When is World Mental Health Day?
World Mental Health Day 2026 is on Saturday
Saturday, October 10, 2026
October 10 every year. That's in 6 days.
until World Mental Health Day begins, in your time zone
World Mental Health Day is an annual day of education and advocacy that aims to reduce stigma around mental health conditions and push for better, easier-to-reach care. The World Federation for Mental Health started it, and WHO supports it.
About World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day asks people to treat mental health as part of overall health: something everyone has, that can shift over time, and that deserves the same attention as physical health. Health agencies, employers, schools and community groups use the day to share reliable information, challenge stigma and explain how people can find support. Stigma can stop people from asking for help, so open conversation is one of the day's main goals.
The World Federation for Mental Health, an international membership organization founded in 1948, launched the day in 1992 as a yearly public education campaign. The federation still picks a theme each year and publishes a toolkit for organizations that want to take part.
The World Health Organization and its regional offices, including the Pan American Health Organization, run their own campaigns around the same date. WHO's recent themes have covered mental health at work, mental health as a universal human right and mental health in humanitarian emergencies. The day is not a UN General Assembly observance, but the UN lists it among international days as a WHO-supported campaign.
Sources: World Health Organization: World Mental Health Day, World Federation for Mental Health: World Mental Health Day, World Federation for Mental Health: History, Pan American Health Organization: World Mental Health Day, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. How we check dates.
How to mark World Mental Health Day
- Check in with a friend, relative or coworker you haven't heard from in a while, and listen without rushing to give advice.
- Take a mental health first aid or psychological first aid course, many of which are offered locally or online.
- Ask your employer or school what mental health resources and leave policies exist, and share them with others.
- Set aside time for something that supports your own well-being, such as a walk outside, a steady sleep routine or time with people you trust.
- If you've been struggling, book an appointment with a doctor or a licensed mental health professional.
World Mental Health Day dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Friday, October 10, 2025 |
| 2026 | Saturday, October 10, 2026 |
| 2027 | Sunday, October 10, 2027 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, October 10, 2028 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, October 10, 2029 |
| 2030 | Thursday, October 10, 2030 |
| 2031 | Friday, October 10, 2031 |
Related days
Explore
Frequently asked questions
When is World Mental Health Day 2026?
World Mental Health Day 2026 is on Saturday, October 10, 2026. It falls on October 10 every year. In 2027, it is on Sunday, October 10, 2027.
Who organizes World Mental Health Day?
The World Federation for Mental Health founded the day in 1992 and sets a theme each year. WHO, its regional offices and many national health agencies run campaigns on the same date.
Where can I get help if I'm struggling?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. In the US, you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is free, confidential and available 24/7; elsewhere, a doctor or your national health service can point you to local crisis lines.
Is World Mental Health Day a public holiday?
No. World Mental Health Day is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.