World Mental Health Day, WFMH Reminds The Importance Of Open Dialogue

Illustration of consultation with mental health experts (Pexels/cottonbro studio)

JAKARTA - Every October 10 is celebrated by World Mental Health Day or World Mental Health Day. This year's commemoration is carried by the theme Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencys or Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergency.

The World Federation of Mental Health (WFMH) reminds that World Mental Health Day is not just a symbol of a warning. It was also an invitation to hold an open dialogue about mental health.

"The more we engage in open dialogue, the more we can foster resilience and fight widespread social isolation and loneliness," said WFMH Board Director Julie Millard AM, quoted from the official WFMH Global website, on Friday, October 10, 2025.

Julie says honest and empathetic conversations can help reduce stigma and discrimination against those suffering from mental health problems.

Not only that, with open dialogue regarding mental health it will also provide support for the surrounding family and community better.

This must be done further considering the World Health Organization (WHO) report in September 2025, regarding the number of people with mental health disorders in the world of more than one billion people.

With this figure, there are 1 in 8 people living with mental health problems. The conditions include anxiety to depression.

This figure also includes one in seven teenagers worldwide (age 10-19 years) who have mental health problems. Globally, depression and anxiety rose more than 25 percent during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Therefore, on the commemoration of World Mental Health Day, all parties are working together to continue to echo the importance of mental health. Starting from government officials, health and social service providers, school staff, and community groups to unite to overcome mental health problems.