When someone asks how you are doing, “I’m fine” is often the quickest answer. But behind those two words, a person may be dealing with stress, loneliness, emotional exhaustion or problems they are not ready to discuss. In some cases, the response is simply a social habit. In others, it may reflect a reluctance to share difficult feelings.
This World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for a shift in how society listens to people living with mental health conditions. Its 2026 theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” highlights the need to include their experiences in decisions about mental health policies, treatment and support services.
