A Global Call to Action - World Mental Health Day 10 October

Message from Julie Millard AM, Board Director World Federation for Mental Health

October 9, 2025

Dear Colleagues & Friends

Sharon Grocott CEO and the team at WayAhead in NSW Australia have graciously provided the following information about the 2025 theme for World Mental Health Day -

World Mental Health Day: A Global Call to Action

10th October is more than just a date; it's an annual global opportunity to unite in raising awareness about mental health and wellbeing. As Julie Millard AM, WFMH Board Director, eloquently states, it's a day to "get people talking and to reduce stigma and discrimination towards people living with mental health challenges and for their families and communities." The more we engage in open dialogue, the more we can foster resilience and combat the pervasive issues of social isolation and loneliness.

This year, and looking ahead to 2026, the World Federation for Mental Health has sharpened its focus on a critically important theme - “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” The 2025 World Mental Health Day Campaign Toolkit is available and can be downloaded at: https://wmhdofficial.com/

Addressing Mental Health in Times of Crisis: A Global Imperative

The world is increasingly grappling with natural disasters, armed conflicts, pandemics, and humanitarian crises. As current WFMH President Tsuyoshi Akiyama highlights, these phenomena profoundly impact the mental health of human beings, yet access to essential services often remains tragically insufficient. Julie Millard highlights the relevance of this theme for the Pacific/Oceania region, reminding us that kindness and compassion towards ourselves and others, whilst recognising that we are all unique individuals, will help to support better health and wellbeing, reduce stigma and build connections and stronger communities.

The Overlooked Lifeline: Mental Health in Emergency Response

The WFMH's 2025 campaign powerfully advocates for mental health care as a core, non-negotiable element of disaster preparedness and recovery. It's a stark reality that amid the rubble, trauma, and displacement, mental health care remains one of the most overlooked and underfunded components of emergency response. Mental health challenges in emergencies extend far beyond post-traumatic stress, encompassing anxiety, depression, grief, substance use, and psychosocial distress, often compounded by profound losses. Vulnerable populations face heightened risks, and despite growing awareness, access to care remains uneven due to scarcity of services, language barriers, stigma, and a lack of trained personnel.

The WFMH urgently advocates for:

• Integration of mental health into all emergency response frameworks.
• Training of frontline workers in psychological first aid.
• Community-based approaches that respect local cultures and resilience.
• Investment in long-term recovery and trauma-informed care.

As the WFMH declares, mental health is not a luxury - it is a lifeline.

Wayahead's Commitment: Leading the Charge

Through initiatives like “Raising Mental Health Voices: Showcasing Wellbeing” video series live from 10th October (www.youtube.com/@mentalhealthnsw) Wayahead stands at the forefront of these critical global efforts. The series directly contributes to the WFMH's mission by:

• Increasing awareness of diverse mental health experiences.
• Reducing stigma through authentic storytelling.
• Promoting community resilience and the power of connection.
• Highlighting the essential need for support, especially for vulnerable populations.

We urge everyone to not only watch this powerful series but to become active champions. Share these videos with your networks, spark conversations, and reinforce the message that mental health care is fundamental, accessible, and equitable for all. Together, we can amplify people’s voices, foster a culture of compassion, and ensure that mental health remains a priority, not just on World Mental Health Day, but every single day.

With appreciation and anticipation,
Sharon Grocott, CEO and the Wayahead Team
http://www.wayahead.org.au/