World Mental Health Day: Why October 10 Matters (and How to Care for Your Mind This Week)
Each year on October 10th, people around the world pause to recognize World Mental Health Day, which is a day dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and reminding us all to care for our minds with the same attention we give to our bodies. The observance began in 1992 through the World Federation for Mental Health and continues to be supported by the World Health Organization.
This year’s theme, “Access to Services—Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” invites us to reflect on how individuals, families, and communities can make mental health support more accessible, especially in times of crisis. Emergencies can be global, such as natural disasters or pandemics, or deeply personal, including illness, loss, or trauma. Regardless of the form they take, these moments often leave people feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Access to timely, compassionate, and reachable care can make a world of difference.
Yet, one does not need to be in a visible crisis to be struggling. Many of us carry quiet emergencies such as burnout, anxiety, relationship stress, grief, or sleepless nights that weigh heavily on our hearts. World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder that tending to our emotional well-being is both necessary and courageous. Stress can accumulate when left unaddressed. Connection is a powerful form of healing, and seeking help is an act of strength, not weakness.
To honour this day, consider one or two gentle ways to nurture your mental health. Begin by naming what feels heavy. Write down a few worries that are taking up space in your mind and circle the one that you can influence within the next few days. Take one small, meaningful step toward easing it. You may also regulate your body to calm your mind by practising slow breathing or gentle movement. A few minutes of stretching, walking, or simply shaking out tension can reset your nervous system and ground you in the present moment.
Practising compassionate boundaries can also make a difference. It is perfectly acceptable to say, “I cannot take that on this week.” Boundaries protect our energy and help us focus on what matters most. If you find yourself overwhelmed by constant news or social media updates, limit your time online and listen to your body’s cues when it signals that you have had enough.
Connection remains one of the most healing tools available to us. Reach out to someone you trust, like a friend, a loved one, or even a neighbour. Send a message, share a walk, or sit together in quiet understanding. Our nervous systems naturally settle when we feel safe and supported by others.
For parents, partners, and caregivers, emotional presence is more important than perfection. When supporting children or teens, validate their feelings before offering solutions. Simple statements, such as “This is hard, and I am here with you,” foster trust and safety. With partners, take a few minutes to check in and share what each of you is carrying this week, along with one appreciation for each other. And for yourself, remember that rest, nourishment, and healthy boundaries are not indulgences; they are essential forms of self-care that allow you to continue caring for others.
If someone you care about is in crisis, remain calm and listen without judgment. Avoid minimizing their pain or rushing to fix it. If there is an immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services. If the risk is not immediate, help them schedule an appointment with a therapist or primary care provider, and offer to sit with them while they make the call. If you are the one struggling, please know that you are worthy of the same compassion and support you would offer to anyone else.
Here in our own community, we face challenges that test our resilience, including financial pressures, caregiving demands, and the stress of balancing work, family, and personal well-being. The focus on access reminds us that wellness begins when we make care approachable, affordable, and free of stigma. Mental health is a community health issue, and each conversation that invites honesty and compassion helps move us forward together.
As you move through this week, take a moment to pause and breathe. Place your hand over your heart or on your stomach and say to yourself, “I am allowed to receive support.” Because you are. Today and every day.
Warmly,
Sarah
World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10. It was established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health and continues to be supported by the World Health Organization. The 2025 theme is “Access to Services—Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”