World Mental Health Day: When Stress and Anxiety Need Professional Help

Dr.Pavitra Shankar, 6 mins read

World Mental Health Day, observed on 10 October, is a reminder that emotional well-being deserves the same attention as physical health. For World Mental Health Day 2026, the World Health Organization has announced the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change". This year's theme focuses on involving people with mental health conditions in decisions that affect their lives.

Daily pressures like work stress, financial worries, caregiving, academic demands, and relationship challenges can significantly impact mental health. In fact, WHO reports that over 1 billion people worldwide are living with a mental health condition.

While occasional stress or anxiety is a normal part of life, seeking professional help becomes essential when these feelings grow persistent, overwhelming, or disruptive to daily routines.

Recognising stress symptoms early and seeking appropriate anxiety treatment are practical steps—not signs of weakness. With timely mental health support, people can learn effective ways to cope and regain a sense of balance.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health is an important part of our overall well-being. It includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental health affects how we think, feel, act, handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Good mental health helps us to do daily activities easily, increase work productivity, and connect with our community.

Mental health can change throughout life. When mental health conditions occur, they can affect emotions, thinking, and behaviour. Fortunately, with the right support and treatment, people can manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives.

Common conditions include:

1. Stress
2. Anxiety
3. Depression
4. Bipolar Disorder
5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

What Is the Difference Between Stress and Anxiety?

Stress often arises in response to a specific demand or challenge, such as an examination, a deadline or a family responsibility. It may ease when the situation changes or the challenge passes.

Anxiety can continue even when there is no immediate threat. It may involve ongoing worry, fear or a sense that something bad is about to happen. Stress and anxiety can occur together, and only a specialised psychiatrist can assess what may be contributing to someone’s experience.

Stress and anxiety: What's the difference?

Stress can be triggered by a certain demand or challenge, like an exam, deadline or family pressure. It may ease when the situation changes or the challenge ends.

Sometimes it is possible to experience anxiety without any immediate threat. It could be an ongoing concern, fear or feeling that something bad is going to happen. Stress and anxiety can occur together, and only a specialist can determine what is causing a person to experience stress and anxiety.

Common Stress Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

Stress has a variety of effects on the mind and the body. Some common stress symptoms include:

• Headaches, muscle tension or body aches  
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep  
• Fatigue, restlessness or irritability  
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions  
• Changes in appetite  
• Stomach discomfort or a racing heartbeat  
• Feeling overwhelmed or unable to manage everyday tasks

Physical causes may also be responsible for these symptoms. If they are new, severe or persistent, don't try to diagnose yourself, but seek advice from a healthcare professional.

When Does Anxiety Need Professional Help?

Occasional worry is a normal part of life. However, anxiety can become persistent or hard to control. It may also interfere with your ability to work, study, sleep, care for yourself, or maintain relationships. If this happens, consider speaking with a healthcare provider about your mental health.

Other signs that you may need support include feeling afraid of everyday situations or experiencing repeated periods of high stress. Using alcohol or drugs to cope with stress is another warning sign. You do not need to wait for symptoms to become unbearable. Early anxiety treatment can help you understand your feelings and find ways to move forward.

How Can Professional Help?

Your psychiatrist or other mental health professional can hear your concerns, evaluate your symptoms and discuss what can be done next. Caring is personal: what works well for one person doesn't work for everyone.

Anxiety treatment can include psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle advice, or a combination of these. Therapy can assist an individual in recognising patterns in their thinking and behaviour while practising coping skills and working through concerns. Medication can be used if appropriate and under the supervision of a physician.

Do not start, stop or change a prescription medication without talking to your doctor.

A professional can also help rule out or detect physical health causes of symptoms. Follow up appointments enable the care plan to be reviewed and updated over time.

Daily Activities That Can Support Well-being

Self-care is not a substitute for professional care when it is needed, but small, consistent habits may support emotional health:

• Keep a regular routine: Aim for consistent sleep and meal times where possible.  
• Get physically active: Gentle stretching or other activities that you enjoy may help relieve tension in the body.  
• Take mindful breaks: Slow breathing or a few minutes away from screens can help you pause and reset.  
• Talk with someone: Share your emotions with another person you trust.  
• Be realistic: Do small bits of work and leave time for rest.  
• Limit caffeine and alcohol: These can interfere with sleep or worsen feelings of discomfort in certain individuals.

If these steps aren't helping or if symptoms persist, seeking mental health support  is an appropriate next step, not a lack of self-care.

Why Do People Hesitate to Seek Mental Health Support?

In many Indian families, people may hesitate to talk about emotional issues due to stigma, fear of judgement, or worry about family reputation. Others might only experience distress as the sensation of tiredness, sleep or physical discomfort. If you listen without criticism, your loved one is more likely to be able to talk in an open manner.

When someone you care about appears withdrawn or stressed, ask them how they are, and listen to their reply. Refrain from using dismissive statements like “Just relax" or “Everybody has problems.” Instead, offer to help them find a qualified professional or accompany them to an appointment, if they wish. Patience, privacy and respect are essential components of mental health support.

Support and Care: Visit Aakash Healthcare

You do not have to manage persistent stress or anxiety alone. Aakash Healthcare has a dedicated psychiatric department where people can consult with qualified professionals and learn about suitable treatment options. The team can support you in assessing and discussing a plan for your individual needs, which could involve anxiety assessment and treatment if appropriate.  

To book an appointment, call 8800015905. Getting help is a healthy approach to increasing well-being.

Take the First Step

World Mental Health Day is a day to check in with yourself and others. Monitor changes in mood, sleep, energy, and everyday functioning. If stress symptoms or anxiety persist, become more frequent, or affect normal functioning, contact a doctor or psychiatrist. Timely mental health support can help you understand your needs and find a path toward feeling better.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or may self-harm, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest hospital.