The World Health Organisation predicts that in 20 years time more people will be affected by depression than any other health problem. The British Psychological Society seeks to raise awareness of mental health issues and the importance of seeking professional support on World Mental Health Day 2009, 10th October.

Carole Allan, Chair of the British Psychological Society's Professional Practice Board said: "Psychological science clearly indicates how vital mental well-being is to every individual's health, as well as social cohesion and ultimately national competitiveness. Psychologists, along with their colleagues in nursing, psychiatry, occupational therapy and social work hope that World Mental Health Day will draw attention to the importance of these issues, and help people find the support that they might need to maximise their well-being and address any mental health problems they may have."

Professor Peter Kinderman, Chair of the British Psychological Society's Standing Committee for Psychologists in Health and Social Care said: "As well as reminding us of the importance of mental health on a personal level, World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to acknowledge how important psychological well-being is to our happiness and prosperity as a society. As we learn more about the way the human mind works, psychological therapies and psychosocial approaches to mental health are becoming more well-known and recognised as effective."

World Mental Health Day was started by the World Federation for Mental Health, of which the British Psychological Society is a member, in 1992. It is a unified effort to promote greater public awareness and understanding of mental health and mental illness. Every year, thousands of people across the world raise awareness and funds for mental health causes.