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The History of World Mental Health Day

A Global Movement Created by the World Federation for Mental Health

 

World Mental Health Day (WMHDAY), observed annually on October 10th, began in 1992 as a bold initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health. Spearheaded by then Deputy Secretary General Richard Hunter, it was envisioned as a day to promote mental health advocacy and public education worldwide.

What started as a modest broadcast from Tallahassee, Florida-featuring live participation from five continents-quickly revealed the global appetite for connection and awareness. One of the earliest signs of impact came from Swaziland, where WFMH members spontaneously joined the broadcast, and from Peru, which sent the first of many feedback reports.

In 1994, under the guidance of Secretary General Eugene Brody, WMHDAY adopted its first official theme: “Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World.” That year, 27 countries reported back with activities ranging from national campaigns to grassroots gatherings. Within just three years, WMHDAY had become a recognized occasion for governments, organizations, and individuals to spotlight mental health care and advocacy.

Each year since, WFMH has selected a theme to guide the campaign, addressing urgent and diverse topics such as –

  • 1996 – Women and Mental Health
  • 1997 – Children and Mental Health
  • 1998 – Mental Health and Human Rights
  • 1999 – Mental Health and Ageing
  • 2000 – Mental Health and Work, part 1
  • 2001 – Mental Health and Work, part 2
  • 2002 – The Effects of Trauma and Violence on Children & Adolescents
  • 2003 – Emotional and Behavioural Disorders of Children & Adolescents
  • 2004 – The Relationship between Physical & Mental Health: co-occurring disorders
  • 2005 – Mental and Physical Health across the Life Span
  • 2006 – Building Awareness – Reducing Risk: Mental Illness & Suicide
  • 2007 – Mental Health in A Changing World: The Impact of Culture and Diversity
  • 2008 – Making Mental Health a Global Priority: Scaling up Services through Citizen Advocacy and Action
  • 2009 – Mental Health in Primary Care: Enhancing Treatment & Promoting Mental Health
  • 2010 – Mental Health and Chronic Physical Illnesses
  • 2011 – The Great Push: Investing in Mental Health
  • 2012 – Depression: A Global Crisis
  • 2013 – Mental Health and Older Adults
  • 2014 – Living with Schizophrenia
  • 2015 – Dignity in Mental Health
  • 2016 – Psychological and Mental Health First Aid
  • 2017 – Mental Health in the Workplace
  • 2018 – Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World
  • 2019 – Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention
  • 2020 – Mental Health for all: Great Investment, Greater Access
  • 2021 – Mental Health in an Unequal World: Together we can make a difference
  • 2022 – Make Mental Health and Wellbeing for all a Global Priority
  • 2023 – Mental Health is a Universal Human Right
  • 2024 – It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace
  • 2025 – Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies

 

These themes have helped shape national policies, community programs, and international dialogue. WMHDAY has never been confined to a single day-preparations begin months in advance, and in many countries, observances stretch across weeks or even the entire month of October.

In 1995, the reach of WMHDAY was unmistakable. Events spanned from month-long celebrations in Egypt to symbolic acts of remembrance in the United Kingdom, where spring bulbs were planted at the historic site of “Bedlam.” The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) played a pivotal role in expanding access by translating and distributing materials in Spanish, inspiring WFMH to later offer resources in French, Hindi, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, and Arabic-thanks to the dedication of our global members and supporters.

Over time, WMHDAY has grown into a self-sustaining global movement. From parades and conferences to street-level advocacy and digital campaigns, millions of people now participate in their own unique ways. Institutions like the World Health Organization and the United Nations have embraced October 10th as a cornerstone of global mental health awareness. The rise of social media amplified our reach exponentially, and in 2019, we unveiled the first official WMHDAY logo-now a lasting symbol of unity and advocacy. That same year, we reached over 10 million people online, a milestone that affirmed WMHDAY’s place as one of the world’s leading mental health awareness days.

When we witness the posters, the songs, the marches, events and meetings, the pictures and the messages shared across continents, we are reminded that this success belongs to everyone. WMHDAY was created by WFMH to open the door-and the world ran through it and out into the streets! The passion, creativity, and commitment of our partners and constituents have transformed October 10 into a day of global solidarity, education, and hope.

To all who have joined us on this journey: thank you. As one of our past presidents once quoted, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead