World Mental Health Day Prioritizing Your Mind for a Healthier Life

World Mental Health Day

Prioritizing Your Mind for a Healthier Life

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

Year after year people around the globe recognize October 10^th as World Mental Health Day. It serves as a day to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage open, honest conversations about mental health. More than just a date on the calendar, it’s a movement to help people realize this one truth: your mental health matters just as much as your physical health — maybe even more.

Mental health affects how we feel, think, and navigate the world. It influences how we cope with stress, build relationships, and make everyday decisions. Prioritizing your mental well-being can change your life — and it starts with small steps that build connection, courage, and care.

Everyone experiences emotional highs and lows. But when we consistently neglect our mental health, it can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, and even more serious outcomes. That’s why it’s so important to make mental health a priority, just like we do with eating well, exercising, or going for checkups.

Taking care of your mental health leads to:

Stronger emotional resilience

Better sleep and concentration

More fulfilling relationships

Increased confidence and self-worth

Greater ability to handle life’s challenges

And good news — mental wellness is within reach for everyone, often through simple actions like practicing self-care, talking with someone you trust, or joining a supportive community.

One of the most meaningful ways to support your mental health is by connecting with others who understand your journey. Support groups provide a safe space for sharing, healing, and growing — together. One such group is Coffee with Veterans.

Pathways invites all Veterans to come out, connect, and socialize with other Veterans who have walked similar paths.

"Our goal is to create a community of Veterans that share stories and resources with each other. We all have unique experiences, and bond through brotherhood and sisterhood, shared Pathways." This group meets every Wednesday, at 5 p.m. at 201 22^nd Street, Ashland, KY.

                  Whether you’re seeking connection or simply a friendly face who understands, this group is open and welcoming.

For Families Coping with Suicide Loss… A powerful resource for mental health support comes from The Kentucky Center for Grieving Children and Families, offering a vital program for parents and caregivers.

The Program- How Families Can Create Conversation and Connection around Suicide Loss will take place on, Wednesday, Oct.22, from 6:00–7:00 PM. This is a one hour free online training for anyone that this could benefit.  For more information call, 859.813.2759

This one-hour online session is specifically designed for parents and caregivers of children and teens who have experienced the suicide loss of someone important in their lives. It’s a compassionate space to learn how to create open, healing conversations at home — and to know you're not alone in the grief.

No matter what you enjoy doing or what you feel most connected to, joining a group or a club is a great way to prioritize your mental health. Being surrounded people that have been through what you have creates an instant connection that can make you feel understood and heard. 

Even with growing awareness, stigma around mental health and suicide still exists. But it doesn't have to. Talking openly about these topics, asking for help, and supporting one another sends a powerful message: you are not alone, and healing is possible.

Whether you’re a Veteran, a caregiver, a parent, or someone simply navigating the ups and downs of daily life — your story matters. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. And helping others talk about their mental health creates a ripple effect that can change lives.

This World Mental Health Day, take a moment to reflect, reach out, and reconnect — with yourself and those around you. Whether it’s attending a support group, joining a training session, or simply calling a friend to talk, every action you take in support of mental health helps build a stronger, more compassionate community.

Are you part of a club or group that you feel others could benefit from? If so, please send any all information to Sasha Bush at editor@ashlandbeacon.com. Let’s keep the conversation going — not just today, but every day. Together, we can create a world where mental health is not just accepted but celebrated, supported, and cared for.