Each year on October 10, World Mental Health Day raises awareness of mental health, helps challenge stigma and encourages action to support mental wellbeing.

Mental health is part of our overall health and can affect people of every age, background and circumstance. World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to learn, talk openly about mental health and consider how we can create communities where people feel respected, supported and able to access help when they need it.

The World Health Organization's theme for 2026 is “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change.” The theme recognizes the knowledge and expertise of people with lived experience of mental health conditions and calls for their voices to meaningfully influence the services, policies and decisions that affect them.

Why World Mental Health Day matters

Stigma and discrimination can make it more difficult for people to talk about mental health or seek support.

Creating inclusive communities means recognizing that everyone's experiences are different, listening without judgement and ensuring people have meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their lives.

World Mental Health Day also reminds us that listening is only one part of meaningful engagement. People with lived experience can bring knowledge and perspectives that may not be available through professional training or research alone. Involving them in planning, designing and evaluating programs and services can help make those services more responsive to people's actual needs and experiences.

Supporting mental wellbeing in our community

We can all contribute to environments where mental health is talked about openly and people feel respected and supported.

Some ways to take part include:

• Learn more about mental health and challenge stereotypes or stigma when you encounter them.
• Listen respectfully when someone chooses to share their experience.
• Avoid assumptions about what someone may be experiencing or what support they need.
• Check in with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues.
• Learn about mental health resources available in the community.
• Make space for people with lived experience to contribute to conversations and decisions that affect them.
• Reach out for support when you need it.

Supporting mental health is not only about individual self-care. Access to appropriate supports, strong social connections, welcoming communities and inclusive services can all contribute to mental wellbeing.

Need support?

Help is available.

211 Alberta
Call 2-1-1 or text INFO to 2-1-1 for information and connections to local mental health, addiction and community services. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Alberta Mental Health Line
Call 1-877-303-2642 for confidential mental health support, information and referrals. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support from trained responders is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week across Canada.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.