The 2026 World Mental Health Day campaign focuses on listening to people with lived experience of mental health conditions and ensuring their experiences help shape mental health policies, services and support.
Mental health is an important part of our overall wellbeing. Everyone experiences changes in their mental health, and difficulties can affect anyone at any stage of life.
It's OK to ask for help
If you're struggling with your mental health, you don't have to deal with it alone. Talking to someone you trust, speaking to your GP or accessing local NHS mental health services can be an important first step.
You may want to seek support if you are experiencing things such as:
- Feeling persistently low, anxious or overwhelmed
- Changes in your sleep or appetite
- Finding it difficult to cope with everyday activities
- Losing interest in things you usually enjoy
- Feeling isolated or withdrawn
- Experiencing thoughts or feelings that are difficult to manage
There are effective treatments and support options available for many mental health conditions. NHS talking therapies can also be accessed through self-referral in many areas, without needing to see your GP first.
Looking after your mental health
Small steps can support your mental wellbeing. Consider:
- Staying connected with friends, family or your community
- Being physically active and spending time outdoors
- Getting enough sleep and maintaining a regular routine
- Taking time to relax and do things you enjoy
- Talking about how you are feeling rather than keeping things to yourself
- Asking for help when you need it
If you need urgent help
If you need urgent mental health support, you can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. You can also contact us for an urgent appointment.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
You can also call Samaritans free on 116 123, at any time, to talk to someone confidentially.
This World Mental Health Day
Let's make mental health something we can talk about openly, without judgement or stigma.
If you're struggling, please don't wait until things become overwhelming. Talking to someone is a positive first step, and support is available.