World Day Of Social Justice: How Social Justice Affects Mental Health For Everyone

Medically reviewed by Andrea Brant, LMHC
Updated March 18th, 2025 by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Social justice tends to focus on minority groups that have little power in society and are, therefore, often dismissed by people with more clout within the power structure. However, promoting social justice can also mean caring for the needs of everyone, which benefits society as a whole. Grave inequalities have led to widespread mental health crises and continue to break down an already fractured world. When communities strive for justice for all, they can help the groups in need and strengthen the connections between everyone in society. 

A group of people sit on chairs in a room and look towards a person with short hair and green pants who is speaking.
Getty/Anchiy
Find a professional who supports your unique cultural and identity needs

The origin story of the World Day of Social Justice

The World Day of Social Justice is celebrated on February 20th and was established by the International Labour Organization (ILO) General Conference in 2007. This day is meant to highlight the need for global social justice and promote initiatives to prioritize improving social justice around the world. 

What does social justice really mean?

The United Nations defines social justice as “an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations.” Circles that promote social justice attempt to recognize the dignity of every human being and strive to create a world in which societies value equality and solidarity. The five key principles of social justice include:

  • Equity: Recognizing that people have different needs and circumstances
  • Access: Ensuring everyone has access to the resources for success 
  • Participation: Ensuring every individual has a place at the table in political, economic, and social life
  • Rights: Protecting the human rights of all people
  • Diversity: Respecting and valuing differences, including race, gender, and sexual orientation

The history of social justice

The idea of justice as a philosophical concept in the West was first explored by the philosophers Plato and Aristotle, who advocated for the rights of women (almost unheard of at the time). Enlightened philosophers of the 17th and 18th century continued the work, as Locke, Rousseau, and Kant created the concept of a “Social Contract” enshrining the rights of citizens within a wider framework. In the 19th century writers shifted away from a monarchical or aristocratic model toward a more egalitarian model. This model was further expanded upon in the 20th century by John Rawls who proposed that “social justice cannot be achieved if justice and liberty for one person is allowed to be overridden by the ‘greater good of others.’”

The roadblocks to social justice

The path toward social justice has not been smooth. Despite the ideas of revolutionaries, the status quo continues to fight back against the idea of equality for all. In addition, despite its fine words and ideas, the Bill of Rights was drafted by men who owned slaves. To this day in the United States, individuals avoid using the common European phrase “social democracy” to avoid being labeled as “socialist”—a dirty word to many. The rich and powerful work hard to keep the masses in submission and curtail the opportunity for the majority populace. 

The future of social justice

The United Nations takes the lead in supporting initiatives that address social and economic inequalities around the world. This organization is a cornerstone of their mission as enshrined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, an international blueprint for peace, prosperity, and sustainable economic growth around the globe. Despite these efforts, the future of social justice seems to remain cloudy. Many countries, including the United States, are seeing a backlash of right-wing extremism that bode ill for social justice initiatives, and the rights of many groups are in jeopardy and currently hang in the balance. 

A woman with long, dark hair smiles as she sits between two men and a woman who are smiling and clapping while looking towards her.
Getty/Luis Alvarez

Why social justice is important 

While the groups supported by social justice initiatives are called “minority groups”, these minority groups make up most individuals. For this reason, some refer to these groups instead as marginalized communities. Women, individuals with disabilities, Black and Indigenous people, Latinos, the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized groups continue to struggle with inequality and associated mental health challenges. Until the challenges these groups face are addressed on a societal level, mental health problems may continue, not just in these groups but for everyone.  

How social justice impacts mental health outcomes

Disparities in wealth, race, culture, gender, and sexual orientation can lead to generational trauma and a range of mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, the mental health system in the United States is often ill-equipped to address mental health in minorities. 

Statistics on mental health and social justice for minority groups 

The same disparities that create mental health challenges rob these communities of access to mental health care. 90% of Black and Latinx adults do not have access to care for substance use disorders, and Black individuals are more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia, labeled as hostile, and given high doses of antipsychotic medications than their white counterparts. 

The LGBTQ+ community is impacted as well. Individuals who are part of the gay community, especially trans youth, experience higher rates of suicide. In 2025, extremists have started to push legislation to erase trans identity and disenfranchise Queer rights in the United States, which has led to more social justice efforts. 

How to promote World Day of Social Justice this February

Education can be part of improving social justice outcomes around the world. This February, celebrate World Social Justice Day by prioritizing the needs of minority groups. 

Start with yourself

As with other changes, start with yourself. Educate yourself on social justice; what it means, how it affects people on an individual and societal level, and how you can best help people in your community. 

Educate your social group about the World Day of Social Justice in February 

When you have a strong grasp of the basics, take it to the next level by sharing information and resources with your family and friends. The UN website has information and resources that you can share. 

Work at a community level to improve mental health 

Look around your area to find where you can spend your time, effort, and money to support the rights of minority groups and promote fair outcomes and fundamental values. Volunteer for and donate to these groups whenever possible. Call and write to your politicians about injustices and inequality, and voice your support for equality initiatives in your area. Run for local office yourself if you can, and support and vote for the politicians in your area that support social justice initiatives. 

Two men in business attire smile and hug as they stand in a room surrounded by other people looking towards them and smiling.
Getty/fizkes
Find a professional who supports your unique cultural and identity needs

How mental healthcare for one can lead to better care for all

As a society, mental function improves when all parts are functioning to the best of their ability. If only one class of people is served, imbalance can create society-wide challenges. The effects of widespread generational trauma may contribute to substance use problems and other forms of mental disorders that can lead to crime and violence. Crime and violence can also lead to further trauma and disorder, creating a viscous cycle. 

Mental healthcare to address the disorders that are perpetuated by social and economic disparities can stem the tide of this cycle and lead to a cycle of healing. Some progress has been made in mental health over the past decade or so as telehealth has offered access to a wide variety of mental healthcare services that may have been previously unavailable or difficult to get. 

Communities may still have a long way to go systemically in educating and raising a new generation of diverse mental healthcare professionals, but therapy can now be accessed more effectively with online therapy platforms like BetterHelp. You can be matched to a therapist that is right for you, whether you are looking for a Black therapist, or a therapist who specializes in LGBTQ+-friendly care. In addition, you can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions, giving you control over how you receive support. Studies have found online therapy as effective as in-person therapy in treating anxiety and depression, common conditions in marginalized groups. 

Takeaway 

Mental healthcare is only one piece of the puzzle when building a world of equality and justice for all, but it can be an essential piece. Celebrate the World Day of Social Justice by amplifying the message of mental healthcare for all. For personalized support and guidance, consider reaching out to a therapist online or in your area.

Find support with life challenges
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
Get the support you need from one of our therapistsGet started