World Mental Health Day is recognized each year on Oct. 10, to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
Each year has a theme that is decided by the World Federation for Mental Health (WMFH). This years theme is “access to services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”
Many students find it hard to keep their mental health up while staying empathetic and knowledgeable about current events. Kareem Al-Sabawi whose family immigrated to Canada from Palestine says
“I find moments can be a lot worse depending on what I see on the news.”
Kareem expresses his frustrations with “the fact that governments are very complacent, and the media is spinning it in a way that puts a sort of blame on the people.”
Kareem and other students find various ways to keep their mental health safe by distracting themselves with various activities like sports, video games, and spending time with friends.
The announcement of a ceasefire happening between Israel and Hamas is “honestly amazing news,” as nobody should have to worry about getting “bombed, shot, or hurt,” says Kareem.
Kareem and others who have had their eye on this conflict is hopeful for things to come but “there is a lot of work to be done to give Palestinian people the reparations they deserve,” he says.
