MARCH
1st – Self injury awareness day
It aims to increase awareness about people who involve in bruising, cutting, scratching and hitting themselves .these maladaptive behaviours promote feelings of control and help relieve tension escaping the numbness of depression. They often l feel lonely and afraid to reach out for help. The goal to observe the day is to change the common misinterpretation surrounding self-harm and to promote awareness among medical professionals and the public.
13th – World sleep day
“A Hearty laugh and a good long Sleep is a cure for almost anything”
Sleep problems are currently a global epidemic and threaten the health and quality of life of about 45% of the world population. Sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. The World Sleep day is an annual event organised by the World Association of Sleep Medicine. It aims at celebrating the benefits of good and healthy sleep and to draw attention to the largely underplayed disorders caused due to sleep insufficiency. It also aims at prevention and management of various sleep disorders .The theme for the year 2018 is - 'Join the Sleep World, Preserve Your Rhythms to Enjoy Life'
21st – World down syndrome day
“A place and acceptance for everyone in the society”
Downs syndrome is genetic disorder caused due to a chromosomal derangement. 1 in every 1000 children is found to be diagnosed with Down’s syndrome. It is usually characterised by delayed mile stones, cognitive disability and mild to moderate intellectual disability. The General Assembly decided, to observe World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March each year, to raise awareness among the public regarding this syndrome. This day plays an important part in enabling children with Down syndrome to participate fully in the life of their societies on an equal basis with others. It aims at building an inclusive society for all.
30th – World Bipolar Day(WBD)
“Strength for Today and Hope for Tomorrow”
Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs . WBD is an initiative of the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD). It is celebrated on the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, a renowned painter, who was diagnosed with this disorder. It also helps bring down the common misconceptions people tend to have about the severity and consequences of this disorder, also educate and improve the sensitivity towards the illness by publicising and organising various local events.
2nd - World Autism Awareness Day
“Light it up blue” is what they say
“Its alright to be different” is their way.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by impaired learning communication and verbal problems. It is found that about 1 in every 500 children suffers from this disorder. These children face lot of challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication they are also found to have unique strengths skills and differences
The World Autism Awareness day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly. Its goals include creating awareness about autism to the general public paving way for earlier diagnosis and treatment, enhancement of the knowledge in autistic care and management.
7th – World Health Day
“Healthy isn’t a goal
But a way of life”
World Health Day is a global awareness day undertaken by the world health organisation. It aims at drawing worldwide attention to a subject of major importance ie global health. This day is also is acknowledged by various governments and non-governmental organizations with interests in public health issues.
MAY
6th - World Maternal Mental Health Day
15th - International Day of Families
“Families, Welfare and a Sustainable Future”
Families are important because no person can live a solitary life all the time. Families play an integral part in one’s life whether the individual wills it or not. The International Day of Families provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting them. The United Nations unanimously adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to eliminate poverty, discrimination, abuse and preventable deaths. It also paves way for the celebration of families and their bonding; inculcating a strong message ‘no one’s ever really alone’.
24th – World Schizophrenia Day
Schizophrenia is a disorder that affects a person's ability to think, feel and behave clearly. It is often characterised by abnormal social behaviour and inability to understand reality. Studies show that 15 out of 1 million people may be affected by schizophrenia all over the world. It is a disorder that most commonly attracts fear and revulsion among the public. WSD aims to raise awareness about schizophrenia and psychosis and to reduce the social stigma that revolves around them. The awareness programs help the public understand the disorder better and hence makes management comfortable, improving the quality of life of the patient and the care takers.
31st – World No Tobacco day
“Tobacco use is the single most known and preventable cause of death and disability”
Tobacco kills more than 7 million people each year. More than 6 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while around 890 000 are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. The World Health Organisation created the WNTD , to encourage a 24-hour period of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption around the globe. The day is further intended to draw attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and the major health consequences.
JUNE
1st – Global Day of Parents (UN)
“No love is greater than mom’s love and no care is greater than dad’s care”
Parents are the first ever teachers of any child. They are the first inspirers of any child. Parents are the anchors of the family and the foundation of our communities and societies. The United Nations proclaimed the Global Day of Parents to appreciate all parents in all parts of the world for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship. The Global Day of Parents recognizes also that the family has the primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of children. It paves way for better parenthood through various parent interaction programs and workshops to make child care a more responsible and fun filled one. An interesting thing to note is that it falls on the same day as International children’s day.
4th - International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
It is a sad reality that in situations where armed conflict breaks out, it is the most vulnerable members of societies – namely children, who are most affected by the consequences of war. The six most common violations are recruitment and use of children in war, killing, sexual violence, abduction, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access.the purpose of the day is to acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse. This day affirms the un's commitment to protect the rights of children.
15th – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Abuse hurts at any age”
“Around 1 in 6 older people experienced some form of abuse in the past year. Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences. The abuse is predicted to increase with a rise in the global population of people aged 60 years to about 2 billion in 2050. Elder abuse is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted to some of our older generations. It aims at improving the quality of life and providing stability to those aged souls emotionally and otherwise.
26th - International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
"listen first - listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe."
The international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking is observed to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. Supported each year by individuals, communities and various organizations all over the world, this global observance aims to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.
Also recommends measures to address demand and supply reduction, and to improve access to controlled medicines while preventing diversion. The recommendations also cover the areas of human rights, youth, children, women and communities; emerging challenges, including new psychoactive substances; strengthening international cooperation; and alternative development. New emphasis on proportionate national sentencing policies and practices for drug-related offences, and features a strong focus on prevention and treatment.
AUGUST
12th – International Youth Day (UN)
“We can’t build a future for the youth yet we can ? our youth for the future”
Is an awareness day designated by the United Nations. The purpose of the day is to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth. It also aims to promote ways to engage them in becoming more actively involved in making positive contributions to their communities. It’s a celebration of the youth and their ideals in the modern era. It not only promotes but is also a boost for the youth to involve in the functions of the society with joy and wisdom.
SEPTEMBER
10th – World Suicide Prevention Day
“Suicide is the one mistake you won’t live to regret”
Every year, more than 800,000 people die by suicide and up to 25 times as many make a suicide attempt. WSPD aims to create awareness to prevent suicides ,by organising various activities around the world. It brings together people suffering from depression and shows them better ways and modes of life through various self-help groups and workshops around the world. The motto is “Take a minute to change a life” and they do their best to change the lives of sufferers around the world
21st – World Alzheimer’s Day
“Alzheimers is the cleverest thief , she not only steals but also steals the very thing you need to remember what was stolen”
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, that impairs mental functioning. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. The aim of world alzheimers day is to help establish and to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and other causes of dementia around the world. It also works by empowering Alzheimer associations, and other groups to promote and offer support to people with dementia and their care partners, making life easier for both the patients and their surroundings.
OCTOBER
1st – International Day of Older Persons
“Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been”
Ageism is a widely prevalent and prejudicial attitude that arises from the assumption that age discrimination, and abuse of older persons is a social norm. The international day of older persons is celebrated for raising awareness about issues affecting the elderly, such as senescence and elder abuse. It is also a day to appreciate the contributions that older people make to society. There are various organisations that bring together the community of ageing people helping them understand the various age related and mind related changes they undergo. They also organise various workshops to educate the public regarding the care and concern that should be imparted to the ageing community. The day celebrates “ageing with grace.
10th - World Mental Health Day
“Dignity in Mental health”
The day was established, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. It acts on a larger scale to create awareness about major mental health disorder that haunt humanity in the current generation.
NOVEMBER
6th – International Stress Awarness Day
16th – International Day for Tolerance
“Tolerance means we agree, it means we make space for others opinions and differences”
Tolerance is neither indulgence nor indifference. It is the respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. It recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. People are naturally diverse; only tolerance can ensure the survival of mixed communities in every region of the globe. Fighting tolerance requires law , education , access to information , individual awareness , local solutions. The International Day of Tolerance observed by the UNESCO helps people acquire the requisites for fighting tolerance. Intolerance is an underrated feeling of hatred that could pave the way for minor caste disputes to major world wars. Hence it is a threat to be addressed and not to be ignored.
DECEMBER
3rd - International Day of Persons with Disabilities
“The problem is not the disability; it is the society’s view of the disability”
The international Day of persons with disabilities aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. It helps the affected people understand their way of life and their acceptance towards life. It strives to improve their quality of life without attracting pity or revulsion among the public and also the ideals of helping and humanity in general.