Today on October 10th, 2018, we celebrate World Mental Health Day all around the world.

If you weren’t aware already, this year’s theme is “Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World.”

For many years there has always seemed to be a social stigma surrounding mental health and reaching out for help, but today I want to make clear that your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and that you matter.

This is a day that invites all people to discuss ways in which we can break down these stigmas and how we can empower more and more people to speak up when they need to in order to receive the proper support and care that they deserve.

It is important to remember that no matter what you are going through, you are not alone. It is okay to not be okay and to not have all of the answers, but it is possible to get through this.

Here are some ways to take action not only on this day, but every day:

Educate Yourself and Others

Through Google and other social media platforms, the amount of information that exists online on mental health is right at our fingertips.

Use today to answer any questions that you may have and use social media to share articles and other information that you find to your friends and followers.

You would be amazed at how something as simple as sharing an article can change someone’s life.

Reach Out

It never hurts to reach out to a friend or loved one who is going through a difficult time, but sometimes it can be hard to formulate what to say.

Let them know how much you appreciate them and that you are always available if they need someone to lean on.

This can go both ways. Are you struggling with something right now? Do not hesitate to open up to someone. This can be a loved one, a friend, a family member, even me!

Wear a Green Ribbon

A green ribbon is what has represented Mental Health Day for years.

You can wear a green ribbon or something green today to show your support and make known that you are a part of the movement working to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health.

Remember That “It Is Okay Not to Be Okay”

Like I mentioned earlier, it is important to remember that you are not alone. We are all trying to get through this journey of life, but we need to support, empower, and uplift each other so that we can make the future a brighter place for our current and future generations.