World Mental Health Day
From Listening to Connection: Responding to the Global Mental Health Crisis with Conscience
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze
Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men
President of the Federation of World Peace and Love
Vice President of the Association of World Citizens,
NGO in Consultative Status with ECOSOC and Associated with the UN DPI
October 10, 2026
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good day to you all!
In 1992, the World Federation for Mental Health launched World Mental Health Day as a global initiative, reminding the world that mental health is just as important as physical health. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders; it is a state of mental well-being that enables individuals to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, connect with others, and contribute to their communities.
The theme for 2026, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” calls for mental health systems to draw not only on professional expertise, but also on the meaningful participation of people with lived experience in shaping policies and services, so that mental health care can better respond to people’s real needs while respecting their dignity.
According to the latest data from the World Health Organization, more than one billion people worldwide are affected by mental health conditions. War and conflict, climate change, economic and social uncertainty, poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic all continue to contribute to anxiety and stress. At the same time, the rapid evolution of technology and the digital environment may deepen social isolation, gradually distancing people from genuine human connection. For younger generations in particular, living in a highly stimulating environment marked by constant comparison and profound uncertainty can further contribute to accumulated anxiety and loneliness, while undermining their sense of self-worth.
Population aging is also reshaping the global landscape of mental health risks. By 2030, one in six people worldwide will be aged 60 or older. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies loneliness and social isolation as significant risk factors for mental health among older adults. Looking ahead, mental health challenges will arise not only from the stress and anxiety experienced by younger generations, but increasingly from the sense of loss and loneliness among older adults, as well as the challenges of adapting to changing roles and circumstances in later life.
In addressing these challenges, we need to foster balance both within ourselves and in the world around us. On the one hand, individuals need to cultivate inner stability, self-awareness, and resilience; on the other, we must build a social environment grounded in support, connection, and dignity, enabling people to restore harmony within themselves, with others, and with the world.
The “vaccine for the heart” is the love and conscience inherent in every human being. Through the practice of qigong and self-cultivation, Tai Ji Men culture nurtures inner awareness, helping individuals recognize their emotions, calm the body and mind, and unlock their inner potential. When people learn to manage their own minds, they become better equipped to cope with stress, care for others, and strengthen their psychological resilience. This inner strength extends outward through compassionate care, attentive listening, and mutual support, contributing to the collective resilience of society in times of crisis and change. When the love and conscience within us are reinforced by care and support from those around us, together they can create a powerful foundation for safeguarding mental well-being.
Nations, too, need conscience. The conscience of a nation is reflected in its respect for human rights, its commitment to fairness and justice, its protection of the vulnerable, and its efforts to ensure that people can live with security and peace of mind. More than two thousand years ago, an ideal society was envisioned in which “the elderly were cared for, adults were able to contribute their talents, children were nurtured and given opportunities to grow, and those who were widowed, orphaned, alone, disabled, or otherwise vulnerable were provided for.” Today, this vision calls upon individuals, communities, and nations alike to place conscience at the heart of their actions. In the face of war, disasters, poverty, discrimination, and other challenges, we must respond with peace, mutual support, and compassion, ensuring that every person is supported and treated with dignity. Only then can we build a truly balanced society—one that fosters both inner peace and social justice in the world.
May we begin by listening to the true feelings of ourselves and others, seeking to understand one another with kindness and offering mutual support. Let love and conscience become a “vaccine for the heart,” and let positive thoughts become a source of strength, enabling individual resilience to grow into support within families, stronger connections within communities, and greater acceptance across society. Together, let us move toward a healthier and more balanced world.
I pray that:
May inner peace give rise to wisdom;
May conscience safeguard well-being;
May good thoughts inspire good deeds;
May the world share in peace and well-being.
Thank you all!