On This Date- Sam Vandiver

     October 10, 1992 was the first celebration of World Mental Health Day, established by the World Federation for Mental Health. While this event in itself is not widely known (and to be honest, I wasn't even aware the day existed before researching for this assignment), I feel that the idea that it represents is both significant and relevant today. 

     Mental health problems have long been considered taboo and this belief is still present in our modern time. However, this is starting to change. Relatively recently, global groups such as WFMH, public and social media, and even celebrities have begun to raise awareness for the seriousness and abundance of mental disorders, most specifically depression. The increase in awareness for mental illnesses has helped to facilitate the rise of organizations dedicated to their treatment including therapy, suicide hotlines, and activist groups attempting to remove the negative connotation associated with such diseases.