Today, October 10, is World Mental Health Day—the perfect opportunity to pause and reflect on your own mental wellbeing. There are countless ways you can get involved with mental health advocacy, whether through community events or individual efforts.

What Is World Mental Health Day?

According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, “World Mental Health Day, Oct. 10, shines a spotlight on the importance of mental wellbeing. It’s a moment to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and advocate for stronger policies and services to support mental health for all.”

There are countless ways to celebrate this special day, from connecting with others to breaking the stigma to spreading awareness.

“The day also invites us to share inspiring stories, practical resources, and hope,” the National Council for Mental Wellbeing writes on its website. “It reminds us all that mental health is just as vital as physical health. Around the world, individuals and organizations recognize the observance through events, campaigns, and conversations that foster connection, understanding, and united action.”

World Mental Health Day 2025: ‘Access to Services’

Each year, World Mental Health Day has a new theme. According to the Mental Health Foundation, this year’s theme is: “Access to services — mental health in catastrophes and emergencies.”

“The theme highlights the importance of people being able to protect their mental health in times of global instability,” the Mental Health Foundation states on its website.

If you ask me, it’s quite the fitting theme for 2025.

Ways to Celebrate World Mental Health Day

1. Share Your Story

Sometimes, speaking up feels more like speaking into a void. Maybe you shy away from sharing your own mental health stories out of shame or fear of being judged or criticized for “seeking attention.” However, if you can shut down these narratives, you can change someone’s life by providing them with comfort and hope. You never know who needs to read your story.

2. Check in With Loved Ones

You never know what your friends are going through. Sometimes, those who appear the happiest, funniest, or most fulfilled in life are just wearing a facade, struggling just as much, if not more, than the rest of us. A simple text or phone call to check in can do wonders, reminding them that they’re not alone and they have a community of people behind them.

3. Get Involved With Advocacy Groups

There are countless mental health advocacy groups out there, including ​​the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Mental Health America (MHA), and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). If you resonate with any of them, search for volunteer opportunities to get involved. Additionally, look to your local community for chances to give back and support those in need.

4. Give Yourself Some Grace

If anything, let today serve as a reminder that you deserve some grace. Even if you feel you’re forgiving yourself for the same mistake over and over, or you’re making progress just to fall backward each week, the only way to continue healing is by showing yourself grace. As the saying goes, “You can’t hate yourself into a version you love.”

Mental health is not just a personal concern but a collective responsibility. Despite growing conversations around it, mental health remains misunderstood, under-resourced, and stigmatized. Raising awareness is more than sharing statistics or hashtags—it’s about fostering understanding, compassion, and actionable change that improves lives.

This article delves into the profound importance of mental health awareness, explores ways to engage meaningfully, and highlights the critical roles organizations and communities play in supporting mental well-being.

Why Mental Health Awareness Matters

The numbers speak volumes: 1 in 5 adults in the United States—approximately 52.9 million people—experience mental illness in a given year. These statistics, while eye-opening, only hint at the broader impact. Behind every number is a story of struggle, resilience, and the pressing need for a more supportive society.

Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to seeking help. Misconceptions paint mental health struggles as weaknesses rather than health conditions. This stigma discourages openness, isolates individuals, and delays treatment. Awareness helps dismantle these misconceptions, normalizing conversations about mental health and encouraging people to seek help early.

Moreover, understanding mental health is crucial for early intervention. Recognizing signs of distress in ourselves or others can make a life-changing difference. Awareness also builds empathy, helping families, friends, and workplaces become safer spaces for those who are struggling.

Mental health awareness is not just a conversation—it’s an invitation to act. And every action, no matter how small, contributes to creating a society where mental well-being is prioritized.

How to Support Mental Health Awareness

Awareness doesn’t end with knowing the facts. It’s about turning knowledge into action. Here are ways to engage meaningfully:

1. Educate Yourself: Understanding conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder helps you empathize and support others effectively. Reliable resources from organizations like NAMI and SAMHSA can provide insights and practical guidance.

2. Start Conversations: Talking about mental health openly can normalize seeking help. Share your experiences or ask someone how they’re doing—and really listen.

3. Practice Compassion: Sometimes, offering a listening ear or a kind word can make all the difference. Empathy reduces isolation and builds trust.

4. Support Resources: Share information about helplines, local mental health services, and online support groups. The National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) and similar resources provide critical connections for those in need.

5. Advocate for Change: Push for better policies, funding, and workplace practices that prioritize mental health. Advocacy ensures long-term, systemic improvements.

6. Model Self-Care: By prioritizing your own mental health, you lead by example. Small actions—like taking breaks, setting boundaries, or seeking therapy—can inspire others to do the same.

Every step forward creates ripples. Whether it’s sharing a resource, hosting a workshop, or simply being present for someone, these actions contribute to a broader culture of care.

Organizations Making a Difference

NAMI: Empowering Individuals and Families

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has long been a cornerstone in the mental health awareness movement. Through education, advocacy, and support, NAMI equips individuals and families with the tools to navigate mental health challenges.

One of NAMI’s standout initiatives is its “Take the Moment” campaign. This program emphasizes integrating small, mindful actions into daily routines to support mental wellness. These moments could include five minutes of deep breathing, journaling gratitude, or taking a short walk to reset. By framing mental health care as accessible and actionable, NAMI reduces barriers and encourages sustained well-being.

NAMI’s educational programs, such as Family-to-Family and Basics, provide invaluable support for caregivers. These peer-led initiatives equip participants with practical strategies, from navigating the mental health care system to managing stress within the family. Participants frequently describe these programs as transformative, offering not just knowledge but a sense of hope and empowerment.

SAMHSA: Enhancing Mental Health Literacy

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) focuses on improving access to resources and promoting understanding through a systemic lens. Initiatives like the National Helpline and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network connect individuals and communities to critical care.

SAMHSA’s efforts in public health data, such as the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), inform policy and drive effective interventions. Their resources enable schools, workplaces, and healthcare providers to implement evidence-based practices, ensuring mental health care reaches diverse populations.

While organizations lead the charge, communities are the heartbeat of the mental health awareness movement. Events like NAMIWalks demonstrate the power of collective action. These nationwide walks bring together thousands of individuals to raise funds, share stories, and create visible solidarity for mental health causes.

Participants often describe the experience as life-affirming. Walking alongside others who share similar struggles fosters connection and reduces isolation. Funds raised during these events directly support local programs, ensuring year-round resources for those in need.

Beyond events, community-driven initiatives—like peer support groups, school workshops, and local advocacy efforts—extend the impact of mental health awareness. These grassroots movements build networks of care that resonate long after the events end.

The Power of Personal Stories

At the heart of mental health awareness are the stories of those who have walked this path. Programs like NAMI In Our Own Voice amplify these voices, offering firsthand accounts of living with mental illness and finding hope.

Sharing personal experiences breaks down stereotypes and inspires others to seek help. It shows that recovery is possible and that no one is alone in their struggles. For those who share, the act itself can be healing, transforming pain into purpose.

If you’re considering sharing your story, here are some guidelines to ensure it’s a positive experience:

• Reflect on your readiness and boundaries.
• Emphasize hope and recovery while being honest about challenges.
• Provide actionable advice or resources for others.
• Practice self-care and seek support after sharing.

Every story becomes a thread in the fabric of understanding, weaving a stronger, more compassionate society.

Social Media’s Role in Awareness

Digital platforms have transformed mental health advocacy, making it easier to connect and share resources. Campaigns like #TakeAMentalHealthMoment and #EndTheStigma amplify voices and reach audiences who might not engage otherwise.

Social media fosters connection but requires thoughtful engagement. Here’s how to contribute:

• Share factual, reputable resources.
• Participate in hashtag campaigns to join larger conversations.
• Post supportive content, like affirmations or coping tips.
• Engage empathetically with others’ stories.

However, balance is key. Maintaining your own digital wellness by setting boundaries ensures that advocacy doesn’t become overwhelming.

Moving Beyond Awareness: Taking Action

Mental health awareness is the foundation for action. From volunteering with organizations to advocating for policy changes, there are countless ways to make a tangible difference:

1. Volunteer Locally: Support programs like NAMI’s peer groups or awareness events.
2. Advocate for Policy: Contact lawmakers to support mental health initiatives and funding.
3. Support Research: Contribute to organizations advancing mental health studies.
4. Engage Workplaces: Encourage mental health-friendly policies like flexible schedules or wellness programs.

Advocacy transforms awareness into systemic change, ensuring mental health remains a priority in healthcare, education, and beyond.

A Year-Round Commitment

Awareness is not confined to a specific month or event. It’s a continuous effort to educate, support, and advocate for better mental health outcomes. Here’s how you can stay engaged year-round:

• Continue learning and sharing knowledge.
• Build supportive habits in your daily life.
• Offer empathy and support to those in need.
• Advocate for long-term improvements in mental health care.

By committing to these actions, you contribute to a society where mental health is valued and supported—not just during campaigns, but every single day.

A Collective Journey

Mental health awareness is more than an idea; it’s a shared journey toward understanding and support. By educating ourselves, fostering connections, and advocating for systemic change, we can create a world where mental health is no longer a stigma but a priority.

Together, through compassion and action, we can build a mentally healthier, more inclusive society.

Featured photo credit: Photo by Victoria Volkova on Unsplash via unsplash.com

“The journey of the perfect daughter is not about perfection; it’s about finding the courage to be imperfect, to be human.” ~Robert Ackerman, Perfect Daughters

Growing up in a home shadowed by addiction is like living in a house with no foundation. The ground beneath you is unstable, the walls feel fragile, and the roof could collapse at any moment. For me, this was my reality. My earliest memories of my mother’s alcoholism are tied to confusion and worry—a child’s attempt to make sense of an adult world filled with unpredictability and silence.

Her moods were erratic, swinging from one extreme to another, I recall. I remember one night, she came into my room, woke me up, and told me not to worry, but she was going back to work. The way she spoke, her entire presence, was off. It wasn’t her usual self. I didn’t understand she was drunk. I just felt pure, childlike concern.

This confusion was only the beginning. As I grew older, the challenges multiplied. The embarrassment of comparing my home life to my friends’, the isolation of a family that never spoke about the elephant in the room, and the lack of safety in my own home left me feeling utterly alone.

I didn’t feel comfortable reaching out to any adult. My dad wasn’t approachable, and my mom wasn’t emotionally available. I felt like I had to solve everything on my own.

The Roles We Play 

In the chaos of addiction, children often take on roles to survive. For me, these roles became my identity. I became the peacemaker, mediating between my mother and younger sister. I became a second mother, guiding my sister in ways my mom couldn’t. And I became the “good daughter,” believing that if I loved my mother enough, I could save her.

I thought that by loving her more, investing my attention in her needs, and avoiding confrontations, I could make her feel better. But it was an impossible burden.

My relationship with my father also suffered. I blamed him for allowing my mom to continue her behavior and for not doing anything for us. He became the enemy, and I pushed him out of my life.

The Long Shadow of Childhood Trauma 

The impact of my mother’s alcoholism didn’t end in childhood. As an adult, I found myself repeating patterns in friendships and romantic relationships. I’ve struggled with codependency, boundaries, and trust issues. I’ve had manipulative partners and found myself drawn to selfish, narcissistic people.

But my journey toward healing began when I hit rock bottom. I was drinking excessively, showing up to work after long nights out, and even driving drunk. I dated a partner who was emotionally abusive and almost physically violent—and my parents had no idea.

A pivotal moment came during a surprise party my sister organized before I left to study abroad. I arrived hungover and exhausted, and when everyone shouted “surprise!” I had an anxiety attack. It was the first time I realized how many feelings I’d buried—sadness, frustration, anger, and underneath it all, a deep, overwhelming grief I had never allowed myself to feel.

The Path to Healing 

Healing didn’t happen overnight. It began with therapy—though my first experience was far from ideal. That therapist was deeply narcissistic, mirroring the types of people I’d been drawn to all my life. But I didn’t give up. I found another therapist, and she’s been my steady guide for seven years.

Through our work, I learned that I was not alone and that I could reach out for help—and trust that help. I also learned to recognize what trust feels like, to move away from extremes, to distinguish love from codependency, and to take responsibility for my part in my experiences. At twenty-seven, I was finally ready to stop blaming others and take accountability—not just for my present, but for all the years I had abandoned myself. I began to reframe my past, not through the lens of a victim, but from the perspective of the self-aware adult I’d become.

One of the most profound breakthroughs came when I decided I was ready to confront my mother. Preparing for that moment shifted everything—it marked the beginning of reclaiming my voice and stepping into my own power.

Support groups like Al-Anon also played a crucial role. When I arrived at Al-Anon, I started crying within minutes. For the first time, I heard people speak openly—almost casually—about having a loved one with alcoholism. I had never experienced that kind of openness in such a “normal” environment.

Listening to the speaker share their story, I realized I wasn’t alone. We were all carrying the same grief, frustration, and helplessness. In that room, I felt seen. I felt like I belonged.

Through therapy, meditation, exercise, and books, I began to rebuild my sense of self. I learned to be with myself in a peaceful, serene way. I stopped looking at my mom as someone weird or lost and started seeing her as someone with a disease. I took off the impossible burden of having to save her.

Surrendering to Hope 

One of the most profound lessons I learned was the power of surrender. For me, surrender meant admitting I needed help—that my own resources weren’t enough to handle the situation I was facing at home. It meant being humble enough to admit that this was bigger than me, that trying to fix my mother was not only ineffective but was also destroying me.

In my daily life, surrender meant walking away from arguments, especially when my mother was drinking, letting go of the exhausting mission to make her happy, and accepting that her happiness wasn’t something I could guarantee.

There’s a phrase in Al-Anon that became my mantra: “I didn’t cause it. I can’t control it.” I surrendered my expectations of who I wished my mother would be and allowed myself to grieve the mother I didn’t have. That surrender saved my life.

My journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. When you choose to surrender, everything will start feeling better. It’s a leap of faith, and trust me, you’re not alone.

Today, I’m still on my healing journey, but I’m no longer defined by my past. I’m learning to trust myself, set boundaries, and embrace my worth. My story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is hope—and that healing is possible, one step at a time.

About Teresa López

Tere is a journalist and advocate for mental health. Through her personal journey of healing from childhood trauma, she has found solace in therapy, meditation, and support groups. She hopes her story inspires others to seek help and embrace their own path to peace. Connect with her on Instagram @terelandia.

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