A Global Movement by the World Federation for Mental Health
World Mental Health Day (WMHDAY) is observed every year on October 10th, uniting people across the world in a shared commitment to better mental health. It’s a day to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and promote understanding and support for everyone’s wellbeing — no matter where they live or work.
The initiative was first established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), led by Deputy Secretary General Richard Hunter. His vision was to create a platform that encouraged open discussion about mental health on a global scale.
The very first celebration featured a live broadcast from Tallahassee, Florida, connecting participants from five continents. The reaction was overwhelming — with engagement from Swaziland, Peru, and beyond — proving that mental health is a truly global concern.
By 1994, under the leadership of Eugene Brody, WFMH introduced the first official theme:
“Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World.”
That same year, 27 countries hosted events ranging from national campaigns to grassroots gatherings. In just a few years, World Mental Health Day had grown into an international movement supported by governments, charities, and health organisations worldwide.
Annual Themes of World Mental Health Day
Each year, the WFMH selects a new theme to focus attention on a specific mental health issue — reflecting global priorities and emerging challenges. These have included:
-
1996 – Women and Mental Health
-
1997 – Children and Mental Health
-
1998 – Mental Health and Human Rights
-
1999 – Mental Health and Ageing
-
2000–2001 – Mental Health and Work
-
2002–2003 – The Impact of Trauma and Behavioural Disorders in Children and Adolescents
-
2004 – The Relationship Between Physical and Mental Health
-
2005–2008 – From Co-Occurring Disorders to Global Citizen Advocacy
-
2009–2012 – Primary Care, Chronic Illness, and Depression: A Global Crisis
-
2013–2016 – Living with Schizophrenia, Dignity in Mental Health, and Psychological First Aid
-
2017–2019 – Mental Health in the Workplace, Youth Mental Health, and Suicide Prevention
-
2020–2025 – Current themes include:
-
2020: Mental Health for All — Greater Investment, Greater Access
-
2021: Mental Health in an Unequal World
-
2022: Make Mental Health and Wellbeing for All a Global Priority
-
2023: Mental Health is a Universal Human Right
-
2024: Prioritising Mental Health in the Workplace
-
2025: Access to Services — Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies
-
These annual campaigns help shape mental health policy, education, and advocacy around the world — influencing everything from workplace wellbeing initiatives to community-based support programmes.
How World Mental Health Day Grew into a Global Event
By the mid-1990s, World Mental Health Day was being celebrated in dozens of countries. Egypt hosted month-long awareness campaigns, while in the UK, bulbs were planted at the historic “Bedlam” hospital site — symbolising hope and renewal.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) helped make materials accessible to more people by translating them into Spanish, and soon after, resources were available in French, Hindi, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, and Arabic.
Today, millions take part in parades, conferences, digital campaigns, and acts of kindness, demonstrating that mental health matters to everyone. Institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations now officially recognise October 10th as a cornerstone of global mental health awareness.
The introduction of social media took the campaign to new heights. In 2019, the first official WMHDAY logo was launched, reaching over 10 million people online — a milestone that reflects how far the movement has come.
A Lasting Legacy of Awareness and Hope
Every conversation, event, and shared message contributes to a global culture that values mental wellbeing. World Mental Health Day has shown that when people unite for a common cause, change is possible.
As Margaret Mead famously said:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
At Essential 6, we share this belief. Through our Mental Health Awareness and Mental Health in the Workplace training programmes, we aim to keep the conversation going — empowering organisations and individuals to build understanding, compassion, and resilience.
Help make mental health a global priority — not just on October 10th, but every day of the year.
Explore our courses;
Understanding Mental Health in the Workplace
