Mental health disorders account for 1 in 6 years lived with a disability. Mental health issues can cause significant difficulties in all aspects of life, from work and school to relationships. Furthermore, the stigma that surrounds mental illness can prevent sufferers from seeking the help they need. So, we had to ask: What is the most important information you need to know about this year’s World Mental Health Day?

👉 Official Name: World Mental Health Day
💚 Cause: Encourage people to come together and talk about mental health
📅 Next Date: October 10, 2026
🌐 Official Website: https://wmhdofficial.com/
🐦 Hashtag: #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealth #SelfCare

Keep on reading to find out all the important information about World Mental Health Day at a glance, including its big picture, why it’s important, and how you can get involved. We’ll then share its brief history, three interesting facts about it, its future dates, and how you’ll never miss any important awareness event again.

The Most Important Information About World Mental Health Day at a Glance

1️⃣ The big picture: World Mental Health Day (WMHD) is an event designed to raise awareness of mental health issues and rally efforts to improve mental health services and support. Each year, there is a different theme focused on specific aspects of mental health, including suicide prevention, mental health in the workplace, and psychological first aid. 

2️⃣ Why it is important: Around the world, over 970 million people are living with a mental health disorder, with 44% of adults saying that mental health is the biggest health problem facing people in their country. People suffering from a mental health disorder often feel isolated, misunderstood, and helpless as they attempt to navigate their feelings and integrate into society, leading to suicide attempts in extreme cases. Talking about our mental health can help us cope better and World Mental Health Day is the perfect time to reach out to someone you know who may be struggling. 

3️⃣ How you can get involved: You can get involved in World Mental Health Day by spreading awareness, wearing green, or simply reaching out to someone in need:

1. Spread awareness through social media: Download the World Mental Health Day resources and share them on social media alongside personalized stories and tips to help raise awareness and support those suffering from a mental health disorder.
2. Celebrate with a Tea & Talk: Organize a Tea & Talk event in your local school, community, or workplace by downloading a Tea & Talk pack and opening up the conversation about mental health.
3. Wear the green ribbon: The green ribbon is the international symbol for mental health awareness. So, show your support by purchasing a green ribbon and wear it with pride. 

Below are our favorite charities that are especially relevant for World Mental Health Day:

• 9 Best Charities That Advance Mental Health
• 9 Best Charities for Youth Mental Health
• 9 Best Charities for Women’s Mental Health
• 9 Best Charities That Support Veterans’ Mental Health

A Brief History of World Mental Health Day

When was this event established: World Mental Health Day was founded as an advocacy and awareness program started by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992. The first event was held at the initiative of Deputy Secretary General Richard Hunter, with no specific annual theme decided until 1994. 

How has it developed since then: Since its founding, World Mental Health Day has grown into a global initiative celebrated in over 90 countries and supported by notable organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). For example, in 2023 alone, the campaign made 2 million impressions on social media platforms.

3 Interesting Facts About World Mental Health Day

1. Worldwide Achievements: The World Mental Health Day campaign has led to multiple improvements in mental health support and has become a platform for governments, organizations and individuals to develop initiatives that create lasting change. For example, on World Mental Health Day in 2018, Prime Minister Teresa May appointed the UK’s first suicide prevention minister and hosted the first-ever global mental health summit.
2. Official Logo: In 2023, World Mental Health Day updated their official logo to celebrate their 75^th anniversary. The blue waves in the logo reflect the river Thames in London, the city where the event was first founded. The different color shades symbolize inclusivity and diversity in people around the world. 
3. The Big Event: In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization launched their first online advocacy event for mental health to urgently address the world’s chronic under-investment in mental health. Notable attendees included Epsy Campbell Barr, the first vice president of Costa Rica, and the co-founder of the Born This Way Foundation, Cynthia Germanotta.

Upcoming Dates of World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10.