World Mental Health Day is October 10th and each year, World Mental Health Day reminds us that mental health is not a luxury or an afterthought, it’s a universal human right. Yet every day, I meet people who forget that truth while trying to hold everything together, the career, the family, the expectations, the quiet worries that keep them up at night. Too many people believe they should be able to handle what’s on their plate on their own.
In therapy, I often hear familiar phrases: “I should be coping better.” “Other people have it worse.” “I don’t want to be a burden.” “Therapy is for people who are really mentally ill, not me.” “I should be able to figure this out on my own.”
We minimize our pain, compare our struggles, and talk ourselves out of seeking help without even realizing it. But the simple act of saying, “I’m not okay right now,” is often the most courageous step toward healing.
What I’ve Learned from Listening
After years of sitting with people in their most vulnerable moments, I’ve learned that mental health is not something to “fix,” but something to tend to.
Healing rarely looks perfect or predictable. Sometimes it’s therapy and medication. Other times, it’s rest, boundaries, or learning how to be gentle with yourself.
Small acts of compassion, a listening ear, a genuine check-in, or sharing your own story can ripple outward more than we realize. Awareness is important, but connection is what truly heals.
Why This Day Matters
World Mental Health Day invites us to pause and ask ourselves: How are we really doing?
It’s a day to honor the weight many carry in silence, and to recommit to making care accessible, stigma-free, and compassionate not just today, but every day.
Whether you reach out for help, start therapy, or simply hold space for someone else’s story, you’re contributing to a culture of healing one that allows people to feel heard, valued, and understood.
A Closing Reflection
You don’t need to wait for a crisis to care for your mental health. Give yourself more compassion and understanding that what you’re going through is challenging for you at this moment. Difficulty is never objective. Each person’s burden has a private gravity no outsider can fully weigh.
Remind yourself:
You are allowed to rest.
You are allowed to feel.
You are allowed to ask for help.
Because your mental health matters not just on World Mental Health Day, but every single day.
This column is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. Reading this does not create a therapist-client relationship. If you are struggling with anxiety or another mental health concern, please reach out to a licensed professional in your area for support. If you are in crisis or thinking of harming yourself, please call 988 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room.