World Mental Health Day 2025
This World Mental Health Day, we asked mental health advocates around the world what ‘Move for Mental Health’ means to them.
Watch some of their answers below.
What does #MoveForMentalHealth mean to you?
Tell us in the comments here.
Move for mental health
When asked what #MoveForMentalHealth means, our staff, partners, global advocates, government ministers, and private sector leaders made it abundantly clear:
1. Movement matters: Physical movement – big and small – can support mental wellbeing.
2. We’re all part of a bigger movement: There’s a mental health movement happening right now. From personal, physical movement, to the global movement for better mental health for everyone, everywhere.
New blogs and resources
Download the new ‘Need2Know – Movement and Mental Health‘, guide by the Global Mental Health Action Network and lululemon. It contains the latest research on the link between physical and mental health.
Read this reflection on mental health movement, by Kate Cavelle – Global Head of Social Impact at A&O Shearman, our new partner.
Read this blog by Sally Houghton, UnitedGMH Director of Fundraising, about how she moves for mental health. Co-authored with our friends at lululemon.
Physical movement
Regular exercise significantly reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. Moving releases “feel-good” brain chemicals that boost mood and confidence.
Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
"Movement is beneficial to my state of mind and confidence…:
Siviwe Soyizwapi: Rugby Player for South Africa's Springboks Sevens
For Siviwe, professional rugby player, ‘Move for Mental Health’ is about confidence and rejuvenation. Movement helps him forget the stresses and enjoy the present.
"Movement is so important for our mental health…"
Sasha, Advocate, Lebanon
For Sasha, a member of the Global Mental Health Action Network, movement is about not only dancing, but also the broader mental health advocacy movement.
"The more activity, the better…"
Dave Wheeler, New Balance
Dave Wheeler, Chief Operating Officer of New Balance, told us that Move for Mental Health – to him – means getting young people from behind screens and out moving.
"Movement helps me process the day. It's such a vital part of my life."
Cullen Jones: Professional Swimmer, Olympian, World Record Holder
Cullen Jones, professional swimmer, tells us that Move for Mental Health is about building healthy habits, and getting young people to understand how important physical movement is.
"We're here talking about the links between physical and mental health – and they are very real."
Sarah Kline, CEO of UnitedGMH
Sarah was recently invited to a panel discussion, hosted by the World Federation of Sporting Goods Industry, to discuss how physical and mental health are clearly linked.
"A move for mental health is a move for wellness…"
Charmaine Nyakonda: Mental Health Specialist, Zimbabwe
Charmaine Nyakonda, from Grassroot Soccer in Zimbabwe, and a member of the Global Mental Health Action Network, tells us that Move for Mental Health is about recognising the importance of investing in fun, play-based, sport-based innovations for adolescent mental health prevention and promotion.
The global mental health policy movement
“It is time to move for mental health. Let everyone, everywhere, across the globe, enjoy mental wellbeing. We have spoken enough… It is time to act. Let’s get kinetic about it. It’s time to move for mental health.”
Zion, Mental Health Advocate, Nigeria
"Advocating for better, more integrated policies…"
Lucero, Advocate, Peru
Lucero, Executive Director of De-Mentes in Peru, tells us that Move for Mental Health is about advocating for better mental health support – whether clinical or community-based.
"We have spoken enough. It is time to act."
Zion, Advocate, Nigeria
Zion, founder of The Mandate Health Empowerment Initiative, and a member of the Global Mental Health Action Network, says that Move for Mental Health is about turning talk into action for everyone, everywhere.
"Moving together as a community, to push for change…"
Puspita, Advocate, Indonesia
Puspita, mental health advocate from Indonesia, and a Being Youth Advisor, tells us that Move for Mental Health is about building momentum for a world where mental health can be understood.
"We have spoken enough. It is time to act."
Evheniya, Advocate, Ukraine
Evheniya, Deputy Director of Teenergizer, and a member of the Global Mental Health Action Network, says that Move for Mental Health is about supporting our friends, sharing our emotions, and healing together.
Help us move for mental health
Invest in a future where everyone, everywhere has access to the mental health support they need.
Globally, more than one billion people have a mental health condition – but the vast majority live without the care and support they need. Together, we are changing that.
Be part of the movement.