World Mental Health Day is observed on Oct. 10, serving as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the necessity of seeking help for mental health issues. Addressing these challenges can lead to improved well-being, enhanced coping strategies and a better quality of life for everyone.

Acknowledging our mental health struggles is a crucial step in fostering well-being. It’s all too easy to downplay our emotions, convincing ourselves that “someone else has it worse” or that our struggles are insignificant. However, doing so invalidates our own feelings and experiences. Pain is personal; just because others may be going through difficult times doesn’t make what we experience any less real or worthy of attention. We all deserve to feel what we feel, and recognizing that our emotions are valid is essential to our healing process.

Surrounding ourselves with people who genuinely show up for us during these difficult moments is equally important. Genuine friends and loved ones provide the support system we need when things feel overwhelming. They offer understanding, compassion and a much-needed listening ear. These are the people who remind us that we’re not alone, who don’t just offer words of comfort but stand by us when we need it most. Relationships like these can act as a lifeline when we’re struggling, allowing us to feel seen, supported and cared for.

In addition to seeking support from friends and others, pursuing medical help or counseling is a healthy and brave way to address mental health challenges. Therapy or medical guidance can provide the tools, strategies and perspectives needed to manage our mental health effectively. It creates the space for us to process our emotions in a constructive way, enabling us to develop coping mechanisms that work for us. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; rather, it’s a powerful step toward healing and growth.

We all experience hard times, and while it’s perfectly OK to not feel OK, what’s most important is that we give ourselves permission to seek help, to be vulnerable, and to acknowledge our feelings without dismissing them. Recognizing that we deserve care — whether through friendship, therapy, or a combination of both — is vital. Our mental health matters, and prioritizing it can lead us toward a more fulfilling life.

On this World Mental Health Day, and every day, let’s take a moment to:

• Reflect on our mental health
• Reach out to someone who may need support
• Remind ourselves that we are not alone in our struggles

Whether you seek help through professional resources, open conversations with friends, or simply taking time for self-care, remember that every step taken toward addressing mental health is a step toward a brighter, healthier future. Let’s commit to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage open dialogues that foster understanding, compassion, and support for one another.