide may not receive as much education and support for their bodily changes, which can affect mental health.
Climate Change and Natural Disasters: Climate change and natural disasters can have devastating impacts on the mental health of teenage girls and others. These events can lead to feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty, as well as displacement, loss, and, of course, trauma.
Conflict, Violence, and War: The trauma experienced during these events can lead to a range of psychological issues, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and self-harm.
Empowering Girls
Similar to Our Approach at Better Brain & Body, addressing the mental health of everyone, including teenage girls, must be addressed from a holistic point of view:
Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about mental health issues and providing education on coping mechanisms, stress management, and healthy self-care practices in diverse cultural contexts.
Support Systems: Creating safe and supportive environments where girls and others can seek help, express feelings, and connect with others.
Access to Resources: Ensuring that girls have access to mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and medication, even in remote or resource-limited areas.
Advocacy and Policy Change: Advocating for policies that promote gender equality, protect girls’ rights, and address the root causes of mental health challenges.
International Day of the Girl Child and World Mental Health Day serve as powerful reminders of the interconnectedness between mental health and overall well-being, especially for girls. By addressing the unique challenges faced by girls worldwide and fostering cultures of understanding and support, we can empower them to reach their full potential and build a more equitable and compassionate future. Let’s break down stigmas, promote mental health awareness, and advocate for the rights and well-being of all individuals, especially our young women.
Charlotte Resources
Coming off the world stage and into our Charlotte community, many amazing individuals and organizations are bringing awareness and support to women and overall mental health awareness. Madina Alam is a local Charlotte-based mental health therapist who is breaking the stigma around mental health by hosting fun and engaging awareness events. Her next event will be Thursday, October 24th, in Plaza Midwood. Here are the details to attend.
Similarly, Hannah Walker and Brittany Burris are empowering women entrepreneurs in Charlotte with their new organization, Women Trusting Women. Sorry guys, only girls are allowed! These amazing ladies have created a network for women business owners to connect, learn, and grow together. Learn how their mission is making an impact at Women Trusting Women's launch event on Thursday, November 7th, at the Babe Cave in South End. Check out the details to attend.
Reviewed by Dr. Alicia Brown, DC, DACNB.
Sources:
Huberman, A. (Host) . (2024, May 13). Huberman Lab [Video Podcast]. Dr. James Hollis: How to Find Your True Purpose & Create Your Best Life. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyWC8ZFVxGo
(n.d). International Day of the Girl Child. United Nations. Retrieved October 8, 2024, from https://www.un.org/en/observances/girl-child-day
(n.d.). International Day of the Girl. Plan International. Retrieved October 8, 2024, from https://plan-international.org/campaigns/international-day-of-the-girl/
(n.d.). World Mental Health Day. World Health Organization. Retrieved October 8, 2024, from https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day
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