Every year on October 10, Canadians join people around the world to mark World Mental Health Day, a day to raise awareness and promote understanding of mental well-being. The 2025 theme, announced by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), is “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”
This theme is especially meaningful in Canada, where wildfires, floods, and other climate-related disasters have displaced communities and caused long-term emotional strain. From evacuees in the North to frontline workers and families coping with loss, mental health support during and after emergencies has never been more critical.
Why access matters
In times of crisis, people often face barriers to care, especially in rural and remote communities where mental health services are limited. Ensuring equitable access to mental health and psychosocial support helps Canadians recover, rebuild, and strengthen community resilience.
Canada’s mental health professionals, first responders, and community organizations continue to play a vital role in offering care that is trauma-informed, culturally safe, and inclusive, particularly for Indigenous and underserved populations who are disproportionately affected by emergencies.
What you can do
- Stay informed: Learn about the mental health impact of disasters and advocate for better funding and accessibility.
- Check in with others: Simple acts of empathy such as listening, validating feelings, and offering help can make a lasting impact.
- Know where to turn: If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to support services such as:
- Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7)
- Wellness Together Canada: www.wellnesstogether.ca
- Hope for Wellness Helpline (for Indigenous peoples): 1-855-242-3310
As we observe World Mental Health Day 2025, let’s remember that mental health is a human right, and that in moments of catastrophe, ensuring everyone has access to support is one of the most powerful ways to protect it.
