Why we are marking World Mental Health Day at Northbridge

The World Health Organisation (WHO) champions World Mental Health Day, and estimates that 1 in 8 people were living with mental illness before the pandemic; those estimates have gone up since the pandemic, of course, when instances of depression and anxiety have risen considerably. 

The campaign slogan for World Mental Health Day in 2022 is 'Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority' and here at Northbridge we're taking action!

Our staff and students are planning various activities and events at school to raise awareness about mental health, and we're encouraging our school community to make wellbeing our priority. Some of the wellbeing activities we've been enjoying include yoga in Grade 3, lunchtime meditation for Grades 10-12, and a Grade 9 Design project educating young people about mental health.

At home, families can talk with their children about mental health and how we can take good care of our physical and mental wellbeing. We can talk with our children about how they're feeling, and we can plan ways to celebrate World Mental Health Day in our own families - perhaps you might share a nice meal together, or plan a games evening or family outing. 

For more information about World Mental Health Day, please visit World Mental Health Day 2022 (who.int) or World Mental Health Day | United Nations.