World Mental Health Day 2025: Access to Services – Supporting Mental Health in Times of Crisis

Every year on 10 October, the world comes together to recognise World Mental Health Day, a global movement to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote positive mental wellbeing for all.

In 2025, the theme is “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” This focus highlights the urgent need to ensure mental health care remains available and effective during crises such as natural disasters, conflict, displacement, and pandemics.

Why this year’s theme matters

When catastrophe strikes, mental health support is often overlooked. Yet the psychological toll of crises is immense — from grief, fear, and trauma to long-term anxiety and depression.

According to the World Health Organization, one in five people in crisis-affected areas live with a mental health condition. Despite this, mental health services are still underfunded and under prioritised in emergency responses.

This year’s campaign calls on governments, organisations, and individuals to make mental health a permanent part of disaster preparedness and recovery. The message is clear: care should not stop when crisis begins.

Medical Cannabis and Mental Health, What We Know in 2025

For those living with ongoing mental health challenges, treatment can be complex. When traditional options such as medication or therapy fall short, many explore alternative or complementary approaches, including medical cannabis.

The potential benefits

Recent research continues to explore how certain components of cannabis, particularly CBD (cannabidiol), may help manage symptoms of:

• Anxiety
• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Depression
• Insomnia

Some studies suggest medical cannabis may promote relaxation, help regulate emotional processing, and improve sleep quality, all key to supporting mental health and resilience.

The need for caution

However, 2025 research offers a more nuanced picture. While cannabis may provide short-term relief for some, it is not a cure-all.

High-THC products, those with strong psychoactive effects, have been linked to an increased risk of psychosis, paranoia, and cognitive decline, especially with heavy or long-term use. Self-medicating without medical guidance can also worsen symptoms of anxiety or depression.

If you’re considering medical cannabis, it’s essential to consult with a qualified clinician to discuss product type, dosage, and any potential risks or interactions.

Moving Forward, Making Mental Health a Global Priority

This World Mental Health Day, let’s commit to:

• Advocating for access: ensuring mental health care is available before, during, and after emergencies.
• Challenging stigma: normalising conversations about emotional wellbeing.
• Supporting research: advancing understanding of safe, effective treatments, including medical cannabis.
• Checking in: with ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities.

At Lyphe, we believe that mental health is an essential part of overall wellbeing. Through awareness, compassion, and continued research, we can help create a world where everyone, no matter their circumstances, has access to the care they need.

Join the conversation

Use #WorldMentalHealthDay and #AccessToServices to share your thoughts, stories, and support across social media. Together, we can make mental health a global priority, today and every day.

Ready to take the next step?

If you’re exploring how medical cannabis could support your mental health, Lyphe Clinic is here to help.

Our expert clinicians provide personalised, evidence-based care for patients with conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, and insomnia, always prioritising safety, transparency, and your long-term wellbeing.

Book your consultation today at lyphe.com and take the first step towards a calmer, more balanced life.