I remember the first time I noticed someone I cared about was struggling in silence with their mental health. Back then, it wasn’t something we talked about. Now, conversations around mental health are much more common. Today, on World Mental Health Day, we’re reminded why that shift matters.
First recognized in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10th and has become a platform for awareness, advocacy, and education. Over the years, annual themes have spotlighted critical issues; from generational differences, to mental health as a global priority and universal human right, and most recently, in 2024, mental health at work.
These themes reflect how mental health challenges evolve and reinforce the need for solutions that respond to changing times and societal needs.
The Ripple Effect of Mental Health
For many, mental health can be the difference between feeling safe enough to be yourself or struggling just to get out of bed in the morning. It’s shaped by our experiences, emotions, relationships, and circumstances. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), in any given year 1 in 5 people in Canada live with a mental illness, making it an invisible thread that connects families, friends, workplaces, and communities.
The impact extends beyond the individual and their loved ones, too. Employers and economies feel it. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that depression and anxiety alone lead to a loss of about 12 billion workdays globally every year. In Canada, a 2023 study by HR Reporter found that the economy loses $50 billion due to absenteeism and disability, while employers lose approximately $17 billion in productivity.
But behind every number is a person. And it doesn’t have to be this way.
From Awareness to Action
Awareness is important, but it’s not enough. What truly transforms mental health in our workplaces and communities is how we respond – with empathy, policy, and practices that create safe, supportive environments. It’s the small acts of care that remind people they’re not alone.
As individuals, that doesn’t mean having the perfect words or solutions. Often, it’s the act of reaching out that matters most. Checking in on a friend, sending a quick “thinking of you” text, or simply sitting with someone in silence can be powerful reminders that they’re valued and supported. For those living with a mental illness, even small gestures can signal that they are not a burden but deeply cared for.
For leaders, supporting mental health starts with creating a culture where people feel safe to be honest about how they’re really doing. This might be checking in with empathy during a one-on-one, or offering flexibility when someone is navigating a personal challenge. These gestures signal that people matter not just for their contributions, but for who they are.
Just as important, organizations can take proactive steps to protect mental health before issues arise. Offering benefits that include mental health coverage, setting policies that encourage healthy boundaries, and modeling real work-life balance all play a role. And when leaders set the example by protecting their own mental health, they send a powerful message: wellbeing isn’t an afterthought, it’s part of the culture.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
We often heard during the pandemic that “we’re all in this together.” The same is true for mental health: it’s a collective responsibility. Supporting mental wellbeing isn’t a burden – it’s an opportunity to build workplaces and communities that are kinder, more resilient, and more human.
Employers can do this through the benefits they offer, the cultures they shape, and the examples they set. Leaders can model balance, offer flexibility, and create safe spaces for honest conversations. And as individuals, we can take small daily actions, things like checking in, extending empathy, or simply showing up, to remind others they’re not alone.
When we show up with care and compassion, we create a world where it’s not only okay to talk about mental health, but where everyone feels supported to thrive. So today, on World Mental Health Day, take a moment to check in – with yourself, with a colleague, or with someone you care about. Small steps can spark lasting change.
Author:
Jessica Grant
Sr Consultant, Employer Brand and Culture
Blu Ivy Group Inc.