Caring for the Mind: World Mental Health Day Reflections

Every year on October 10, the world comes together to mark World Mental Health Day 2025 — a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the importance of mental wellbeing.

At STARTTS (NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors), we see every day how mental health and healing are deeply connected. For people who have endured torture, trauma, or forced displacement, emotional recovery can be a long journey — but with compassion, community, and support, healing is always possible.

World Mental Health Day is not just a day of recognition. It’s a reminder that caring for our minds is as essential as caring for our bodies — and that no one should face mental health challenges alone.

This year, we’re sharing six gentle reminders that can help nurture your mental wellbeing. These small, meaningful actions can make a big difference — for yourself or someone you care about.

1. It’s Okay Not to Be Okay: Healing takes time. Some days will feel harder than others, and that’s completely normal. At STARTTS, we often remind our clients that emotions — even the painful ones — are valid and part of the human experience. Allow yourself to feel what you feel without judgment. You don’t need to be “strong” all the time. Acknowledging your emotions is the first step toward self-compassion and healing.
2. Celebrate Small Wins: Progress often happens quietly. Every step forward — no matter how small — deserves recognition. Whether you got out of bed, went for a walk, or reached out to someone for help, these are victories worth celebrating. At STARTTS, we encourage our community to focus on progress, not perfection. Small achievements create momentum and remind us that growth is possible.
3. Take Breaks When You’re Overwhelmed: In a fast-paced world, rest can feel like a luxury — but it’s essential. Taking breaks helps your mind and body recover from stress. Pausing for a few minutes, breathing deeply, or stepping outside can restore balance and clarity. For trauma survivors, these moments of calm are vital in rebuilding a sense of safety and control. Remember: rest is not avoidance; it’s a form of care.
4. Surround Yourself with Uplifting People: Connection is one of the strongest forces for healing. The presence of safe, positive relationships can help ease feelings of isolation and build resilience. Surround yourself with people who bring kindness, understanding, and encouragement into your life. At STARTTS, we see firsthand how community support strengthens mental health and helps people reconnect with hope.
5. Be Gentle with Yourself During Difficult Times: Self-kindness is not always easy — especially for those who have experienced hardship or trauma. But being gentle with yourself can open the door to healing. Treat yourself with patience and compassion. You are doing the best you can with what you have. Speak to yourself as you would to a close friend — with empathy, not criticism.
6. Focus on What You Can Control: Uncertainty can be overwhelming. When life feels unpredictable, focusing on what’s within your control can bring comfort and direction. This might mean setting small daily goals, maintaining healthy routines, or practicing gratitude. At STARTTS, we’ve seen how this shift in perspective helps individuals regain confidence and a sense of agency in their recovery journey.

The Importance of Talking About Mental Health

Talking about mental health is a powerful act of courage. For many, particularly trauma survivors and refugees, sharing emotions or seeking support can feel unfamiliar or frightening. But opening up — even a little — can bring immense relief.

When we speak honestly about our struggles, we reduce stigma, build understanding, and allow healing to begin. No one should suffer in silence.

STARTTS believes that mental health care is a human right — and that every person deserves access to safety, dignity, and support. Through counselling, community engagement, and trauma-informed care, we walk alongside survivors as they rebuild their lives.

You Are Not Alone

If you are finding things difficult, please remember that help is available, and you are not alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength — not weakness.

Whether it’s through a friend, a mental health professional, or a community service, talking about how you feel can be the first step toward recovery.

Your mental health matters — today, tomorrow, and always.

This World Mental Health Day 2025, we invite you to take a moment to reflect, rest, and reconnect — with yourself, with others, and with hope. Because every small act of care helps create a healthier, more compassionate world.

If you or someone you know needs support, STARTTS provides trauma-informed counselling and community programs for people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds. Visit www.startts.org.au to learn more.