Mental Health has become an essential aspect of mainstream conversation, among Gen Z especially in recent times. From social media to boardrooms, the subject is spoken about more openly than ever before. Yet, there remains a gap between awareness and action. The conversations are happening, but translating them into everyday lifestyle changes and practical support is still a challenge.
Despite openness, there is a lack of access to professional support. Mental health has merely ended up as a ‘more talk, less action,’ activity. This World Mental Health Day, observed on Friday, October 10, it’s time to change the narrative and make it more about taking action.
World Mental Health Day is celebrated annually on October 10. It is celebrated to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
The theme of World Mental Health Day 2025, is ‘Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.’ This year’s campaign focuses on the urgent need to support the mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by humanitarian emergencies.
Gen Z has normalized conversations and workplace and schools adopting wellness sessions, therapy conversations.The statistics in India however paint a stark picture.
According to the World Health Organization, the burden of mental health problems in India is 2,443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 100,000 population. The country’s age-adjusted suicide rate stands at 21.1 per 100,000—one of the highest globally.
In India, therapy is still expensive and mental health infrastructure is limited. In workplaces, talk about “mental wellness” is happening but often lack policies for burnout or leave. Peer-to-peer empathy exists, but trained support is rare. Mental health issues are still stigmatized despite growing awareness.
What is needed now is clear: action. From stronger policies and affordable healthcare systems to community-level support networks and individual efforts, the shift must move beyond words. Conversation is the first step, but the journey does not end there. This World Mental Health Day, the message is simple—talking helps, but building systems that make care accessible for everyone is what will truly change lives.
