Ten Ways To Take Action This World Mental Health Day

By Mental Health First Aid USA on October 9, 2024

It’s World Mental Health Day! Today, we celebrate not only the importance of mental health awareness but also a significant milestone: we have officially trained 4 million Mental Health First Aiders! Each year, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) raises awareness about mental health around the world and supports those experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. To celebrate this important day, we’re sharing 10 simple yet impactful ways you can take action to promote and protect mental wellbeing today and every day.

1. Check In With Yourself

Now’s the time to check in on your mental and emotional wellbeing.

• Need a break? Consider taking a mental health day. Set aside time for yourself to recharge and reset. Learn how to identify when you need a break and how to make the most out of a day to yourself.
• Practice self-care as an act of kindness. Self-care isn’t just a routine, it’s a fundamental practice for a healthier you. Here are ways to integrate self-care into your daily life and how it can positively impact your overall mental health.
• Recognize burnout to maintain your mental health. Look for signs such as increased irritability, exhaustion and detachment from work or personal life. According to the American Institute of Stress, nearly 83% of U.S. workers experience work-related stress — stress that causes approximately 1 million employees to miss work every day and can lead to drops in productivity. Left unchecked, it can lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety. Take time to practice self-care, an important tool to help manage symptoms of burnout and regain physical, spiritual, mental and emotional balance. Here are four tips for managing symptoms of burnout. 

2. Save These Mental Health Resources

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: For free and confidential support from trained crisis counselors 24/7 nationwide, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat.
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 information service that provides referrals to treatment and support to people facing mental health and substance use challenges. Call 800-662-4357 (HELP).
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call or chat to access confidential support services for survivors at any stage of recovery. Call 800-656-4673 (HOPE) or chat online at online.rainn.org.
• Save this graphic on your device for a quick reference guide and share it on your social media channels!

3. Test Your Mental Health Knowledge

Join the conversation. Find out how much you really know about mental health and learn something new along the way. Follow MHFA and the National Council on social media to take our quizzes throughout the month!

You can participate in our polls on LinkedIn, Threads, X and Instagram. Share your insights, see how your knowledge compares to others, and engage with a community dedicated to improving mental health awareness.

4. Become a Mental Wellbeing Advocate

Whether you’re a Mental Health First Aider or just curious to learn more about mental health issues, you’re already an advocate for mental health in your community — even if you don’t know it! Being an advocate is about learning, sharing your story, engaging on issues in your community, and making your voice and the voices of those you love heard.

You’ve already taken an important step by learning or expressing interest in learning how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use crisis or challenge. What comes next? How do we help ensure people in crisis receive care when and where they need it? Can people afford it? What can we do to raise awareness about the need to expand access to services to better serve the community? How can we come together to support the mental health and substance use care organizations struggling with severe workforce and funding shortages?

Here are a few ways to continue being an advocate for mental wellbeing.

• Learn about how the National Council advocates for mental wellbeing.
  In addition to operating MHFA, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing represents more than 3,400 community-based mental health and substance use providers nationwide. Every day, the National Council works to ensure equitable access to high-quality mental health and substance use treatment services, build the capacity of mental health and substance use treatment organizations, and promote a greater understanding of mental wellbeing as a core component of comprehensive health and health care. Learn about the National Council’s priorities.
• Stay informed for opportunities to add your voice to the conversation.
  Raising awareness about mental health and substance use issues starts with being informed. Subscribe to content from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to keep you updated on the latest news and resources. You can learn about key federal and state legislative updates, new research findings and upcoming advocacy events and chances to raise your voice in support of expanding access to care. Sign up here.
• Show your support for mental wellbeing.
  Wear a badge of honor and show off your Mental Health First Aider status! MHFA merchandise starts conversations as it showcases your dedication to the cause. By proudly displaying your MHFA pride this World Mental Health Day, you can advocate for mental health destigmatization and spark essential conversations about mental wellbeing.
  For a limited time, we’re extending an offer of 10% off MHFA merchandise! Use our limited-time discount code OCTOBER10 at checkout. This offer is valid Oct. 1-10, 2024.** Visit our storefront to browse options.

5. Share Your Story

Your journey is unique. It can inspire, educate and remind others of the power of support and resilience. Consider sharing your insights and experience through platforms such as blogs, social media or local events. By opening up about your experiences, you can help others understand mental health and break down stigma.

Partner with us to tell your story! If you’d like your story to be featured in a future MHFA blog post, fill out this form so we can contact you.

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing is also looking for educational and inspirational stories to feature on the National Council blog. Contact us if you’re interested!

6. Make an Impact in Your Community

Spreading kindness and making a positive impact on those around you contribute to your mental wellbeing by providing a sense of purpose. Here are some opportunities to make a positive impact on your community:

• Volunteer for activities like serving at a local shelter or organizing donation drives.
• Know how to support those around you who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Get certified in MHFA to learn how to recognize signs and symptoms and be prepared to help when a mental health challenge or crisis happens. You can #BeTheDifference in someone’s recovery journey. Learn more about becoming a Mental Health First Aider.
• Already a First Aider? Consider taking the next step and becoming a MHFA Instructor to support your community and train others. Learn more about becoming a MHFA Instructor.

7. Invest in Your Workplace Wellbeing

Whether you’re an individual contributor or sitting in the C-suite, investing in mental health is crucial to your workplace. Here are ways you can make a difference:

• Individual contributors: Be there for your coworkers and contribute to a more supportive workplace. Simple actions, like offering a listening ear or advocating for mental health resources, can create a more supportive environment. To take this supportive culture to the next level, it’s important to get leadership on board with structured mental health programs. Need help convincing your leadership to bring MHFA at Work to your workplace? Put your case in writing by using our easy-to-adapt email template, filled with everything you need to help you gain leadership support for this transformative program. Download the pre-written email.
• Organization leaders: A survey of U.S. workers showed that 1 in 5 rate their mental health as fair or poor, resulting in four times more unplanned absences. When employees feel that their employers care about their overall wellbeing, they are three times more likely to be engaged at work. Create healthier, more engaged employees with MHFA at Work. It’s essential for developing a healthier, more supportive workplace. Learn more.
• Explore the MHFA blog for insights on supporting coworkers and communities and inspiration on how to make a meaningful difference to your colleagues.

8. Attend an Event!

• Replay MHFA’s Oct. 1 webinar, Mental Health Barriers in the Workplace — Navigating and Supporting Employee Wellbeing.
  Join MHFA and the National Council for a powerful discussion on overcoming mental health barriers in the workplace and exploring strategies to improve employee wellbeing. This session will provide key insights on how to foster a supportive company culture that prioritizes mental wellbeing. You’ll walk away equipped with strategies to drive positive change in your organization.
  Who Should Tune In:
  • HR leaders
  • C-suite executives
  • Learning and development managers
  • Health and safety professionals
  • Employee wellness coordinators
  • People leaders
• Save the date for the 2025 MHFA Summit! If you’re a Mental Health First Aider, you’re helping destigmatize mental health and substance use challenges to make wellbeing — including recovery from substance use — a reality for everyone. Take the next step and become an Instructor, with plenty of time to join NatCon25 and the 2025 Mental Health First Aid Summit on May 5-7 in Philadelphia! 
  At the Summit, MHFA Instructors and Coordinators can expect to: 
  • Explore our industry-leading curriculum designed to help you strengthen your skill sets. 
  • Experience panels on everything from cultural awareness to funding your MHFA initiative. 
  • Hear inspiring stories from likeminded peers and public figures in our space. 
  • Uncover strategies for reaching new audiences in your community. 

9. Unlock Mental Health Resources

If you’re enjoying learning about mental wellbeing and want to get more involved, subscribe to MHFA monthly newsletters and National Council for Mental Wellbeing newsletter to get updates delivered directly to your inbox:

10. Celebrate World Mental Health Day

It’s World Mental Health Day! Let’s continue to take action toward improving the mental wellbeing of ourselves and our communities. Let’s continue to take action toward improving the mental wellbeing of our communities, starting with ourselves. To celebrate today, consider:

• Downloading MHFA’s wellbeing checklist for a quick guide to better mental health.
• Doing a random act of kindness, which has proven emotional benefits and can help strengthen social ties and one’s sense of community.
• Making a coffee or tea date with a friend or loved one to connect and enjoy quality time together.
• Taking a moment to practice gratitude, which can improve mental health and boost relationships with others.

If you enjoyed learning about mental wellbeing this October and want to get more involved, be sure to subscribe to our monthly newsletter and the MHFA Digest to get the latest MHFA blogs, news and updates delivered directly to your inbox.

Thank you for choosing to #BeTheDifference on this World Mental Health Day — and every day!