World Mental Health Day 2025: Why Your Mental Health Matters - Especially When the World Feels Heavy

Today is World Mental Health Day, October 10th, a day dedicated to raising awareness, challenging stigma and reminding us all that mental health matters just as much as physical health.

Mental Health Isn't a Constant

Mental Health UK chose a powerful theme this year,"Good mental health isn't a constant". And isn't that the truth?

You can have a great week where you're setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion and feeling like you're finally healing and then something triggers you and suddenly you're right back to feeling small, scared and overwhelmed.

That doesn't mean you've failed. That doesn't mean your progress isn't real. It means you're human.

Healing isn't linear. Mental health isn't a destination you arrive at and stay forever. It's something you nurture, protect and fight for, every single day.

The world right now feels heavy. Between global conflicts, economic uncertainty, climate disasters and endless streams of bad news, it's no wonder so many of us are struggling.

Research shows that repeated exposure to distressing news; what many call "doomscrolling", can overwhelm our nervous systems and leave us feeling hopeless and anxious. Add personal trauma on top of that, and it's a recipe for emotional exhaustion.

If you're feeling like the world is too much right now, you're not being dramatic. You're responding to very real stressors that affect us all, especially those of us who already carry the weight of childhood trauma.

For those of us who grew up in toxic, narcissistic or abusive families, mental health isn't just about feeling good, it's about survival. It's about learning to trust yourself again after years of being gaslit. It's about believing you deserve love after being told you weren't enough. It's about creating safety for yourself when your own home never felt safe.

Here's what I've learnt in almost 11 years of healing:

- Your mental health isn't selfish - it's essential. Protecting your peace isn't weak; it's wisdom.

- Going no contact or setting boundaries isn't cruel - it's an act of self-preservation and love for your inner child.

- Asking for help isn't failure - it's courage. Whether that's therapy, support groups or simply talking to a trusted friend.

- You don't owe toxic people access to you- even if they're family. Your mental health comes first.

- Healing takes time - and that's okay. There's no timeline, no deadline, no "right" way to do this work.

One of the harsh realities of World Mental Health Day is that while we talk about mental health more openly now, access to quality care is still a huge problem.

If you're struggling to access therapy, you're not alone. If you can't afford professional help, that doesn't mean your healing is less valid. There are other pathways to healing; community support, self-education, online resources, books and practices like journalling, inner child work and setting boundaries.

I'm not a therapist, but I am living proof that healing is possible even without traditional therapy. You can create huge change through self-work, community connection and choosing yourself over and over again.

What You Can Do Today (And Every Day)

World Mental Health Day isn't just about awareness, it's about action. Here are some things you can do to prioritise your mental health today:

1. Check in with yourself

Ask: "How am I really feeling today? What does my inner child need right now?"

2. Protect your energy

Say no to things that drain you. Limit exposure to triggering people, news or situations. You're allowed to put yourself first.

3. Reach out for support

Talk to someone you trust. Join an online support community. You don't have to carry this alone.

4. Practice self-compassion

Speak to yourself the way you would speak to a hurting child. With kindness, patience and unconditional love.

5. Do something that brings you joy

Spend time with your pet, listen to calming music, take a walk in nature or do something creative. Joy is healing.

6. Honour your progress

Look at how far you've come. Celebrate the boundaries you've set, the toxic relationships you've left, the healing work you've done. You're doing better than you think.

A Message to Everyone Who's Struggling

If you're reading this and you're barely holding on, I see you. If you're exhausted from fighting battles no one else understands, I believe you. If you feel like giving up, please don't. You matter more than you know.

Your mental health matters. Your healing matters. Your peace matters. You are not "too much" or "too sensitive" or "overreacting." You are a survivor doing the incredibly brave work of reclaiming your life.

On this World Mental Health Day, I want you to know that you're not alone. There are millions of us out here doing this same work, fighting the same battles, choosing healing over staying stuck.

Keep going. Keep protecting your peace. Keep choosing yourself. Keep believing that better days are possible, because they are.

You deserve support. You deserve healing. You deserve peace.

💚 Kylie B

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