MANI, others announce first national ‘Mental Health Action Day’

By Agency Report

Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) in partnership with more than 180 leading brands, nonprofits and cultural leaders today announced the first-ever Mental Health Action Day, to be held on Thursday, May 20 during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mental Health Action Day is an open-source movement of brands, organizations, and cultural leaders to drive culture from mental health awareness to mental health action.

Over the past two decades, suicide rates have risen, particularly among young adults. And the COVID pandemic has accelerated the already dire crisis, giving way to what many mental health professionals have called the “second pandemic.” Though more people than ever are comfortable discussing mental health, finding effective resources and knowing how to get help remains a challenge.

“If there’s ever been a time when action on Mental Health is paramount, this is it. As we, in varying capacities, begin the journey to build back better from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we need to demand action for mental health from our leaders and continue to make the case for increased policy and financial commitments for mental health,” said Victor Ugo, Founder, Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative.

As partners, we will encourage people to take their first steps towards mental health action — whether for themselves, for their loved ones or to advocate for systemic changes. Resources and tools will be available for people to seek help in a myriad of ways from starting a meditation practice, learning how to support a friend, or advocating for change.

“To address the ‘second wave’ of mental health devastation due to Covid-19 we need to move from awareness to action,” said Erika Soto Lamb, Vice President of Social Impact Strategy at MTV Entertainment Group. “MTV is proud to convene so many other leaders in driving forward a culture of mental health action, to inspire people to take actions and to normalize the idea that mental health is health.”

Mental Health Action Day is being planned in partnership with TaskForce, a cultural organizing agency that builds capacity for those taking on the most pressing challenges facing our communities, our nation and our world.

Additional participants and more information about how each partner will activate on May 20 will be forthcoming. More on Mental Health Action Day and initial partners can be found at www.MentalHealthActionDay.org