Mental Health Month (October 2025)

Quick facts
When is it?	Every October
What's the official website?	mentalhealthmonth.wayahead.org.au
Tagged as:	Attitudes & Emotions Body & Health Life & Living Mental Health
What's the hashtag?	#MentalHealthMonth
We first published this page on:	Dec 23rd, 2017
We last updated this page:	Oct 6th, 2025

Contents

In any given year, more than one in five of us will experience some type of mental health problem. It is no surprise, therefore, that there’s a need for an event like Mental Health Month. It connects us with the issues that face millions of people every year and delivers help for those most in need.

Do you know somebody with a mental health condition? Has a doctor diagnosed you with one? If so, it is time to get involved, raise money, and spread awareness of how things like anxiety and depression affect people’s lives.

Learn about Mental Health Month

Every October, Australians come together to shine a light on mental health. The idea is to learn, talk, and take action for better well-being. Mental Health Month is more than just an awareness campaign. It’s a nationwide movement reminding us that mental health is everyone’s business.

Mental health issues are still widely misunderstood by both the public and mental health professionals. People with depression, for instance, don’t just have the “blues.” Researchers now believe that the condition results from physiological problems in the brain, many of which relate to environmental factors. Similarly, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, multiple personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and others seem to have biological bases.

Throughout the month, communities, schools, workplaces, and local councils organize events, workshops, art shows, and public talks that promote openness and understanding. The goal is to break down stigma, encourage early help-seeking, and show that taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body.

Each year, a new theme is chosen to inspire positive change. Previous themes have included “Share the Journey,” “Value Your Mind,” and “Tune In.” These themes encourage reflection and connection — reminding people to check in with themselves and others, to listen without judgment, and to seek support when needed.

October’s observance also ties in with World Mental Health Day (October 10), which was first marked globally in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health. In Australia, this day serves as a highlight of the month. It sparks national conversations through events, media campaigns, and the symbolic Flannel Flower — the official emblem of mental health awareness.

Ultimately, Mental Health Month is about creating a culture of compassion and awareness — where it’s normal to talk about how we feel and to reach out for help. Whether you attend a community event, wear a flannel flower pin, or simply check in on a friend, every small action in October contributes to a stronger, healthier, and more connected Australia.

How to celebrate Mental Health Month

Mental health is a significant concern in our society, but it is also something that we can each address individually. The good news is that you can get involved with the effort and lend a helping hand to those around you.

The easiest way to get involved in Mental Health Month is to download the Mental Health Month Toolkit. This resource provides you with practically everything that you need to improve your own mental health, and that of the people around you. It includes material that helps you to own your feelings, look for the positives in situations, and eliminate the toxic influences on your life. It also provides information on how to create a healthy routine, support other people in your community, and connect with those who might be isolated.

The second thing that you can do is learn more about the stigmas of mental health. As we discussed, researchers are increasingly coming to the view that mental health conditions are strictly biological processes. Individual patients do not choose their health problems. You might, therefore, want to reach out in ways that highlight this important point.

Next, you could treat yourself to a spot of pampering or a well-deserved vacation. Regular working life can be tough. But going away for a week in the sun gives you a chance to recharge your batteries and gain a new lease on life.

Finally, you can attend events and share information related to mental health with your friends and family on social media.

Here’s to a brighter and healthier future!

History of Mental Health Month

The idea of dedicating time to raise awareness about mental health in Australia has its roots in the mid-20th century, when conversations about mental illness were still taboo. During the 1950s and 1960s, organizations such as the Australian National Association for Mental Health began holding small community events and campaigns to promote understanding and compassion toward people living with mental illness.

These early efforts eventually evolved into Mental Health Weeks, organized by different state associations. They aimed to educate the public, reduce stigma, and promote better access to care. By the 1980s and 1990s, Mental Health Week was firmly established across most Australian states and territories, each hosting its own programs, school talks, public lectures, and awareness activities.

In 1992, the global introduction of World Mental Health Day (October 10) by the World Federation for Mental Health gave these local initiatives an international anchor. Australian states began aligning their Mental Health Week activities with that date, turning October into a month filled with events related to mental wellbeing.

Over time, the growing number of events and the recognition that one week wasn’t enough led to the expansion of the campaign — especially in New South Wales, where the organization WayAhead officially began promoting Mental Health Month in the early 2000s. This broader celebration allowed communities, schools, and workplaces to host activities throughout October.

Today, Mental Health Month in Australia is not a single, centrally run campaign but a national movement supported by multiple organizations, including:

WayAhead – Mental Health Association NSW
Mental Health Australia
Black Dog Institute
Beyond Blue
headspace and other community mental health networks

The focus has shifted from simply raising awareness to encouraging action. It highlights wellbeing, connection, and self-care, as well as advocating for policy change. The month’s campaigns now include themes such as “Look after your mental health, Australia” and “Share the Journey.”