First celebrated in 1992, World Mental Health Day is marked every year on 10 October.

World Mental Health Day has today grown into a global reminder of the importance of mental wellbeing. This year’s theme, “Mental health in humanitarian emergencies”, highlights the urgent need to provide mental health support to people facing conflict, disasters or health emergencies.

In such situations, the emotional impact can be overwhelming. It is estimated that one in five people living in conflict-affected areas experience mental health conditions such as anxiety, fear or sadness. Many more face emotional distress and the loss of community connections. Along with the need for food, clean water and medicine, mental health support plays a crucial role in helping survivors heal, recover and rebuild their lives.

In Europe, mental health concerns continue to grow. Before the pandemic, around 84 million people in the EU were affected, and the numbers have since increased. A 2023 European survey revealed that almost half of respondents experienced feelings of depression or anxiety during the previous year, yet more than half did not seek professional help.

Young people are also facing new mental health challenges. The rise in loneliness, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to affect their wellbeing. In 2022, over 5,000 young people in the EU lost their lives to suicide. A recent WHO study also found that social media and online gaming can negatively affect mental health when used excessively. In 2024, 11% of adolescents showed signs of problematic social media or gaming behaviour. World Mental Health Day reminds us that mental health care is just as important as physical care. Whether during a humanitarian crisis or in everyday life, support, empathy, and understanding can make a world of difference

What can we do? It starts with compassion — real, everyday kindness that reminds people they’re not alone. Here are a few ways we can all make a difference:

• Start the conversation. Ask someone how they’re really doing — and mean it. Sometimes, that simple question opens a door.
• Listen without judgment. You don’t have to fix anything. Just being there and listening can help more than you think.
• Encourage help-seeking. If someone’s struggling, try saying, “You don’t have to handle this by yourself. I can help you find someone to talk to.”
• Share your story. Talking about your own ups and downs shows others that it’s okay to ask for help.
• Check in. A quick text can mean the world to someone having a rough day.

By speaking openly about mental health and encouraging those around us to seek help, we can build communities where everyone feels seen, supported and valued.

Let us take this day to reach out, listen and remind one another that help is always available.If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call 1579, Malta’s free, confidential, 24-hour mental health helpline. Support is available whenever you need it most.