💚 Taking Care of Ourselves and Each Other – World Mental Health Day 2025

This World Mental Health Day (10 October 2025), we’re joining others across Derbyshire and beyond to shine a light on this year’s local theme: ‘Support Starts in the Community’ - because connection, understanding, and prevention begin right where we live, work, and come together.

We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health - and some days, it needs a little extra care. Whether you’re feeling a bit off balance, finding things overwhelming, or simply want to look after yourself better, there’s support available for you.

We're encouraging everyone to take a moment to think about how we can support ourselves and each other - because even small acts of kindness and care can make a big difference. 

🌍 When the world feels overwhelming

Let’s be honest - it can feel like there’s a lot going on in the world right now. Constant news updates, social media, and global challenges can all take a toll on our wellbeing.

If you’re finding it hard to switch off or feel constantly drained by the news, here are a few small ways to protect your mental health:

🌿 Set boundaries with the news - it’s okay to take a break or limit how often you check it.
🧘 Try grounding exercises or spend time in nature to bring yourself back to the present moment.
📱 Have phone-free times (especially before bed) to give your mind space to rest.
💪 Focus on what you can control, like supporting local causes or small acts of kindness.
🛌 Give yourself permission to rest – you can care about the world and care for yourself.

For more helpful advice, visit the Mental Health Foundation’s guide to looking after your mental health.

💬 Supporting someone else

Sometimes, it’s not us who need support - it’s someone we care about.

If you’re worried about a friend, family member, neighbour or colleague, reaching out and asking, “How are you really doing?” can mean more than you might realise.

The Mental Health Foundation has some great tips on how to start the conversation and offer support in a way that feels comfortable for both of you.

📞 Need urgent or out-of-hours support?

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, the Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

📞 Call 0800 028 0077 (freephone, open 24/7)
Or, if you’re in Derby or Derbyshire, dial 111 and select option 2.

You don’t have to be in crisis to reach out - the helpline offers a safe space to talk and can help you find the right kind of support.

💬 Talking Therapies

If you’re feeling low, anxious, or just not yourself, Derby and Derbyshire Talking Therapies can help.

This free, confidential NHS service offers practical support for anyone aged 16+ experiencing stress, depression, or other common mental health challenges.

You can self-refer - there’s no need to see your GP first.

💻 Self-refer online via the Derby and Derbyshire Talking Therapies digital assistant
📞 Call: 03330 417 262
🕗 Monday–Thursday: 8am–7:45pm | Friday: 8am–4:30pm
📧 Email: derby.tt.admin@derby-talk.co.uk

💚 Looking after our mental wellbeing

Everyone has mental health, and like our physical health, it can change from time to time. We all know prevention is better than cure - so let’s make time for connection, rest, and kindness, for ourselves and each other.

World Mental Health Day is a reminder that we’re all human - and it’s okay not to be okay sometimes. By looking after ourselves and supporting those around us, we can help make Derbyshire a place where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. 💚

10 October 2025