World Mental Health Day was founded by the World Health Organization in 1992 and observed on October 10th each year. Its objective is to raise awareness of mental health globally and mobilize efforts in support of mental health. Additionally, the day provides an opportunity for organizations like Project Happiness, who work on mental health issues, to talk about their work and get the conversation moving.
Each year The Day has a theme, and this year's theme is Suicide Prevention. Project Happiness focuses on habits for everyday wellness. However, the reality is that the stats are grim, one person dies by suicide roughly every 40 seconds, and it's completely preventable. Moreover, this trend has been rising in recent years.
Our work touches all facets of life through our large social media outreach and popular Daily Happiness Habits, however the core of our programs were founded, and remain, in schools. Suicide is the second leading cause of death of people aged 15-29. Depression and anxiety are now the largest leading causes of human suffering globally. In the US, 1 in 5 Americans will suffer from depression or anxiety in a given year, and in youth that number rises to 1 in 3. OK, what do we do with the statistics? This is where Project Happiness comes in to do our small part.
There's good news - it turns out that our mental health, much like physical health, can be exercised! As our tagline says - Happiness is a skill that can be taught (we actually teach a number of skills, but that's just splitting hairs... 😀). 40% of our happiness can be boosted through intentional practices, thoughts and activities. It's this 40% that we aim to influence with youth through our programs. It's important for all ages of course, but our focus on youth is to build habits at a young age for a healthy, fulfilling life. Secondly, look back at the stats! It's needed!
How Project Happiness Helps!
Watch Adam Tehle explain the impact the Project Happiness Program has had on his students:
Our programs range from teacher and guidance implemented classroom taught Curriculum like the above video described, to administration implemented advisory programs, to full semester and year courses, and student run Project Happiness Clubs. We also have a Sponsorship Program for dedicated schools with a lack of resources to implement the program. We have partnered with LG Electronics and their Experience Happiness Initiative to sponsor 30 School Clubs the past two years, after an initial pilot program of 10 Student Clubs.
Our programs are designed from the cross section of Neuroscience, Positive Psychology and Mindfulness to form the most comprehensive and well rounded Social and Emotional Experiential Learning Learning Experience. When applied, students (and adults!), develop new thought patterns and neural pathways that help them become more positive, resilient, and focused. The result is reduced depression and anxiety, more engagement, improved self esteem, and better relationships based on compassion and empathy. These are the building blocks of leading a meaningful and purposeful life.
Watch Maggie H Discuss Establishing a Project Happiness Club:
How You Can Get Involved
Click Here to Support our Programs.
Click Here to Take the Project Happiness Ambassador Course
Contact us at education@projecthappiness.org to inquire about our School Sponsorship Program.
Click Here to learn about starting a Project Happiness Club (Note, You must have a School Advisor).