Today, October 10, 2025, is World Mental Health Day – a reminder to the entire world that mental wellness is not a privilege, it’s a right. In a world that is getting more complicated and subject to uncertainties, promoting our mental well-being has never been more paramount. The theme of this year, “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” brings to light an important fact: when calamities hit, our minds too must be healed as much as our bodies.
The Mental Health Crisis We Can’t Ignore
The numbers paint a grim picture. More than 1 billion people worldwide have mental illness, and suicide causes 1 death in every 100 worldwide. Things are especially bad in India – with 10.6% of the adult population affected by mental disorders and a treatment gap of 70-92% because of stigma, ignorance, and the lack of professionals.
Among youth in India, the statistics are even more alarming. Research shows that 20-25% of Indian youths suffer from mental illness such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The urban-rural contrast is also vivid at 13.5% in urban areas versus 6.9% in rural areas.
Why This Year’s Theme Matters
The 2025 theme highlights something we’ve learned from recent worldwide experiences: in catastrophes and crises – be it natural disasters, war, or pandemics – one in five people develop a mental health condition. Yet mental health care is often unavailable when most needed.
Mental health in emergencies isn’t just about individual suffering; it’s about community resilience. When people can’t access proper psychological support during crises, entire communities struggle to rebuild and recover.
Simple Steps for Better Mental Wellness
While the global picture seems daunting, each of us can take meaningful steps to protect and nurture our mental health:
Daily Wellness Practices
- Exercise regularly: Even 30 minutes of daily walking can greatly enhance mood and clear thinking
- Gratitude practice: Record three specific things you’re thankful for daily – it reprograms your brain for positivity
- Set boundaries: Master saying “no” to overcommitting and focus on what is really important
- Nature time: Time spent outside, even just a little bit, can alleviate stress and enhance clear thinking
Developing Emotional Resilience
- Practice mindfulness: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4
- Stay connected with others: Call or text friends and family members frequently; strong relationships are the key to good mental health
- Establish good sleep habits: Sleep for 8 hours a night by establishing a cool, dark, quiet bedroom and keeping screens out of the bedroom before bedtime
Workplace Mental Wellness: An Increasing Priority
The workplace is now a vital front line for mental health. With 47 million Americans living with mental health issues and depression that goes unaddressed costing employers more than $9,000 per employee each year, organizations are finally realizing that caring for the mental health of employees isn’t only kind – it’s good business.
Innovative workplaces in 2025 are adopting:
- Flexible work arrangements to aid work-life balance
- Mental health days as part of standard leave policies
- Manager training to identify and respond to mental health issues
- Employee assistance programs with easy access to counseling services
Breaking the Stigma: It Begins with Conversation
One of the largest obstacles to mental health care is still stigma. 8 in 10 employees are reluctant to seek out mental health resources because of shame or fear of being discriminated against. This World Mental Health Day, we can all help by:
- Normalizing conversations about mental health within our families, workplaces, and communities
- Sharing our own stories when the time is right to let others know they’re not alone
- Countering myths about mental health conditions
- Encouraging those who are seeking help instead of stigmatizing them
Special Considerations for Youth
With 22% of Indian youth afflicted with anxiety disorders and 20% with depression, special care and attention for young people is paramount. Schools and families can assist by:
- Establishing safe spaces for emotional release
- Learning stress management strategies early on
- Fostering digital wellness and positive social media behavior
- Developing creative outlets such as art, music, or writing for processing emotions
The Path Forward
Mental health is not a destination – it’s a journey. As our alternative theme from Mental Health UK this year reminds us: “Good mental health isn’t a constant”. We all have ups and downs, and that’s okay. What’s important is creating the tools, support networks, and resilience to get through life’s challenges.
This World Mental Health Day, let’s make a pact to treat mental well-being as seriously as we treat our physical health. Let’s build societies in which help-seeking is viewed as a sign of strength, not of weakness. And let’s recall that in today’s global community, taking care of another person’s mental health pays us all back.
The conversation begins with you. The transformation begins today.
*If you or someone who is close to you is having mental health issues, please be assured that you can get help. You can try the National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS) in India for free 24/7 assistance, or connect with local mental health professionals and support groups.
