Saturday 10 October is World Mental Health Day. This year's theme, chosen by the World Federation for Mental Health, is "Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change".1
So much of what helps people through hard times starts with something really simple: someone listening.
So in this post we're looking at why talking about how we feel matters so much, what the research actually says, and a few gentle ways to look after yourself and the people around you.
Why does this year's theme matter?
Mental health problems are far more common than many of us realise. The World Health Organization says that in 2023, nearly 1 in 7 people around the world were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depression the most common.2
Yet a lot of people never get support. The WHO says only around a third of people with depression receive formal mental health care.2
There are lots of reasons for that gap, but stigma is a big one. When people feel embarrassed or judged, they're much less likely to speak up or ask for help.
Does hearing real stories actually change anything?
It does, and that's the heart of this year's theme. A major review in The Lancet looked at what reduces mental health stigma and found that social contact, meaning hearing directly from people with lived experience, was the most effective approach in the short term.3
The researchers were honest that we need more evidence on how long those changes last.3 But it makes sense, doesn't it? It's much harder to hold on to stereotypes once you've heard someone's real story.
That's why every honest conversation counts, whether it's on a stage, at work or over a cup of tea at the kitchen table.
Why does talking help us feel better?
Research helps to explain why this works. In one well known study, researchers at UCLA scanned people's brains while they looked at emotional faces.4
When people put a name to the feeling, simply saying "angry" or "scared", activity in the amygdala, the brain's alarm centre, went down.4 In other words, putting a feeling into words appeared to calm the brain's stress response to it.
Connection matters too. A huge review of 148 studies found that people with stronger social relationships had a 50% greater likelihood of survival over the study periods than those with weaker connections.5 Feeling close to others really does matter for our wellbeing.
How do you start a conversation about mental health?
This is the bit that feels awkward for most of us. The good news is you don't need to say the perfect thing.
If you're the one who's struggling
Pick someone you trust and a time that feels relaxed, like a walk or a car journey. Side by side can feel easier than face to face.
You might start with something like "I've not been feeling myself lately, can I talk to you about it?" You don't have to explain everything at once.
If you're worried about someone else
Ask how they are, then ask again. "How are you, really?" often opens a door that "fine, thanks" keeps closed.
Then mostly listen. Try not to jump in with fixes, and let them know you're glad they told you.
If you're not ready to talk yet
That's OK too. Writing things down, even a few lines before bed, can be a gentle way to start putting feelings into words.
What helps with everyday stress?
Day to day stress isn't the same as a mental health condition, but it can wear us down. Looking after the basics is a really good place to start.
- Move your body in a way you enjoy, even a short walk outside.
- Keep regular sleep and wake times where you can.
- Eat regularly, as blood sugar dips can leave us feeling more on edge.
- Spend time with people who make you feel good.
- Take small breaks from your phone and the news.
We've written more practical ideas in our posts on supporting an overworked nervous system and how mindful movement supports wellbeing.
Where do herbs fit in?
Herbs aren't a replacement for talking, or for proper care when you need it. But many people find a calming herbal ritual a lovely part of looking after themselves on stressful days.
Passionflower is one of our favourites. The European Medicines Agency recognises it as a traditional herbal medicine for the relief of mild symptoms of mental stress and to aid sleep, for adults and over 12s.6
Our Passionflower and Chamomile Capsules are a firm favourite with our practitioners. If you prefer a tincture, our Stress Blend brings together vervain, oat seed, passionflower and skullcap.
And sometimes the ritual is the point. A pot of our Rosy Calm Herbal Tea, with rose, chamomile, ginger and lemon, is a nice excuse to sit down with someone and actually talk.
If you're taking any medication, including for your mental health, please check with your GP or pharmacist before trying herbs. For more on this, see our guide to herbal support for a calmer mind.
When should you reach out for more help?
If low mood, worry or stress is going on for weeks, or getting in the way of daily life, please talk to your GP. You deserve proper support, and asking for it is a strong thing to do.
If you need to talk to someone right now, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time. The NHS says you can also call 111 and choose the mental health option, or call 999 if someone's life is at risk.7
And if you'd like to chat about gentle ways to support yourself alongside other care, our herbalists are here. You can book a free consultation with a Napiers herbalist whenever suits you.
One small thing you can do this week
This World Mental Health Day is all about listening to real voices. Hearing people's stories helps break down stigma, and putting our own feelings into words can genuinely help.
So check in on someone this week, or let someone check in on you. It might be the most useful thing you do all day.
Your questions, answered
When is World Mental Health Day 2026?
It's on Saturday 10 October 2026. It happens on the same date every year.
What is the theme for World Mental Health Day 2026?
The theme is "Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change", set by the World Federation for Mental Health.1 It's all about listening to people with personal experience of mental health challenges.
How common are mental health problems?
Very common. The WHO says nearly 1 in 7 people worldwide were living with a mental disorder in 2023.2
Does talking about your feelings really help?
Research suggests it can. Putting feelings into words has been linked with lower activity in the brain's alarm centre.4
How can I support a friend who is struggling?
Ask how they are, listen without rushing to fix things, and let them know you care. If you're worried about their safety, encourage them to contact their GP, Samaritans or NHS 111.
Can herbs help with stress?
Some herbs, like passionflower, are traditionally used to relieve mild symptoms of mental stress.6 They're not a substitute for professional care, so please check with your GP if you take any medication.
Where can I get urgent mental health help in the UK?
Call Samaritans free on 116 123, or call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option. If someone's life is at risk, call 999 or go to A&E.7
References
- World Federation for Mental Health. World Mental Health Day 2026. Available at: wfmh.global (Accessed 5 October 2026).
- World Health Organization. Mental disorders. Available at: who.int (Accessed 5 October 2026).
- Thornicroft, G. et al. (2016). Evidence for effective interventions to reduce mental health related stigma and discrimination. The Lancet. Available at: thelancet.com (Accessed 5 October 2026).
- Lieberman, M.D. et al. (2007). Putting feelings into words: affect labeling disrupts amygdala activity in response to affective stimuli. Psychological Science. Available at: doi.org (Accessed 5 October 2026).
- Holt Lunstad, J., Smith, T.B. and Layton, J.B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: a meta analytic review. PLOS Medicine. Available at: plos.org (Accessed 5 October 2026).
- European Medicines Agency. Passiflorae herba. Available at: ema.europa.eu (Accessed 5 October 2026).
- NHS. Where to get urgent help for mental health. Available at: nhs.uk (Accessed 5 October 2026).
