World Mental Health Day: An issue that’s close to home
8 October 2026This Saturday is World Mental Health Day. And for many of us, it's an issue that's close to home.
Nearly one in two Australians will experience a mental health challenge during their lifetime.
And behind that statistic are real people: the friend who's stopped answering messages, the colleague having a tough time, the teenager struggling at school, or the family member carrying more than anyone realises.
World Mental Health Day encourages us to talk more openly about mental health, check in with each other and reach out for support when we need it.
This year's national theme, Together We Thrive, highlights the importance of connection, belonging and community to our wellbeing. Sometimes it's the simple things that matter most: a phone call, a coffee, a walk together, or taking the time to ask someone how they're really going.
This year's global World Mental Health Day theme, Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change, also reminds us of the importance of listening to people with lived and living experience of mental health challenges. Lived experience expertisebrings invaluable insight into what works, what needs to change and where support is falling short.
October is also a time to recognise the family members, carers and kin who support people experiencing mental health challenges. As National Carers Week begins on 11 October, we acknowledge the important role carers play and the toll that caring can take on their own wellbeing too.
This World Mental Health Day, I encourage you to check in with the people around you and to reach out if you need support yourself. A simple conversation can remind someone they're not alone.
You can help spread the message by sharing the #WMHD26 campaign using our supporter toolkit and free resources.
Remember, if you or someone you know needs support, help is available:
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36 | beyondblue.org.au
• 13YARN: 13 92 76
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au