mental health – Prolific Pulse Blog

Today, October 10, 2026, is World Mental Health Day, and this year’s theme is “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.” Below are some questions to reflect on and simple activities to help families, friends and groups listen to one another.

What Is World Mental Health Day?

World Mental Health Day was first observed in 1992 at the initiative of Richard Hunter, then Deputy Secretary General of the World Federation for Mental Health. It is marked every year on October 10, with a new theme each year to focus attention on a different part of mental health.

The 2026 Theme: “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”

How does this year’s theme affect you and me? I believe it is about all of us, and our personal need to stay mentally healthy or to find the path to get there. People who have lived through mental health challenges know things that no textbook can teach, and when their voices are truly heard, real change follows.

Mental health is a personal and a long-lasting concern with people I have cared for and about for much of my life. As a social worker and advocate for mental health I believe that lack of services, accessibility to services, and the stigma associated with mental health are major factors. If we don’t address these, we risk more distancing leading to poor care.

5 Questions to Reflect On

1. Do you recall a time when you felt truly understood? What did the other person do that fostered this feeling? Often it is simple things, like listening without interrupting or not rushing to fix the problem.

2. What unique insights do clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience each hold that others might miss? Each group sees mental health from a different angle, and the best care brings all three together.

3. How has openness from public figures shifted attitudes about mental health? Think of social influencers, celebrities, athletes and others in all areas of life who have spoken honestly about their struggles.

4. What risks do people take when they share their stories, and how can we protect them? For example, workplace environments and attitudes, stigma about mental health, and the pain of reliving difficult experiences.

5. What changes have you seen that made a real difference? If you have heard stories from others or experienced improvements yourself, such as legal changes, funding or better access to services, what made those changes possible? What factors played into them?

Activities for Putting Mental Health into Practice

1. The two-minute listening circle

In a family, circle of friends, church group, or simply around a table over nachos, each person has two uninterrupted minutes to share. Listeners respond to what they heard before anyone offers ideas or advice.

2. Redesign a local service

Pick a real service, such as a school counseling program, and redesign one feature with people who have experienced or observed its gaps. Perhaps there are accessibility issues in your community that the group can help resolve. Factors to consider include stigma, language barriers and cost.

3. Rethink everyday language

Recognize slang terms related to mental health and discuss how they shape perceptions of people with lived experience. What are some better expressions to use instead?

4. Share one helpful habit

Have each person name one thing that helps when talking with someone who has lived experience, such as asking open questions, being patient with silence, or simply saying “thank you for telling me.”

Frequently Asked Questions

When is World Mental Health Day?

World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10.

What is the World Mental Health Day 2026 theme?

The 2026 theme is “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” announced by the World Federation for Mental Health.

Who started World Mental Health Day?

World Mental Health Day was started in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health, at the initiative of its Deputy Secretary General, Richard Hunter.

Where to Find Help

Always and forever, please know that there is help.

In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
Outside the U.S., see Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World from Psychology Today.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call your local emergency number.

Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld is a never-retired social worker who is currently an artist, writer, and publisher in Raleigh, North Caroline.

mental health

World Suicide Prevention Day – Changing the Narrative: What Several Years of Suicide Intervention Taught Me About Silence

September 10, 2026 Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

A graphic featuring two hands with heart shapes, accompanied by the text 'You are not alone. Help is available whenever you need it.' It promotes Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Sources: WSPD – IASP Home | SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Many of us learned the same unspoken rule while growing up: if someone might struggle with suicidal thoughts, tread carefully, change the subject, and do not say the word out loud. They taught us that staying silent is the safest option.

It isn’t. And today — World Suicide Prevention Day — groups emphasise exactly that concept. This year’s theme, set by the International Association for Suicide Prevention, is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” The call to action is simple: have the honest conversation instead of the careful silence.

Where I’m coming from

I spent years doing suicide intervention work across every age group — children, teenagers, adults, and older adults. I have walked many clients down the hall of the mental health center to be evaluated by the doctors.

A withdrawn fourteen-year-old and a grieving seventy-year-old can both be at serious risk, and they rarely look alike. I’ve sat with both. What I want to pass on here isn’t a clinical lecture — it’s what actually held up, conversation after conversation, across all of those ages.

The narrative that needs to change

Suicide is not a sudden, singular crisis. Risk builds quietly, shows up differently depending on who’s carrying it, and touches every age bracket. An older adult withdrawing after a loss, a middle-aged parent who’s stopped mentioning the future, a teenager who’s gone quiet online instead of loud — none of these fit the crisis-movie version of what suicide risk looks like, and that mismatch is exactly why people miss it, including in people they love.

The myth worth killing

If I could correct one thing people believe, it’s this: asking someone directly if they’re thinking about suicide does not plant the idea or make it more likely. It’s the opposite. Every study and every hour of practice I’ve had says the same thing: a direct, calm question is protective. You convey to the other person who is exhibiting suicidal ideations that you will remain steady. Silence isolates people. A direct question opens a door.

What you can actually do today

I am no longer a clinician, but I have long since encountered persons contemplating suicide. It’s confusing, at times, to know if their thoughts are legitimate or they are having a rough time, but not suicidal. Often, it is that they need someone to truly listen.

You don’t need a clinical background to matter here. A few things that consistently help:

Ask directly. Not “you’re not thinking of hurting yourself, right?” but a plain, unhurried “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” The directness itself is a kindness.

Listen without rushing to fix it. You don’t need the right response. You need not look away.

Know when to bring in more support. Caring about someone doesn’t mean you have to carry it alone — knowing when to loop in a professional or a crisis line is part of showing up well, not a failure to help enough. You are not there to cure them, but to help them get the help they need.

Follow up again later. Not once. A check-in three days later, and again the week after, tells someone the concern wasn’t a one-time performance.

If you’re the one struggling

If you are experiencing these thoughts now, you don’t need to worry about finding the right words for someone else. In the US, you can call or text 988 anytime. Outside the US, findahelpline.com will point you to a local helpline. Reaching out is not a bigger deal than what you’re carrying; it’s just the next small step.

The point of today

Changing the narrative isn’t a slogan. The difference becomes practical when someone asks a direct question without flinching, contrasting with a person silently suffering to protect others. Any of us can start that conversation. It doesn’t take a professional to have it — it just takes going first.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) in the US, or visit findahelpline.com for international resources.

caregiving

Caregiver Appreciation Day

March 2, 2026March 2, 2026 Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels.com

Caregiver Appreciation Day is March 3, 2026. This day honors those who selflessly care for others’ welfare. This follows National Caregivers Day in February, affiliated with Home | The National Alliance for Caregiving With a similar focus, it makes sense that there be more than one day in the year to recognize the most important caregivers of life and life preservation. There is also Caregiver’s Month is November. Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization. Caregiver Action Network: Resources for Family Caregivers

I’ve been a caregiver many times, finding no role more meaningful, at least for me. When I say this, I am talking about many aspects of caregiving, whether it be working together with a team, working in a compact unit such as family caregiving, or caregiving as an individual unit. And there are other types of caregiving. Certain caregivers get compensated; others do not. The greatest pay is the satisfaction of feeling confident in knowing that others get the care they truly need.

Share your journey as a caregiver. What support was available to help you in this role? I put together a section in my book, Caring for Souls: “Stress Management for the Caregiver”

Caregivers and receivers alike are vulnerable to stress. Stress affects health and personal relationships. If your resources to handle situations are low or depleted, there is more vulnerability to becoming ill or to have much confusion.

Having experienced caregiving roles and intermediary positions, I understand the necessity of evaluating effective and ineffective methods. These are simply suggestions. You, of course, do what works for you.

Ideally, one of the best ways to manage stress is to build an arsenal of awareness which is stocked daily. Some items that may help:

· Assertiveness. Develop the skill to decline activities that destabilize your energy and time.

· Feelings Checks. Communicate how you feel. This clears the air and helps you recognize the value of feelings. How often have we held onto certain feelings and discovered that once we communicate them, we heal?

· Have fun! Don’t let life pass by without savoring its joys. Take the time to play games, read, work on creative projects, play music, go to movies, stay in for movies, go out to eat or order in, and do whatever you truly enjoy.

· Exercise. You needn’t run marathon distances. Enjoy the outdoors, walk through your neighborhood, or visit local shops or fitness centers. Senior centers offer many options for exercise and fun. Some even have adult day programs for your person.

· Journal. Keep a journal for yourself, along with encouraging the family to do the same. This provides release, insight, problem-solving, and personal documentation. They also come in handy when going to medical appointments.

· Flexibility. Sometimes it seems like a day is full of compromises. When caring for others, you often have to change plans to meet their needs. Accepting that each day has surprising moments makes it easier to handle whatever comes your way.

· Nutritional meals. Feed your internal arsenal to build stamina and energy stores. Treat yourself to foods you like and make meals a featured event. If able, it can be a fun activity to prepare meals with your person. Maybe they can prepare the table, wash produce, do other meaningful work, or simply stay with you as you prepare.

· Medication and supplements. Sustained use of prescribed medication is essential. Supplement the diet with necessary vitamins and minerals.

· Engagement. Involve your family member who has medical needs in activities you enjoy. Of course, safety first. This helps to build strong, healthy relationships. Getting others involved in activities also helps with socialization.

· Respite. If workable, please steal moments from your family. Other family members or friends could provide respite care. If this is not possible, then check into respite care programs in the community. Note: for end-of-life care, such as in-home hospice, it is more difficult to manage. Even a step outside is supreme relief.

· Reality Checking. Expect some frustrating days. Accepting that there are going to be these days will help you release stress. Be good to yourself. On unpleasant days, try your best to adapt.

LindaAnn LoSchiavo, a caregiver for her mother, who had terminal cancer, expressed her story well in her chapbook Cancer Courts My Mother.” She put together this video, and I believe it illustrates what people can relate to as a caregiver and helps to increase awareness.

Caregivers will derive comfort and solace from the poems in LindaAnn LoSchiavo’s award-winning book “Cancer Courts My Mother” AND in this special horoscope she has created for all the volunteer caregivers out there.

Sample of Cancer Courts My Mother https://buy.bookfunnel.com/db5iql4jef

TTOT

Ten Things of Thankful-September 15, 2025

September 15, 2025 Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

Are we on the edge of fall?

It seems there’s a message in the air.

Winds have calmed and sun has dozed.

Crispness fills the air.

Hello and welcome to TTOT for you and for me!

I hope you all have had a thankful week. I know mine has been full of mini and monumental moments. Today, I am a bit blog happy with so much goings on.

Saturday, we went to my first in-person NC Poetry Society meeting. I have attended online, but this was pretty cool. It was made possible by their holding it in Cary, just a little way down the road. Here’s a picture that Mari Fitz-Wynn took of us. I am in the middle, and my friend Chanah Wizenberg is on the right.

Yesterday afternoon, I set up my very first book fair table. Sweetheart was able to be with me and as we dined the lunch at the venue, we called it a “date.” It’s been a busy time for both of us, and we grab those moments with gratitude. We tried our very first smashburger and while it was good, I think I like mine juicier, but it was not too bad.

We both enjoyed the fair. As one who likes to observe my surroundings, I had a great seat which I was able to select as an early bird. If you know Hans and I, you know we like to arrive on time, if not way early. We had fun setting up tables and decorating ours. Purple is my favorite color, so we did it all up in purples.

It’s been so lovely outside that I was able to swim at the Y for one of the sessions.

It was a little brry, but the pool was heated and the little cool gave us incentive to move! I will call that a win!

I learned how to make little zines to hand out at the book fair. People who took them, really loved them. Thanks to Poet Loralee Clark (oh yes, I did put a link there) who created a video to demonstrate how to make them. They are so much fun that I may have a new project to add to my long list. I thought it was the sweetest thing that she took the time to create this video and it was just perfect. Thank you, Loralee!

The Unhoused-Yearning for Home project is coming to a close for submissions. We have had several submissions and hope to get more. We are greatly in need of cover art.

In response to a Pampered Chef party, several friends stepped up and donated to the Women’s Center of Wake County by ordering. I’ll be stopping into the center soon to take them the proceeds. I am grateful for people who stepped up to help these women. Also, I put up my birthday wish on Facebook and someone donated to it, as well. That also goes to the Women’s Center. A percentage of proceeds from Unhoused will also go to the center. I am overjoyed with the responses.

As of today, tax season part two will end in just over a month. Technically, October 25 since the extensions happened in this state, but I am calling it October 15. It just sounds better.

Well, that’s a lot a good stuff up there, doncha think? What’s your TTOT? Drop a line or two to share.

TTOT

Ten Things of Thankful-September 8, 2025

September 8, 2025 Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

It’s TTOT and I am long past the time. A friend reminded me of the importance of sharing our thankfuls and now I feel renewed to share. 1. I am grateful for friends who remind us about what’s important. 2. I am grateful for a washer and dryer. I was recently reminded about how that’s a modern convenience that not all are so fortunate to have. I really think I would be lost without them. 3. I am grateful that my daughter has been at her position as barista for one year this past August. She is doing so well and even been in the promotional videos. She is loving it! 4. I am grateful for my friend from Australia who sends me these beautiful handmade cards. It really cheers me up. And that she has made a connection with my daughter who is our card maker. 5. I am grateful for the wonderful support from my loved ones. My husband has attended many a meeting with me, not because he’s all that interested, but because he is interested in me and us being together. That’s the sweetest. And I am thankful for him. 6. I am grateful for each day that is closer to the end of the second tax season. We have one month and seven days. 7. I am grateful for my crockpot which is cooking supper and bonus grateful for the deals I find in the grocery store. It’s a challenge and I do like a good challenge. 8. I am grateful for the pumpkin blossoms that are simply that. I know the why is because they need more room for roots, but the blossoms have been fun. Along with these, I have had two roses, one at a time, show up from the miniature rose bush, potted on the patio. And the orange mystery flowers that have come up. 9. I am grateful that my insurance covers a gym membership and that I have been able to attend the aquatic exercise programs. Plus, it also covers an exercise program that is specifically designed for my needs, for at home. 10. You. You are loving, patient, and kind.

Today is the last day I can post this and get in the link. Perhaps you could write a list and share, too. Anyways, click on this link and see the other TTOT’s.