Supporting mental health is a no-brainer

Health experts say the lingering effects of the pandemic are still being felt today.

World Mental Health Day is an annual event held on October 10 that supports people to speak openly about mental health and work towards better support for everyone. This year’s theme, ‘Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change’, highlights the need of listening to people who have mental health challenges or have experienced issues in the past.

In addition, Pope Leo XIV has dedicated his October prayer intention to mental health. He has released the ‘Pray with the Pope’ video accompanying his prayer intention. In the video, the pope prays that the Church may be an “open house” where people facing mental health challenges find welcome, dignity and hope.

“Today we bring before you our brothers and sisters who struggle with challenges to their mental health, who suffer in solitude with anxiety, depression, or any other mental illness,” the pope says.

Pope Leo also asks forgiveness for those Christians who have looked the other way, contributing to stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses.

Families, workplaces, schools and faith communities can be supportive. A thoughtful phone call, an invitation for a walk or simply asking, “How are you really feeling?” can start a conversation.

We do not need an answer for every individual’s struggles, but we can be attentive and help someone if they require appropriate professional support.

So, on Saturday let us listen with kindness and respond with care.

More details at: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day

The pope’s video: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-10/pope-leo-prayer-intention-october-for-mental-health-ministry.html

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