World mental health day - Oct 10

Every year on October 10, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners around the globe recognize World Mental Health Day — a call to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and mobilize collective action for accessible, quality mental health care everywhere.

This observance reminds us that mental health is not just a personal concern — it’s a shared responsibility. Communities, workplaces, and policymakers all play a vital role in ensuring that mental well-being is recognized as a fundamental human right.

Why World Mental Health Day Matters

The 2025 World Mental Health Day theme, “Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencies,” shines a light on the emotional and psychological toll of crises such as natural disasters, pandemics, conflicts, and forced displacement. According to the World Health Organization, these crises not only affect physical safety but also have deep and lasting impacts on mental and emotional well-being.

Past themes have included:

• 2023: “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right”

• 2022: “Make Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority”
  

By using the hashtags #WorldMentalHealthDay and #WMHD, individuals and organizations can connect local conversations to this global movement — spreading awareness and promoting understanding.

The State of Mental Health in Texas & the U.S.

While the conversation is global, mental health challenges are deeply local — affecting families, schools, and communities across Texas.

Texas Mental Health Snapshot:

• 4.8 million Texas adults live with a mental health condition. (NAMI Texas)

• 1 in 5 adults in Texas experiences a mental health condition in a given year. (Texas 2036)

• Nearly 37% of Texas adults report symptoms of anxiety or depression — a rate higher than the U.S. average of 32%. (Texas Hospital Association)

• 61% of Texans needing mental health care do not receive it. (Dallas County Mental Health)

• Among youth, 31% of surveyed Texas students report feeling persistently sad or hopeless for at least two weeks. (Every Texan)

• Over 1.2 million Texas youth report a mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental condition — roughly 1 in 5 children. (Every Texan)
  

These figures highlight a critical gap between need and access — and an opportunity for community organizations like Poderosa Rising to make an impact through education, outreach, and partnerships.

National and Global Context

Across the U.S., 5.5% of adults (1 in 20) experience a serious mental illness annually. (NAMI)

Globally, the WHO estimates that 1 in 5 people living in conflict-affected areas endure a mental health condition — reinforcing the urgent need for compassion, care, and systemic support in times of crisis.(Source: World Health Organization)

How You Can Take Action

1. Start the Conversation – Talk openly about mental health with your family, coworkers, or friends. Normalize the topic.

2. Connect to Resources – Seek out local support groups and counseling services. Organizations like NAMI San Antonio, The Center for Health Care Services, and the YMCA of Greater San Antonio offer programs and community events for World Mental Health Day.

3. Show Support Online – Share mental health resources or your personal story using #WorldMentalHealthDay.

4. Volunteer or Partner – Collaborate with community-based nonprofits to host awareness events, workshops, or wellness circles.

5. Advocate for Access – Support policies that expand behavioral health funding and equitable access to care in Texas.

World Mental Health Day Events & Resources in San Antonio

If you’re in the San Antonio area, here are local ways to connect, learn, and take part in the movement for mental wellness this October:

NAMI Greater San Antonio

 nami-sat.org What They Offer: Peer-led support groups, educational programs, and community advocacy. NAMI also offers Family-to-Family and Peer Connection Recovery classes throughout October.

The Center for Health Care Services (CHCS)

chcsbc.org Services: 24/7 crisis support, behavioral health care, and outpatient programs for adults and youth in Bexar County. Crisis Line: 1-800-316-9241

San Antonio Clubhouse

 saclubhouse.org What They Offer: A supportive community for adults living with mental illness through connection, purpose, and vocational programs.

 San Antonio Mobile Mental Wellness Collaborative

mmhpi.org About: Brings counseling and mental health resources directly to schools and underserved neighborhoods across San Antonio.

Family Service (San Antonio)  family-service.org Focus Areas: Counseling, trauma recovery, youth programs, and community empowerment.

Join the Movement

At Poderosa Rising, we believe that healing happens in community. As we honor World Mental Health Day, we invite you to join us in recognizing the importance of mental well-being, restoring balance through connection, and acting to make care accessible for all.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.