COLUMBUS, Ohio — Tuesday was World Mental Health Day — a day created to raise awareness of mental health disorders across the world. 

What You Need To Know

  • World Mental Health Day is Oct. 10 every year and was created by thee World Health Organization over 30 years ago

  • For access to free mental health care services and resources from Mental Health America of Ohio visit www.mhaohio.org

  • Experts said the first step in your mental health care journey is to consult your primary care physician 

In Ohio, advocacy organizations and doctors alike are doing what they can to help those who believe resources are unattainable.

They said your mental health is just as important as your physical health. In a post-pandemic world, mental health awareness and advocacy have become more common. Doctors said it’s because the pandemic made us learn how to deal with our stress. 

“People had to figure out what their coping strategies were. People had to find ways to come back together and connect and I think that with time we’ve started to slowly but surely view mental health problems for what they really are which is medical problems,” said Dr. Megan Schabbing, Riverside Methodist Hospital's medical director of Psychiatric Emergency Services.

The World Health Organization created World Mental Health Day more than 30 years ago to raise awareness and create open discussions about mental health disorders. One focus this year is on accessibility to mental health care. While some people think that can be unaffordable, that’s not always the case. 

“Help is out there. And again, having somebody holding your hand next to you. Going through that process and helping you connect to care is very important and that’s why we are here,” said LeeAnn Mattes with Mental Health America of Ohio.

The group "Mental Health America of Ohio" offers free services for people who need them. But cost isn’t the only barrier. So is time. But with virtual options becoming more and more common, health officials believe there is an option for everyone.

“It used to be to see a therapist you had to actually go to an appointment in person and now many people are seeking therapy through companies that are available online. So many people are having virtual appointments with counselors or therapists. It’s very convenient. I’ve had people tell me I’m more comfortable and less shy when I talk to somebody on my phone, if I see a therapist on my computer from home,” said Dr. Schabbing.

For people who want to seek mental health care but don’t know where to begin, Mattes has some advice.

“One of the first places you can reach out to is actually your primary care doctor. Many people don’t even realize that they might be experiencing a mental health condition because it comes out as a physical response,” said Mattes.