PESHAWAR, Oct 8: The World Mental Health Day will be observed on Oct 10.

The day is observed every year to raise awareness among the masses about issues relating to mental health and the theme for this year is: “Mental Health in a changing world: the impact of culture and diversity.”

“It is a universal truth that we live in a culturally interconnected world where one person in every 35 is an international migrant,” according to a handout issued for the occasion.

“Dramatically different languages, religions and cultures coexist in a single country.

“This cultural diversity may influence many aspects of mental health, including how individuals from a given culture communicate and manifest their symptoms, their style of coping with problems, their family and community supports and their willingness to seek treatment.

“The 2007 World Mental Health Day campaign, an initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, will bring attention to trans-cultural mental health services and treatment.”—APP