Every year on 10 October, the world comes together to recognise World Mental Health Day. It’s more than just a date in the calendar—it’s a reminder that mental health is as vital as physical health, and that no one should have to struggle alone.

This year, the message feels especially close to home for me. In recent weeks, three young local who lived close by have taken their own lives. One of them I trained alongside at the gym. All of them have left behind children, parents, siblings, and friends loved ones now carrying the unimaginable weight of loss.

None of these men showed outward signs of struggling. They were working, socialising, and outwardly seemed fine. And yet, behind closed doors, they were carrying battles no one else could see.

It’s a heartbreaking reminder that we never truly know what someone is going through. Smiles can hide pain. Laughter can cover loneliness. And silence can mean someone is fighting just to get through the day.

Why World Mental Health Day Matters

• Awareness saves lives: Talking openly about mental health helps break down stigma and reminds people it’s okay to ask for help.
• Support makes a difference: Checking in with friends, even the ones who seem “fine,” can be the lifeline they didn’t know they needed.
• Change is needed: Governments, charities, and organisations must continue fighting for better access to mental health support—because too many are still slipping through the cracks.

Each year, World Mental Health Day has a theme chosen by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health. The theme for 2025 will be announced soon, but the core message remains the same: mental health is a universal human right.

What You Can Do on 10 October (and Beyond)

• Start a conversation: Sometimes a simple “How are you, really?” can open a door.
• Check in on your mates: Especially the ones who always say they’re fine.
• Take care of yourself too: Your mental health matters just as much as anyone else’s.
• Share resources: Books, podcasts, helplines, or stories of recovery can all inspire hope.

A Personal Note

My own writing—books like The Narcissist Handbook and The Resilience Trilogy—came out of dark times and painful experiences. But they also carry a message of resilience: that it’s possible to heal, to rebuild, and to come back stronger.

Mental health isn’t about weakness—it’s about being human. And the more we talk, the more we listen, the more we support each other, the fewer families will have to go through the heartbreak of losing someone too soon.

On 10 October, take a moment to reach out. Send a message. Pick up the phone. Let someone know you’re there. Because you never know who might need to hear it.

Mental health matters not just on World Mental Health Day, but every single day.

If You Need Support

If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t face it alone. Here are some UK helplines you can turn to right now:

• Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight, daily) or visit thecalmzone.net
• Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 or visit mind.org.uk
• Papyrus (for young people under 35) – Call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967
• Shout – Text 85258 to connect with a trained crisis volunteer, free and available 24/7