Every month of the year commemorates some mental health issue or condition resulting in mental health involvement. This recognition is a positive practice, worldwide, promoting awareness, understanding, destigmatization, fellowship, and compassion around a subject that has too long been misunderstood and hidden. November’s mental health events involve four different mental health issues which impact thousands of lives.
November 5-9: International Stress Awareness Day — occurs on the first Wednesday in November every year (Nov. 5 this year) but is observed for the full week. This day aims to raise awareness about stress, including the prevalence of stress and its impact on people’s lives. In addition to personal stress, workplace stress can have serious implications on employee productivity and mental health. To honor this day, consider participating in a stress-relieving activity such as creating a stress ball or writing in a journal. For workplace stress, strategies such as mindfulness sessions and flexible or reasonable hours can serve to increase effectiveness in the workplace (betterhelp.com; wellbeinginyouroffice.com)
November 11: Veteran’s Day – every year on Veteran’s Day, we celebrate the brave individuals who have served our country. The mental health challenges that veterans face are both unique and profound. As they transition from military to civilian life, many carry the weight of experiences that significantly impact their well-being. Conventional treatments for conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are invaluable, yet some veterans continue to struggle with symptoms. Suicide among veterans, as well as active-duty personnel, has become a huge problem in the past decade. In 2022, there were 17.6 Veteran suicides per day (news.va.gov). Statistics show that 41% of veterans are in need of mental health care programs each year, but many do not seek professional help. Much improvement is needed in providing mental health services, with many sources reporting that the military needs to be much more proactive. (missionrollcall.org)
November 13-19: Transgender Awareness Week — originated as a way to celebrate and uplift the trans community while promoting education on transgender issues. Transgender Remembrance Day is on November 20th. Its purpose is to raise visibility for transgender and non-binary individuals, address misinformation, and advocate for policies that protect trans rights in a world where trans people still face higher rates of discrimination, violence, and unique mental health challenges. Beyond raising awareness, this month emphasizes the importance of recognizing the full humanity of trans individuals (mindfulcenter.org)
November 22: International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day — is an event in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience at over 360 gatherings around the world. It was decided in 1999, at its inception, that Survivor Day would always be held on the Saturday immediately preceding the American Thanksgiving, as the holidays are often very difficult for suicide survivors. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website, afsp.com, is an invaluable resource for survivors of suicide and for information about suicide prevention. The Central Texas Survivors of Suicide chapter is very active. (afsp.com) Awareness of mental health is a significant topic worldwide. By celebrating the multiple mental health events throughout the year, even if you are not directly impacted, you can be a part of a more extensive effort to make a change. (betterhelp.com)
By Beautiful Minds Coalition: A Mental Health Ministry