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World Mental Health Day

Take time to focus on your mental health this World Mental Health Day - practice self-care and prioritize your wellbeing!

Saturday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEOctober 10

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYMental Health

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

World Mental Health Day on October 10 is a day to celebrate mental health awareness and promote the importance of positive mental health. This day was first declared by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992. It is an opportunity for people to come together, talk about their issues and share support with one another. Let's use this day as a chance to spread positivity, understanding, compassion and kindness towards ourselves and others!

TIMELINE

World Mental Health Day Timeline

WHO Establishment

The World Health Organization (WHO) is established, promoting overall health, including mental health, globally.

WHO Department of Mental Health

The WHO establishes its Department of Mental Health to specifically address mental health issues.

Formation of WFMH

The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) is founded, helping to promote mental health awareness and advocacy worldwide.

First World Mental Health Day

The WFMH and WHO observe the first World Mental Health Day on October 10.

Mental Health Action Plan

The first Mental Health Action Plan is launched by the WHO after the 54th World Health Assembly.

WHO's Comprehensive MH Action Plan

The 66th World Health Assembly endorses the WHO’s comprehensive mental health action plan for 2013-2020.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Mental Health Day

Take a mental health day

Take the day off from all of your normal commitments and give yourself a mental health break! This could mean sleeping in, taking a walk, reading a book, or just doing something that brings you joy.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer

Seek out organizations in your area that are dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and volunteer your time. You can help out with events, write blog posts, or just lend an ear to someone who needs it.

PRACTICE

Practice self-care

Take the time to do something special for yourself. Go on a hike, get a massage, have a spa day, or just take some time to relax and unwind.

Share your story

Share your experience with mental health with the people around you. This is an important step in destigmatizing mental illness and helping others feel comfortable talking about their own struggles.

REACH

Reach out for help

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, there is no shame in reaching out for help. There are many resources available online or through local organizations.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why World Mental Health Day is Important

It educates people about mental health

By starting conversations about mental health, people become more informed on the topics and how they affect both themselves and others. This not only helps to break down misconceptions about mental health but also allows us to better support each other in our daily lives.

It raises awareness of mental health issues

World Mental Health Day helps to bring attention to the various issues that people may face, such as depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. By discussing these topics, we can help to reduce the stigma around them and encourage people to seek help when needed.

It encourages self-care

The key to good mental health is taking time for yourself and practicing self-care. World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder to take time out of our busy lives in order to focus on ourselves and our own well being.