World Mental Health Day is the international day of raising awareness and fighting stigma against mental wellness.
TODAY’s Carson Daly has long been open about his experiences with anxiety and panic attacks and the healthy ways he’s learned to tend to his mental health. That’s why he’s such a big proponent for honoring World Mental Health Day. Ahead, learn more about World Mental Health Day and you can honor it.
To mark World Mental Health Day 2025, Carson spoke with Phil Schermer, CEO of Project Healthy Minds, about the importance of mental health on the TODAY show.
“We’re in the middle of shift from awareness to action,” Schermer said about the openness with which people are discussing their mental health. “Despair is not destiny, but the key is expanding access to care. And while we’ve made great progress, so far 400 thousand Americans have gotten mental health care. The next 10 years we’re trying to get 10 million more Americans into care, so that’s the future.”
Still, the need for more robust mental health care is great: About 65 million Americans have a mental illness with about 60% of them not receiving treatment. For those who seek help, it takes about 11 years on average.
“I was one of those people that suffered in silence, and we’re trying to change that,” Carson said, when reporting from the Project Health Minds World Mental Health Day Festival 2024.
What are the main barriers for seeking mental health care in the U.S.? Last year, Schermer said he believes the top two are the stigma, which people like Carson are trying to break down, and not knowing where to look. He added that ProjectHealthyMinds.com is a great place to start.
Here’s what to know about World Mental Health Day 2025, from the theme to ways to celebrate.
Why Mental Health Is Important?
Mental health conditions can affect people in every aspect of their lives, from work to school to home and other social settings. They can also impact your relationships, which are a key factor in long-term happiness.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), annually one in five American adults experience mental illness, with one in 20 grappling with serious mental illness. Mental illness remains complex, NAMI says, with genetics, environment and lifestyle all playing a role. The organization stresses that people who have mental illnesses haven’t done something to cause it, and no one should feel ashamed about having a mental health condition.
What Is the Purpose of World Mental Health Day?
World Mental Health Day, recognized annually on Oct. 10, increases awareness of mental health and the role it plays in people’s lives across the world, the World Health Organization says.
The day gives experts and advocates the chance to talk about efforts to bolster access to mental health care and what still needs to be done to assure that all who need it receive good mental health care. Another goal of World Mental Health Day is encouraging people to take the day to reflect on the state of their own mental health, chat about what mental wellbeing means and advocate for better mental health care.
What Is the Theme for World Mental Health Day 2025?
World Mental Health Day 2025’s theme is “Mental health in humanitarian emergencies,” which emphasizes the “focuses on the urgent need to support the mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by humanitarian emergencies,” according to the WHO.
“Crises such as natural disasters, conflicts, and public health emergencies cause emotional distress, with one in five individuals experiencing a mental health condition. Supporting the mental well-being of individuals during such crises is not just important — it saves lives, gives people the strength to cope, the space to heal and to recover and rebuild not only as individuals but as communities,” WHO writes.
“That’s why it is essential for everyone, including government officials, health and social care providers, school staff and community groups to come together. By working hand in hand, we can ensure the most vulnerable have access to the support they need while protecting the well-being of everyone.”
Worldwide, one in eight people lives with a mental health condition, which impacts their physical and social health. Increasingly more children, teens and young adults grapple with mental illness.
Despite the prevalence of mental health conditions, the organization notes that people with mental illness experience discrimination, feel excluded and struggle to receive much-needed care that would help them thrive.
How To Celebrate World Mental Health Day
Project Healthy Minds is hosting the World Mental Health Day Festival, which includes a spin session, a community run, and a guided meditation. The organization and many others are hosting conversations about mental health on Oct. 10, 2025.
Ahead of World Mental Health Day, Project Healthy Minds held a gala on Oct. 9, 2025, where Meghan and Harry, the duchess and duke of Sussex, were honored for their mental health advocacy. Guests included Sophia Bush, Katie Couric, Deepak Chopra, Arianna Huffingon and Carson Daly.
The easiest ways to celebrate World Mental Health Day are making time to prioritize your own mental wellbeing — whether that’s by taking a mental health day from work, exercising, eating a nutritious meal or doing any other activity that makes you feel relaxed and rejuvenated — and simply talking about your mental health candidly. You can post with #WorldMentalHealthDay.
Carson shared on World Mental Health Day 2023 how much talking can make a difference for people struggling.
“I’ve noticed since I’ve told my story (that) when one person tells their story, that unlocks 10 other people to tell their story, and that’s the tidal wave waiting to happen in the conversation,” he said.