World Mental Health Day recognizes lived experience, connection, and local support 10-10-26

October 10, 2026

World Mental Health Day recognizes lived experience, connection, and local support

MOBILE, Ala. — World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to strengthen conversations about mental well-being, reduce stigma, and recognize the essential knowledge held by people with lived experience of mental health conditions.

Observed annually on October 10, World Mental Health Day 2026 carries the theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.” The campaign calls on communities, health systems, and decision-makers to meaningfully engage people with lived experience and recognize that their insight is a vital form of expertise. People who have navigated mental health conditions, sought care, supported a loved one, or faced barriers to services can help identify gaps and shape more responsive, compassionate support systems.

The Mobile County Health Department encourages residents to listen without judgment, talk openly about mental health, and make space for the voices of people who have personal experience with mental health challenges. Their perspectives can help families, schools, workplaces, and service providers understand better what support looks like in real life.

“Mental health is part of overall health, and people with lived experience have knowledge that no textbook, training, or policy document can fully replace,” said Mobile County Health Officer Dr. Kevin Michaels. “On World Mental Health Day, we encourage our community to listen, learn, speak openly, and connect people to care. When real voices are heard, we can make meaningful change together.”

Mobile County is fortunate to have local organizations providing behavioral-health services, crisis support, counseling, and connections to care. The county’s community health centers offer integrated services that can help address both physical and mental health needs. In addition, AltaPointe Health serves as Mobile County’s comprehensive community mental health provider and a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, offering a broad range of mental health and substance-use services, access-to-care coordination, and 24/7 crisis services.

For immediate emotional support, anyone can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and speak with a trained counselor. Residents can also dial 211 to connect with local counseling, social services, and other community resources close to home.

AltaPointe’s Access to Care line is available at 251-450-2211. Its Behavioral Health Crisis Center in Mobile provides around-the-clock crisis assessment, observation, stabilization, medication, therapy, and psychiatric care; the Crisis Center can be reached at 251-662-8000.

The Mobile County Health Department also provides behavioral-health services for adolescents and adults, including brief treatment and interventions related to depression, anxiety, healthy living practices, and coping with chronic health conditions. Behavioral Health appointments and referrals are available by calling 251-690-8822.

World Mental Health Day is a reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength, listening can be an act of support, and every resident has a role in creating a community where mental health is understood, respected, and supported.