Yesterday, 10 October, was World Mental Health Day — an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health and recognise the importance of our emotional wellbeing.

But our mental health deserves attention every day, not just on one day of the year.

Life can be busy. Between work, family, relationships and the responsibilities we carry, it can be easy to become so focused on getting through each day that we lose touch with how we're actually feeling.

Sometimes, what we experience within ourselves can go unnoticed. Stress, worry, sadness, exhaustion or a sense of disconnection can become part of everyday life, even when we're continuing to function on the outside.

Taking notice of our mental health begins with recognising that our inner experiences matter, too.

Our wellbeing is influenced by many things, including our physical health, our circumstances, our relationships and our sense of connection — both with ourselves and with others.

A meaningful conversation, feeling understood, spending time with people we care about, moments of rest or simply having space to process what we're experiencing can all play a part. What supports one person may look different for another, because we each have our own experiences, needs and ways of navigating life.

Mental health isn't about feeling good all the time or having everything figured out. It's part of being human, and it deserves the same care and attention we give to other aspects of our lives.

Perhaps the reminder of World Mental Health Day is one worth carrying with us throughout the year: to recognise what is happening within us, to acknowledge how we're feeling, and to remember that connection, understanding and support matter.

Your mental health matters yesterday, today and every day.