What is World Mental Health Day? Plus, 7 ways to celebrate
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Mental health matters. Calm celebrates World Mental Health Day on October 10. Learn more about the purpose of this day and how you can get involved!
Mental health is a big part of who we are as people — it affects how we think, feel, relate to others, and handle life’s ups and downs. While discussing mental health is commonplace nowadays, it wasn’t always that way. For many years, conversations around this critical piece of our wellbeing were often seen as uncomfortable or even shameful.
Thankfully, that mindset has shifted as more and more people (and companies) are starting to understand that we need to care for our mental health just like we do for our physical health. You’re not embarrassed to go to the gym or take a day off to nurse a cold, so why should going to therapy or taking a day off to nurse your mental health be any different?
A key factor in this changing dialogue is the annual World Mental Health Day. Dedicated to raising global awareness, this day encourages individuals, institutions, and businesses to talk openly about—and even celebrate—mental health. It’s a time to check in with ourselves and each other, to break the stigma around mental health issues, and to make sure no one feels alone in their struggles.
What (and when) is World Mental Health Day?
World Mental Health Day (WMHD), observed every year on October 10th, was established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health to promote greater understanding of mental health across the globe.
For a lot of us, talking about our mental health can be difficult, but over the years WMHD has helped to create a safe space where these conversations are encouraged — and now reaches millions of people in countries all around the world.
Every year, World Mental Health Day focuses on a specific theme that highlights a particular aspect of mental health. Past themes have included topics like suicide prevention, mental health in an unequal world, and mental health for all. These themes guide the global discussions and activities for the day, helping individuals, communities, and organizations focus on solutions and raise awareness about pressing mental health issues.
The theme for 2024 is “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”, which is hoping to engage a global audience—including employees, employers, organizations, and stakeholders—in grassroots advocacy to promote mental wellbeing at work. This year's WMHD will highlight the critical role of mental health in professional settings, advocating for workplaces where mental health is “prioritized, protected, and promoted.”
Whether you’re learning how to take better care of your mental health, supporting a loved one, or advocating for change in your workplace or community, World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to get involved. By recognizing and taking action on this day, we can each play a role in creating a world where mental health is treated with the care and respect it deserves.
What is the purpose of World Mental Health Day?
World Mental Health Day was created to raise awareness about mental health issues, encourage open conversations, and promote actions that improve mental wellbeing. It serves as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and it affects everyone, no matter where they live, work, or study.
By actively focusing on mental health once a year, WMHD encourages us to break the stigma that surrounds mental health challenges. Many people still hesitate to talk about their mental struggles because they fear judgment or don’t know where to get help. WMHD aims to change this by promoting understanding, compassion, and mental health services for all.
Why mental health matters
Just like physical health, mental health plays a huge part in our overall wellbeing. The state of our mental health can affect everything from how we feel when we wake up in the morning to how we handle stress. It can impact how we interact with our families, friends, and colleagues, and even how we make decisions.
When our mental health is in a good place, we’re better equipped to manage life’s challenges and enjoy meaningful relationships. On the other hand, when we’re facing mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or burnout, even simple tasks can feel overwhelming.
And it’s not just you — mental health issues are (unfortunately) incredibly common. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 1 in 8 people worldwide live with some form of mental health condition.
Really think about that for a second — in 2024, that’s roughly 1 billion people who may be dealing with mental health challenges at this moment. So we’ll say it again: If you’re struggling with your mental health, you are not alone.
The good news is that mental health is treatable, and there are a large variety of resources and support systems available to help people heal and feel better.
When we openly discuss mental health and support one another at home, school, and work, we begin to create a culture where people feel safe to ask for help when they need it. Because no one should feel ashamed for struggling with their mental health.
How to celebrate World Mental Health Day: 7 ways to get involved
There are so many ways to celebrate World Mental Health Day, and no matter how big or small your actions are, they can make a meaningful difference in your life and the lives of others.
The beauty of this day is that it encourages everyone to take part — whether you’re focusing on your own mental health, supporting people you love who are struggling, or raising awareness at work or in your wider community.
1. Take part in a local (or global) event
Many communities host events like mental health walks, talks, or workshops on World Mental Health Day. These gatherings are great opportunities to learn more about mental health, connect with others, and find out about local resources.
Whether it’s a free mental health seminar, a mindfulness workshop, or a mental health awareness walk, attending an event can be a great way to show your support. You can find out about local events through community centers, social media, mental health organizations, or the global WMHD event page. And if you can’t find an event near you, that might be a sign to plan your own!
💙 Grab a few friends and practice the Invincible session of the Daily Calm in honor of WMHD.
2. Share your mental health story
Talking about your personal mental health journey can help break down the barriers others might face in opening up. You don’t need to bare your soul — simply sharing how you’ve handled stress, anxiety, or even burnout helps normalize conversations around mental health.
Whether you post something on social media, write a blog, or simply talk to a close friend, sharing your experience could make someone else feel less alone and more empowered to seek help. But remember, while it can feel good to get a little vulnerable to inspire others to do the same, you never have to share more than feels safe or comfortable to you. Here are five ways to practice being more vulnerable.
💙 Explore how Vulnerability can be a superpower in this Daily Move session with Mel Mah.
3. Get educated on mental health challenges
Knowledge is power — and it can build empathy. Make it a point to learn more about mental health challenges you may struggle with, or what others may be facing. You can find reliable information about mental health conditions and how they impact people from organizations like the World Health Organization or mental health nonprofits.
Once you’ve learned more, consider sharing that knowledge with others through conversations with friends and family or posting helpful (and trusted) resources on social media. The more people know about mental health, the more compassionate and understanding our communities can become.
💙 Explore how you can share your lessons and learnings in the Democratization of Mental Health session of the Daily Trip.
4. Check in with your loved ones
Ask the people you care about how they’re really feeling and give them space to talk if they need to. Too often, people keep their struggles to themselves, and just knowing that someone cares can make a huge difference.
Even though you can’t fix their problems, just being there to listen without judgment is a powerful way to support someone’s mental health. Enhance the quality of your support with these five ways to become a better listener.
💙 Learn a formula for inviting Deeper Communication with your loved ones during this session with Jay Shetty.
5. Support yourself with some self-care
Honor the intentions of WMHD by carving out time for something that genuinely helps you recharge. This could be practicing mindfulness, going for a walk in nature, journaling, or simply taking a break from your usual routine (here are 20 more self-care ideas to boost your wellbeing).
Self-care doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated, whatever makes you feel more balanced and at peace is a great way to honor your mental health on this day. If it feels good to you, you could even invite a friend or loved one to join you in your self-care activity to boost the impact.
💙 Take a Mental Health Walk on your lunch break with the help of this uplifting playlist.
6. Donate to a mental health-centered charity
If you’re able, consider donating to a mental health organization that’s working to provide services, education, and support to those in need. Many charities rely on donations to fund their hotlines, counseling services, and educational programs.
Even small donations can make a big difference in ensuring that people have access to the mental health care they deserve. Look for trusted organizations in your area or donate to global mental health initiatives who’s mission or programs speak to you.
7. Advocate for mental health resources at work
Workplace stress and burnout are real challenges that many people face, but mental health is often overlooked in work environments. This World Mental Health Day—with its theme of prioritizing mental health in the workplace—consider advocating for mental health support at your workplace.
Whether it’s petitioning for mental health days, starting conversations about stress management, or organizing a wellness event for employees, small steps can go a long way towards building a healthier mental health culture at your work.
Get inspired by these five ways to integrate mental health breaks at work.
How Calm does World Mental Health Day
Here at Calm, we like to practice what we preach, which means a company-wide focus on taking care of our mental health not just on WMHD, but everyday. From meditations at the start of meetings, to built-in mental health days, everyone at Calm is invested in taking care of our mind and bodies — whatever that may look like for them.
To give you a bit of Calm-spiration, we’re sharing ideas, tips, and questions from our team on how you can prioritize your mental health for WMHD and beyond.
What's one thing you'd invite others to do to acknowledge World Mental Health Day?
Everyone’s mental health needs are different, so be honest with yourself about what would serve you best. Just don’t overthink it.
“Maybe we think it should be spending 30 minutes a day in quiet meditation, but it actually looks like a quick walk outside between meetings, or a chat with a good friend, or picking up a treat from your favorite bakery,” says Courtney, Senior Creative Producer & Head of Music. “There’s no right way to celebrate.”
In case you need more inspiration, here are some suggestions from our team:
Do something small that makes you feel good: “Take a nap! Take a walk. Get a cookie. Call a friend. Play video games. Watch clouds. Color with your kids. Take a break from your kids. Do whatever little thing feels good to you,” Courtney added.
Breathe: “When you wake up and before you go to bed, take a few conscious moments to just breathe, to feel your body breathing,” says Senior Editorial Producer Ben.
Call a friend: Ben noted that connection is critical to your mental health.“Reach out to someone you love and tell them why you appreciate them,” he added. He said he’ll be spending the day with his 4-month-old daughter, Ella: “She's a bundle of brightness and joy, a vision of hope for the future, and a constant reminder of what's important.”
Sleep: When you get enough sleep, you feel better — which is why Jane, Head of Social, said she’ll be sleeping in this World Mental Health Day.
Be productive: Jane also said that she’ll be “running errands because the dopamine from crossing things off your to-do list is real” — and she’s right!
Unplug: “Make sure to get a bit of outside time and non-screen time. Whether that's going for a walk in between meetings, spending a long lunch offline, or even just prioritizing not doom scrolling after work, getting away from all the online chatter can be very beneficial,” said Jasmin, Senior Social Media & Community Manager.
If your mental health could speak, what would it want to say to you?
What would their mental health say to them if it could speak? Courtney thinks hers would be gently encouraging, “You've come so far, but it's okay to still have farther to go.”
Jane thinks hers would ask her to zoom out. “Enjoy the process! It's easy to get fixated on outcomes and results: so much so that going through the process doesn't seem nearly as fulfilling. Recently, my mind has been reminding me to slow down and to stop being so focused on the destination that I completely disregard the beauty of the journey getting there.”
And Jasmin knows her mental health would tell her to “get some rest, and to stop scrolling so much!” (Relatable.)
What's one wish you have for the world's collective wellbeing on World Mental Health Day?
"That the following affirmations could be heard and truly believed by everyone: You're not a burden. You're loved. You're valuable." — Jasmin
"I hope that our challenging world can move in a direction of peace, justice, and understanding." — Ben
"Every moment counts. Every moment where we laugh, or exhale a sigh of relief, or smile, or have a good healthy cry, or feel our heart fill with love is a moment worth noticing.” — Courtney
Free resources for World Mental Health Day
To support you on your own mental health journey, we’ve curated a collection of free resources you can try out anywhere, anytime. Whether you’re dealing with day-to-day stress and anxiety, navigating the weight of the world, or struggling with sleep, the Essentials provides a collection of carefully-curated, practical tools to help you rest and recover.
Remember that mental health is a marathon, not a sprint. Commit to taking one small action a day in honor of your mental health and watch the
World Mental Health Day FAQs
What happens on World Mental Health Day?
On World Mental Health Day (WMHD), there are events and activities all over the world aimed at raising awareness about mental health. The day is an opportunity for mental health organizations, advocates, companies and individuals to come together and highlight the importance of mental health. Many groups offer free resources, host workshops, or provide mental health services to encourage more people to seek help and start conversations about their mental wellbeing.
It’s also a time for people to share their own stories, whether it’s through social media, blogs, or in conversations with friends, family, and even coworkers. By talking about mental health openly, we can help reduce the stigma that often surrounds it. On WMDH, there’s a collective effort to make sure people know they aren’t alone in their struggles and that help is available.
How can schools participate in World Mental Health Day?
Schools play an important role in promoting mental health, and they can take part in World Mental Health Day in a variety of meaningful ways.
Teachers and school leaders can organize special assemblies or discussions to educate students about the importance of mental health and how to take care of their emotional wellbeing. This might include inviting mental health professionals to talk about stress, anxiety, or ways to handle challenging situations that students face in their daily lives. Explore the School of Calm, a fun 30-day mental health curriculum to build your EQ.
Schools can hold mindfulness activities, such as guided meditation or yoga sessions, to help students learn how to manage stress in a healthy way. Here are eight mindful activities to try with kids.
Schools can encourage students to share their feelings, either in group discussions or through creative activities like journaling or art. Help students learn about and explore their emotions with the help of our Feelings Wheel and Feelings Journal.
By creating a supportive environment where mental health is openly discussed, schools can help students feel more comfortable asking for help when they need it — a tool that will serve them for the rest of their lives.
What are some ways to support a friend or loved one on World Mental Health Day?
Supporting a friend or loved one on World Mental Health Day doesn’t have to be complicated — it’s often the small things that make the biggest difference. One of the best ways to help is to simply check in. Ask how they’re doing and really listen to their answer. Sometimes, people just need someone to talk to who will listen without judgment. Remember: You don’t have to offer solutions (and probably aren't trained to do so), just being there and showing you care can be incredibly comforting.
If they’re open to it, you can also suggest doing a relaxing activity together, like taking a walk, having tea, or practicing a calming exercise like deep breathing (here are seven you could try).
If you think they might need professional support, gently encourage them to reach out for help, whether it’s talking to a counselor, therapist, or another trusted person. The key is to make sure they feel heard, supported, and never alone in their struggles.
What are some simple self-care practices to observe on World Mental Health Day?
Self-care is a great way to honor World Mental Health Day, and it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Small acts of self-care can have a big impact on your mental wellbeing, not just on WMHD, but every day.
Be self-aware: Take a few moments to check in with yourself — how are you feeling emotionally and physically?
Try meditation: The Calm app offers guided meditations that can help reduce anxiety and bring a sense of peace, even if you only have a few minutes.
Go for a walk in nature: Being outside and moving your body can help clear your mind and boost your mood.
Practice journaling: Writing down what’s on your mind can provide clarity and help you process emotions that might be weighing you down.
Take a break: Step away from work or other responsibilities for a little while and do something you enjoy, whether that’s listening to music, reading, or spending time with loved ones. The goal is to do something that makes you feel more relaxed and centered. Here are 10 ways to take a mental health break.
Are there virtual events for World Mental Health Day?
Yes, many organizations offer virtual events such as webinars, online support groups, and virtual workshops on mental health topics. These are often free and allow people from all over the world to participate. Calm is hosting a free webinar on Oct 8th, 2024 with stress and burnout specialist Dr. Aditi Nerukar and Calm CEO David Ko, who will discuss practical strategies for managing stress and building resilience in the workplace.
How can workplaces promote mental health on this day?
Workplaces can play a big role in promoting mental health on World Mental Health Day. One simple way is by acknowledging the importance of mental health and encouraging employees to prioritize their wellbeing. This might mean giving employees time to take a mental health break or even offering a full mental health day off — here are 10 tips to plan your mental health day. Companies can also provide resources like mental health hotlines, free counseling sessions, or access to wellness apps that help with stress management.
Another way to support mental health at work is by organizing a virtual or in-person workshop focused on mental health topics like stress relief, resilience, or mindfulness. Employers can invite mental health professionals to lead discussions or activities that teach employees practical skills for managing their mental wellbeing. Creating a culture where people feel comfortable talking about mental health without fear of judgment is key. Encouraging open conversations and offering support on World Mental Health Day can be a great start to creating a more compassionate and mentally healthy workplace.
Calm your mind. Change your life.
Mental health is hard. Getting support doesn't have to be. The Calm app puts the tools to feel better in your back pocket, with personalized content to manage stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and feel more present in your life.
Images: Getty
