World Mental Health Day is observed every year on 10 October to raise awareness and promote global action for mental well-being. The 2025 theme — “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies” — focuses on ensuring mental health support for people affected by conflicts, displacement, natural disasters, and health crises.
The day was first initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992 and is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). It reminds us that mental health is essential to overall health and that stigma must be reduced through awareness and care.
Research shows that 1 in 5 people may experience mental health issues during or after emergencies. However, only 2% of global health budgets are dedicated to mental health, limiting access to crucial care.
