Newsletter - October 10, 2025
World Mental Health Day “Opening a Window”
Each year on October 10th, the world pauses to recognize World Mental Health Day.
This year’s theme from the World Health Organization (WHO) reminds us of something profoundly simple — yet revolutionary:
Mental health is a universal human right.
Learn more at who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day.
Why This Day Matters
An estimated 1 in 7 people worldwide live with a mental disorder — over 1.1 billion human stories interwoven with families, workplaces, and communities.
Mental health challenges can disrupt relationships, work, and joy, but they do not define a person’s worth or potential.
The WHO emphasizes that while effective prevention and treatment options exist, most people still lack access to proper care.
Changing this reality begins with open, accurate, and compassionate conversation — something each of us can help create.
Key Facts from the WHO
1 in 7 people live with a mental disorder.
Anxiety and depression are the most common.
Stigma and discrimination remain major barriers to care.
Effective treatments exist, but most people never receive them
Among the most recognized conditions:
Anxiety disorders – 359 million
Depression – 280 million
Bipolar disorder – 37 million
PTSD – following trauma or life-threatening events
Schizophrenia – 23 million
Eating and neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD and Autism
And yet, one crucial conversation remains missing- where is FASD on the WHO mental health page? Stats indicate that 90% of people with FASD also struggle with mental health.
Understanding Mental
Health (and Misunderstandings)
We all experience stress, sadness, and anxiety — those are part of being human.
But when symptoms persist or begin to interfere with daily life, that’s when professional support is essential.
In today’s digital world, we need to be careful not to over-label or self-diagnose based on social media.
Over-diagnosis can unintentionally minimize the real and often lifelong challenges faced by those living with complex mental health conditions.
As Angela notes, “Being inclusive and affirming matters deeply — but not everyone sees their symptoms as a superpower. Many people are seeking understanding, compassion, and real treatment — not quick fixes.”
The Missing Piece: Prenatal Health and FASD
When discussing mental health, we must also talk about prenatal health.
Research shows a strong connection between early developmental exposures — including small amounts of prenatal alcohol or substance exposure — and lifelong mental health, academic and behavioural challenges. We need to dig a little deeper and think beyond mental health, behaviour, trauma and parenting issues when we see some complex symptoms. Service providers also need extra training to be better positioned to more accurately screen, assess and support in relevant and helpful ways.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is arguably the most under-recognized yet common neurodevelopmental disorder and is, more prevalent than Autism, Down Syndrome, Tourette’s Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy combined.
Individuals with FASD also quite often live with challenges related to anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Prevention begins with acknowledgment, and hope begins with early support.
A Moment of Music — “Open a Window” and “I’m Fine”
Music often says what conversations cannot.
The songs “Open a Window” by Jamie Warren and “I’m Fine” by Jessie T, captures the quiet strength it takes to live with hidden struggles:
“When you ask me if I’m okay….I hope you believe me when I say, ‘I’m fine’...” Jesse T
…. “It wasn’t something that I said, no it wasn’t something that I did… It was just one of those crazy days, but I love her anyways… Jamie
Behind “Open a Window” and “I’m fine” there are often layers of exhaustion, pain, confusion, and a longing for someone to simply sit beside, listen, and open a window to let a little light in.
Thank you to Jamie and Jessie for lending your voices to this conversation and helping shine light where silence often lives.
What Helps
If you or someone you care about is struggling:
Talk to someone you trust. Speaking your truth is the first step toward healing.
Reach out to your healthcare provider. Evidence-based treatments and supports exist. Proper assessment is essential.
Stay connected. Social support predicts recovery better than almost any other factor.
Nourish your body and rest your mind. Movement, nutrition, and sleep support resilience.
Remember: Not all symptoms mean illness — life is complex. But when struggles persist, don’t wait. Reaching out is an act of strength.
Closing Thoughts
World Mental Health Day isn’t just about awareness — it’s about action.
It’s about breaking stigma, building systems that work, and ensuring no one faces their mental health challenges alone.
Let’s also widen the conversation to include prenatal health and prevention, where so many of tomorrow’s stories begin.
As the WHO reminds us:
Mental health is a universal human right. Let’s make it a lived reality.
Until next time,
💛 Take care
Angela Geddes
Pop Up Training for Social Workers and Allied Health Practitioners
Our goal is to increase skills and capacity for CND/FASD screening, identification, and therapeutic support services to those of us who work on the ‘front line’. We aim to make it so there are fewer ‘wrong doors’ for individuals and families who are affected by puzzling behaviours, emotions and learning difficulties that may be related to prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). This training will result in individuals and families in need having more access to these helpful services.
VIRTUAL LIVE TRAINING
November 10 & 17, 8:30am to 12pm
2 x Half Day Session
Follow up Q&A Session: December 15 @ 10am
Nonviolent Resistance and AFCCA - Therapeutic Sessions
These sessions are designed for caregivers of teens or young adults who display intense anger that escalates into harmful or aggressive behaviours. The program is especially intended for families supporting youth with Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders, including those related to prenatal alcohol exposure and FASD.
Individual sessions will begin again in November, with the option to attend monthly group sessions for those who want to benefit from peer connection and support.
Features and Short News
We are honoured to have been asked to contribute to the Connected Together Newsletter in September “When Typical Strategies Fall Short”.
Our FASD Month prevention efforts have been shared on AlcoholCampaign.org. Raising awareness is key to prevention and support. Our FASD Month Awareness campaign backed, by a Canadian military veteran, called for broader public conversation on preconception and prenatal health.