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World Mental Health Day 2026
World Mental Health Day takes place every year on 10 October. It reminds us that looking after our mental health is just as important as looking after our physical health.
Everyone has mental health, and we all have times when life feels easier or harder. You don't have to wait until things feel really bad before asking for help.
This year's theme is "Lived Experiences Heard – Real Voices, Real Change"
Everyone's experiences are different. Something that feels manageable for one person might feel overwhelming for someone else, and that's okay.
This year's theme is about listening to people's experiences, taking them seriously and making sure their voices are heard.
Remember:
You don't have to know exactly how someone feels to show that you care.
Listening without judging can make a real difference.
It's okay to talk about how you're feeling.
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Five little things you can do for your wellbeing
You don't need to make huge changes to look after yourself. Small steps can help!
1. Get moving 🚶
Go for a walk, play a sport, dance to your favourite song or spend some time outdoors.
2. Talk to someone 💬
Share how you're feeling with a friend, family member or trusted adult. You don't have to deal with everything on your own.
3. Take a break 📱
Give yourself some time away from screens and social media. You don't have to be available to everyone all the time.
4. Make time for something you enjoy 🎨
Listen to music, read, draw, play a game or do something that helps you relax.
5. Be kind to yourself 💚
Nobody gets everything right all the time. Try to speak to yourself as kindly as you would speak to a friend.
These ideas can help you look after yourself, but if you're struggling, it's important to reach out for extra support too.
How can you support a friend?
Sometimes, the most helpful thing you can do is simply listen.
Listen: Give them time to talk without interrupting or judging.
Show you care: Let them know their feelings matter.
Ask what they need: Try saying, “Would you like me to listen, or would you like some help?”
Encourage support: If they're struggling, encourage them to speak to a trusted adult.
Don't carry it alone: If you're worried about a friend's safety, tell a trusted adult, even if your friend has asked you not to.
You don't have to solve someone else's problems to be a good friend.
Take a moment for yourself
You don't need to share your answers with anyone. Just take a moment to think about these questions.
What's one thing that has made me smile recently?
What helps me feel calmer when I'm stressed?
Who could I talk to if something was worrying me?
What's one kind thing I could do for myself this week?
It's okay if you don't have all the answers. Sometimes, simply recognising how you're feeling is a good place to start.
Need someone to talk to?
You don't have to struggle in silence, and you don't need to have the right words to ask for help.
At Selby High, you could speak to:
The Student Wellbeing Team
Your tutor or Head of Year.
A trusted member of staff.
A student Wellbeing ambassador.
Student Services or another member of our pastoral team.
You can start with something as simple as, “I'm not feeling great at the moment, and I'd like someone to talk to.”
You deserve to be listened to and supported.