Observed on Friday, October 10, 2026, World Mental Health Day raises global awareness of mental health and mobilizes action to make care a reality everywhere. This year emphasizes mental health in humanitarian emergencies, recognizing the profound psychological toll of conflict, disaster, and displacement and the urgent need for accessible, life-saving support.

Global Recognition and WHO Involvement

Led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners across regions, the Day provides a platform for governments, health systems, NGOs, and communities to share progress and identify what more is needed so everyone can access mental health care. The observance encourages policies and investments that scale prevention, early intervention, and treatment especially where services are disrupted or overwhelmed.

The Goals of World Mental Health Day

• Raise Awareness: Illuminate the mental health needs arising in crises and the barriers to timely care.

• Mobilize Services & Protection: Expand psychological first aid, community supports, and clinical care within humanitarian response.

• Strengthen Systems: Integrate mental health into primary care, emergency health clusters, and social protection.

• Champion Inclusion & Dignity: Ensure responses are people-centered, culturally appropriate, and safe for at-risk groups (children, adolescents, older adults, persons with disabilities).

Connection to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – Expand equitable access to mental health promotion, prevention, and care.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Close gaps for displaced and crisis-affected populations.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions – Build trust through rights-based, safe, and accountable services.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Coordinate health, protection, education, and community actors for integrated support.

Advancing Mental Health in Emergencies

Effective response blends evidence-based care and community support: psychological first aid; safe spaces for children and families; integration of mental health into primary care and emergency teams; protection services that reduce exposure to violence; and peer support that restores connection and hope. Training frontline workers, safeguarding data, and co-designing services with affected communities ensure responses are ethical and sustainable.

Engagement and Global Solidarity

On October 10, 2026, join the global call to make mental health care accessible in every context especially where crises hit hardest. Governments, health systems, humanitarian organizations, and community leaders can invest, integrate, and include so people everywhere receive the support they need to recover, rebuild, and thrive.

World Mental Health Day Themes