A Message from Homewood Health: Your Professionals’ Assistance Provider

World Mental Health Day, celebrated annually on 10 October, is an opportunity to recognize that mental health is part of our overall health and encourage conversations that help us better understand our experiences, be there for each other, and seek support when we need it.

Mental health can change throughout our lives and be influenced by our relationships, physical health, work, finances, culture, life experiences, and access to resources. Understanding the difference between common mental health changes and a mental health issue can help to better recognize these experiences. Learning more about mental health, mental health issues, and when it may be helpful to seek support can also help challenge some assumptions and better understand the different ways mental health can impact our lives.

How we talk about mental health also matters. Fear of judgment, assumptions about mental health issues, or the belief that we should deal with difficult experiences on our own can make it harder to seek support. Acknowledging and challenging mental health stigma can help create workplaces and communities where people feel more comfortable talking about their well-being, seeking support, and responding to the experiences of others with more understanding.

Mental health is also shaped by the challenges and changes we face. Difficult times can include loss, work pressures, relationship concerns, financial uncertainty, or unexpected changes. Discovering how resilience can develop through daily habits, supportive relationships, and practical resources can help us adapt to difficult experiences and build on the strengths and resources that are available to us. And when uncertainty goes beyond our personal lives and touches on world events, staying grounded can include setting boundaries for our news consumption, focusing on what we can influence, maintaining connections with friends and family, and dedicating time to activities that support our well-being.

Sometimes, taking care of our mental health can also start with simply bringing our attention back to the present moment. A guided 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise can help you slow down, reconnect with your senses, and allow yourself a few moments of mindfulness and self-care during a trying or stressful day.

This World Mental Health Day, explore Homeweb’s resources that offer information, practical strategies and support to better understand and care for mental health.

If you don’t have an account yet, download the app to get started.

If you need additional support, you can also access mental health counselling services by contacting Homewood Health at 1-800-663-1142, or locally at (709) 754-3007.

Posted: 5 October 2026