World Mental Health Day is a reminder that mental health deserves our attention every single day. It’s a time to come together, to listen, to show compassion, and to take care of ourselves and each other. Like most awareness days, it puts a spotlight on a topic of great importance. Everyone has mental health – it matters every day of the year, but the 10^th of October is a chance for us to share the common humanity of mental health struggles. On this day, Monte Nido encourages everyone to value their own mental health and that of others through greater understanding and empathy.

The 2025 theme, Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies, highlights how disasters, conflicts, and crises amplify the need for accessible, compassionate mental health care. During such times, individuals often experience heightened anxiety, trauma, or disordered coping behaviors — including eating disorders.

At Monte Nido, we believe that no one should face mental health challenges alone. This year’s theme reminds us that mental well-being must remain a priority, even — and especially — in times of crisis. By expanding access to evidence-based, trauma-informed care, we can ensure recovery and resilience remain within reach for all.

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What is World Mental Health Day and When Is It?

World Mental Health Day is observed globally every year on October 10, led by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) and recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). The first observance took place in 1992, with the goal of promoting open dialogue about mental health and improving access to services worldwide.

Since then, WMHD has evolved into a global movement. Governments, mental health organizations, and advocacy groups use this day to spark conversations, share education, and highlight both progress and ongoing barriers to care.

Every year, a new theme addresses a critical mental health issue — from stigma reduction to workplace wellness, from youth mental health to post-pandemic recovery. In 2025, the focus turns toward mental health during catastrophes and emergencies, calling attention to how natural disasters, conflict, and instability disrupt access to essential care.

For individuals with eating disorders, these challenges can make recovery even more difficult — underscoring the importance of specialized, integrated support.

WMHD 2025 Theme: Access to Services - Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies

When disasters occur — whether environmental, political, or public health–related — mental health often takes a back seat to physical survival. Yet these moments can have profound psychological effects, from acute stress to long-term trauma.

Why this year’s theme matters:

• Crisis amplifies vulnerability. Displacement, grief, and loss can trigger or worsen mental health conditions.

• Access to care is disrupted. Many people lose contact with providers or struggle to find support during emergencies.

• Ongoing treatment is vital. For those managing eating disorders or other chronic mental illnesses, consistent care is essential to stability and recovery.

• Community-based care saves lives. Connecting individuals to telehealth, online therapy, and local resources can maintain continuity of care.

At Monte Nido, we believe that mental health services must remain accessible — even when life feels unpredictable. Our virtual programs extend specialized eating disorder treatment to clients nationwide, helping them maintain support and connection during times of change.

Eating Disorders and Mental Health

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions, not lifestyle choices. They affect emotions, behaviors, and physical health — often developing as ways to manage pain, anxiety, or trauma.

These illnesses thrive in silence, which is why continued education and awareness are critical. Like other mental health challenges, eating disorders require specialized, compassionate care to address both the psychological and physical components of recovery.

Why eating disorders are mental health issues:

• They stem from emotional distress, not vanity or willpower.

• They’re often linked to perfectionism, low self-esteem, or control needs.

• They coexist with other disorders, such as depression or anxiety.

• They respond best to integrated, evidence-based mental health treatment.

At Monte Nido, our multidisciplinary teams focus on the whole person — exploring underlying emotions and teaching new ways to cope, connect, and care for oneself. Healing begins when we treat the mind, body, and spirit together.

Are Eating Disorders a Mental Illness?

Yes — eating disorders are classified as mental health disorders by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). They are not choices or phases, but serious conditions that can affect physical and emotional well-being.

Common misconceptions — such as the belief that eating disorders are “only about food” or “only affect a certain body type” — can delay diagnosis and treatment. In reality, these disorders are rooted in complex psychological, social, and biological factors.

Recognizing eating disorders as mental illnesses helps reduce stigma and reinforces the importance of professional treatment. Recovery requires addressing both the emotional and behavioral dimensions — and with the right support, full healing is possible.

Conditions Often Co-occurring with Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are just one form of mental health illness. It is common for the people we help to experience other psychiatric illnesses on top of their eating disorder    

On WMHD, we notice and appreciate how poor mental health negatively impact life functioning and goals. The longer that people struggle in silence, the more severe and impairing symptoms can become, and the farther that people move away from the lives they want to lead.  

Common co-occurring conditions include:

• Depression: Persistent sadness, guilt, or hopelessness

• Anxiety disorders: Worry, panic, or obsessive thoughts related to food or body image

• Bipolar disorder: Mood fluctuations that affect appetite and self-regulation

• Substance use disorders: Using drugs or alcohol as a form of coping

Research shows that over 85% of individuals with eating disorders have at least one additional mental health diagnosis.

Monte Nido utilizes several evidence-based treatment approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to address these overlapping concerns. By treating the root causes alongside symptoms, clients develop healthier relationships with themselves — and with recovery.

Eating Disorders and PTSD

How trauma influences disordered eating:

• Eating behaviors may become coping mechanisms to manage distress or regain control.

• Body image can become distorted as a result of trauma or dissociation.

• Triggers can reignite symptoms long after the event has passed.

At Monte Nido, we know from our own research (link) that clients with trauma and PTSD come to treatment with more severe eating disorders than those clients who do not have PTSD. We work hard to provide trauma-informed care across all programs.  

Healing from trauma takes time — but with safety, understanding, and skilled support, recovery is not only possible, it’s sustainable.

How to Support Mental Health Awareness on WMHD

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity for everyone — individuals, families, and organizations — to help normalize conversations about mental health and advocate for better access to care.

On this World Mental Health Day, we fight against the eating disorder’s tendency to push people toward isolation and disconnection. Through an emphasis on self-awareness and communication we support our clients and alumni to acknowledge their mental health struggles. Communicating one’s needs in the midst of mental health struggles is difficult, requiring courage and vulnerability. Some important skills that align with the values of WMHD (increased awareness, decreased stigma, and mobilizing efforts) include:

• Taking the time and space for mindful self-reflection to identify your own needs in the moment,  

• Communicating specifically what would be helpful from the supportive people in your life who care for you

• Practice being kind, compassionate, and non-judgmental in your reactions toward yourself and others.

Here are a few ways to get involved:

• Educate yourself and others: Share facts and resources about mental health and eating disorders.

• Start conversations: Ask loved ones how they’re doing — and listen without judgment.

• Advocate for access: Support policies and organizations working to make treatment affordable and inclusive.

• Show support: Small gestures of empathy can help someone feel less alone.

At Monte Nido, we see awareness as the first step toward change. Every conversation helps dismantle stigma and creates space for compassion and understanding — two of the most powerful tools for healing.

Resources for Eating Disorders & Mental Health Support

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or an eating disorder, help is available.

National and Global Resources:

• The Trevor Project – Crisis and suicide prevention support for LGBTQIA+ youth

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – Free, 24/7 mental health support in the U.S.

Monte Nido Resources:

• Monte Nido Blog – Articles on eating disorders, trauma, and mental health

• Eating Disorder Treatment Programs – Inclusive, evidence-based treatment options

• Trauma-Informed Care at Monte Nido – Learn more about our approach

If you’re facing challenges accessing treatment, we encourage you to reach out — our team can help you explore care options and discuss what support might be available.  

Monte Nido also partners with organizations like Project HEAL, which offers assistance and advocacy for individuals experiencing barriers to eating disorder care. You don’t have to navigate this alone — help and resources are here for you.

Taking the Next Step: Reach Out for Help

This World Mental Health Day, remember that mental health is health — and everyone deserves access to care that is compassionate, evidence-based, and affirming.

This year’s theme aligns with Monte Nido’s mission to constantly expand our insurance contracts and design financial agreements with other insurance companies when we can. We focus on maintaining or acquiring access to support services at all levels of care through comprehensive discharge and relapse prevention planning.  

Our clients and alumni often describe the challenges they face in identifying and seeking support for mental health struggles; it is such a common experience. At Monte Nido, we prioritize the development of self-advocacy to increase our client’s access to people, organizations, and resources that support ongoing recovery.  

Monte Nido is here for people at every stage of their recovery and mental health journey.  Whether you’re asking for help, waiting for mental health support, supporting someone close to you, or feeling unseen or unheard, you’re not alone.

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