When Ruchika Kanwal, founder and clinical psychologist at Anamkaaruh Therapy Care and Counselling warned that many people ignore the subtle clues their bodies and minds give, World Mental Health Day 2025 became a timely reminder that help is often just a conversation away.
Celebrated on World Mental Health Dayglobal, the annual observance was launched in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health with backing from the World Health Organization. This year’s theme, “Mental health in emergencies,” shines a light on the urgent need for psychological support during wars, pandemics and climate‑related disasters.
Why the Focus on Early Detection?
Kanwal says the biggest hurdle isn’t the lack of therapists—it’s the misconception that therapy is only for people who have “hit rock bottom.” She outlined four early warning signs that most of us can spot in ourselves or friends:
- Poor motivation – feeling stuck even when tasks are simple.
- Volatile emotions – mood swings that feel out of proportion.
- Physical changes – headaches, stomach aches or unexplained fatigue.
- Behavioural shifts – withdrawing from hobbies or social circles.
“Detecting subtle emotional, behavioural and physical changes early on can help people seek support before the distress turns into a full‑blown crisis,” Kanwal told HT Lifestyle.
Additional Insights from Dr. Malini Saba
Adding depth to the conversation, Dr. Malini Saba, psychologist, activist and founder of the Saba Family Foundation, highlighted a broader spectrum of signs during an interview with Business Standard. She grouped them into three buckets:
- Behavioural – withdrawing from conversations, isolating at work, losing interest in hobbies.
- Mood – irritability, persistent sadness, restlessness.
- Sleep – too much, too little, or restless sleep.
She reminded readers that “the body often speaks before the mind does.” Physical complaints like chronic headaches or a racing heartbeat can mask anxiety, depression, or stress.
Condition‑Specific Red Flags
To make things concrete, Dr. Saba broke down warning signs by disorder:
| Condition | Key Indicators |
|---|---|
| Anxiety | Restlessness, constant worry, avoidance behaviours |
| Depression | Withdrawal, hopelessness, loss of pleasure |
| Bipolar disorder | Impulsive highs and crushing lows |
| Psychosis | Paranoia, hallucinations, reality testing issues |
| Substance use | Secrecy, erratic moods, neglect of responsibilities |
| PTSD | Hyper‑alertness, intense triggers, emotional shutdown |
Understanding these nuances helps friends, families and employers spot problems before they spiral.
Resources on the Ground: SAMHSA’s Toolkit
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) rolled out its 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit on April 16, 2025. Though originally aimed at May’s awareness month, the toolkit offers printable infographics, social‑media guidelines and a recommended hashtag – #MHAM2025 – that can be leveraged during World Mental Health Day campaigns.
Public health officials argue that having a ready‑made resource kit cuts down on planning time for schools, workplaces and community groups, allowing them to focus on outreach and early‑intervention workshops.
Why This Matters to Everyday Readers
In practical terms, the early‑warning checklist can be the difference between a fleeting bout of stress and a prolonged episode that harms careers, relationships, and physical health. Consider Jane, a 34‑year‑old teacher from Chicago who ignored her growing fatigue and irritability. A colleague noticed her sudden “withdrawal” and encouraged her to speak with a counselor. Within weeks, Jane learned coping strategies that prevented a full‑blown burnout during the school year.
Stories like Jane’s underscore the article’s central message: you don’t need a crisis to seek help. A brief chat with a mental‑health professional can fortify emotional resilience, just as a regular physical exam catches early signs of disease.
Looking Ahead: Building a Culture of Early Care
Experts predict that as climate‑related emergencies rise, the demand for rapid‑response mental‑health teams will grow. The World Health Organization has already pledged to embed mental‑health professionals in emergency response units by 2027.
Meanwhile, universities such as Boston University are expanding therapy‑based curricula, teaching students to visualize anxiety and other emotions – a technique highlighted in their October 2025 article on therapy lessons.
All told, World Mental Health Day 2025 isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a call to normalize checking in on our mental‑health “vitals” before they go critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a friend is showing early warning signs?
Watch for sudden drops in motivation, mood swings, or physical complaints like headaches that have no medical explanation. If they start pulling away from activities they once loved, gently ask how they’re feeling and suggest a professional resource.
Why is mental health specifically highlighted in emergencies?
Crises such as wars, pandemics or natural disasters amplify stress, anxiety and trauma. Without early mental‑health support, affected populations can experience long‑term psychological harm that hinders recovery and community rebuilding.
What resources does SAMHSA provide for the public?
SAMHSA’s 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit includes printable posters, social‑media graphics with the #MHAM2025 hashtag, and step‑by‑step guides for schools and workplaces to launch early‑intervention programs.
Is therapy only for people with diagnosed mental illnesses?
No. Therapists help anyone looking to build emotional resilience, manage life transitions or simply gain better self‑awareness. As Ruchika Kanwal notes, you don’t need to hit rock bottom to benefit from professional support.
How will mental‑health services change in future emergencies?
The WHO plans to embed mental‑health specialists in disaster‑response teams worldwide by 2027, ensuring that psychological first aid is delivered alongside medical aid, which should reduce long‑term trauma in affected communities.
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DeMarcus Finley
I'm DeMarcus Finley, a sports enthusiast with a special passion for soccer. As an expert in the field, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and insights about the game with others. I've spent years studying and analyzing various aspects of soccer, from player stats to team dynamics. I love writing in-depth articles and engaging opinion pieces about the beautiful game. My goal is to inspire and educate soccer fans around the world with my unique perspective and expertise.
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