Voices of Lived Experience Matter
World Mental Health Day 2026
This World Mental Health Day, we are amplifying the voices of people with lived and living experience, because those who have walked this path know what quality mental health care truly looks like.
What Is World Mental Health Day?
World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10. Established by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, the day provides an opportunity for all interest holders working on mental health issues to talk about their work and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
The 2026 theme, set by the World Health Organization, calls on governments, organizations, and communities to prioritize mental health as a fundamental human right and to ensure that people with lived and living experience are at the centre of that work.
In Canada, the Mental Health Commission of Canada leads the national conversation, connecting evidence, knowledge, and lived experience to drive meaningful systems change.
How to Share Your Mental Health Story Safely
Thinking about sharing your mental health journey? Your story has the power to reduce stigma, inspire others, and drive change — and sharing it on your own terms is what matters most.
The Commission’s guide, Sharing Your Mental Health Story, offers practical safety tips to help you decide what to share, how to share it, and how to protect your wellbeing throughout the process.
Sharing your story can be powerful. It can reduce stigma, help others feel seen, and create space for honest conversations. But it should also feel safe, comfortable, and completely on your terms.
The Commission’s guide, Sharing Your Mental Health Story, is packed with practical advice on what to consider before sharing, from setting boundaries to protecting your wellbeing.
#MentalHealth #LivedExperience #CommunityCare #Canada
Spotlight
The Power of Voices of Lived Experience
Real stories. Real change. Our Catalyst magazine amplifies the voices of people with lived and living experience, the experts in their own lives, whose insights are redefining what quality mental health care looks like in Canada.