Starting this year, October 10 will be officially observed across Pohnpei State as Mental Health Awareness Day—a day to honor emotional well-being, break stigma, and strengthen community care.
Why October 10?
Globally, October 10 is recognized as World Mental Health Day, a day for advocacy, education, and awareness. (www.counseling.org) By aligning with that, Pohnpei joins the global movement while grounding it in our local context.
🌿 Why This Matters for Pohnpei
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Mental health is part of our health: stress, grief, isolation, and life transitions can affect all of us.
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In recent years, efforts in Pohnpei have already begun to integrate mental health in public health and community programs. For instance, in 2023 a Farmer Focus Conference in Pohnpei addressed stress, resilience, and mental well-being in agriculture. (University of Guam)
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Designating a dedicated day helps us make mental health visible, reduce shame, and encourage help-seeking behavior.
What We Aim to Do on This Day (and Beyond)
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Public events & gatherings: community walks, talks, storytelling circles, music, art — in Kolonia, rural areas, schools, churches.
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Awareness campaigns: posters, radio, social media, green ribbons or symbols to spark conversation.
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Information & resource booths: where people can learn about signs of distress, where to get help locally, and how to support one another.
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Peer support & listening spaces: safe spaces for people to share, to be heard, to connect.
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Training & capacity building: for health workers, teachers, pastors, community leaders to better understand and respond to mental health needs.
A Message to Our Community
Dear friends and neighbors,
On this first Mental Health Awareness Day in Pohnpei, let us remember: you are not alone. Whether you’re struggling with sadness, anxiety, stress, or simply feel “off” — your experience matters. Let this day be a reminder that caring for our minds is as important as caring for our bodies. We are here for all the people in our community, as a space to read, gather the self in peace and re-enter the world calmer.
Let’s make this day a turning point — in our homes, in our schools, in our churches, and in every village. Let’s speak openly, listen kindly, and act together. Let’s surround each other with compassion.
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