World Mental Health Day 2026: What are anxiety symptoms, self-care tips and treatments WHO recommends for the disorder that affects millions worldwide

World Mental Health Day 2026 is being observed on Saturday, October 10, to raise awareness of mental health conditions and encourage action to improve access to care worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) says anxiety disorders affected an estimated 470 million people globally in 2023, making them the most common mental disorders, while only around 27.6% of those affected received treatment. The day provides an opportunity for governments, healthcare providers and other stakeholders to address barriers to care, reduce stigma and strengthen mental health support.

World Mental Health Day 2026: Theme and objective

According to the WHO, this year’s World Mental Health Day campaign is themed “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change”. The campaign calls for people who have experienced mental health conditions to play a meaningful role in shaping policies, services and decisions that affect their lives.

The WHO says people with lived experience are often asked to share their stories but are excluded from decision-making. It emphasises that their involvement should go beyond listening to personal accounts and include opportunities to influence decisions, help design services, challenge stigma and strengthen accountability.


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The WHO identifies raising awareness of mental health issues and mobilising efforts to support mental health as the central objectives of World Mental Health Day. The occasion also encourages stakeholders to discuss their work and identify what more is needed to make mental healthcare accessible to people worldwide.

Anxiety disorders affect 470 million people worldwide

According to the WHO’s anxiety disorders fact sheet, updated in September 2026, an estimated 470 million people were living with anxiety disorders in 2023. This represented approximately 5.8% of the global population.

Despite the availability of effective treatments, only around 27.6% of people with anxiety disorders receive treatment, according to the organisation. The WHO identifies several barriers to care, including social stigma, a shortage of trained healthcare professionals, inadequate investment in mental health services and limited awareness that anxiety disorders are treatable.

What are anxiety disorders?

The WHO explains that anxiety disorders involve excessive fear and worry that can be difficult to control, cause significant distress and interfere with everyday activities. Symptoms may include physical tension, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, trembling, sweating and heart palpitations.

These conditions can affect relationships, education, work and social life. Symptoms often begin during childhood or adolescence, and the WHO reports that anxiety disorders affect women and girls more frequently than men and boys.

The organisation identifies several types of anxiety disorders, including:

• Generalised anxiety disorder: Persistent and excessive worry about everyday activities or events.
• Social anxiety disorder: Intense fear and worry about social situations, including concerns about embarrassment, humiliation or rejection.
• Panic disorder: Recurrent panic attacks accompanied by fear of further episodes.
• Agoraphobia: Fear, worry and avoidance of situations in which a person may feel trapped, helpless or embarrassed during a panic response.
• Specific phobias: Intense fear of particular objects or situations.
• Separation anxiety disorder: Excessive fear or worry about being separated from people to whom a person has a strong emotional bond.

The WHO notes that a person may experience more than one anxiety disorder at the same time.

How anxiety can affect physical health

According to the WHO, anxiety disorders and physical health can influence each other. Physical tension, heightened nervous system activity and harmful alcohol use associated with anxiety are also recognised risk factors for conditions such as cardiovascular disease.

The organisation also notes that anxiety disorders are associated with an increased risk of depression, substance use disorders and suicidal thoughts and behaviours. These links underline the importance of recognising symptoms and seeking appropriate support rather than allowing persistent anxiety to go unaddressed.

WHO recommends self-care habits to help manage anxiety

The WHO says self-care can support treatment and help people manage anxiety symptoms. Its recommendations include:

1. Reduce alcohol and avoid illicit drugs: The WHO warns that alcohol and drug use can worsen anxiety symptoms over time.
2. Stay physically active: Regular movement, including a short daily walk, can help support mental well-being.
3. Maintain a routine: Eating regular, healthy meals and keeping consistent sleep and wake times can support overall well-being.
4. Practise relaxation techniques: Slow breathing and muscle relaxation can help people manage stress.
5. Try mindfulness or meditation: Brief daily mindfulness practices can help people focus their attention and manage stress.

The WHO stresses that self-care can play a role in managing symptoms, but people experiencing anxiety should seek appropriate care when needed.

Treatment and professional support

The WHO identifies psychological interventions, particularly talk therapies based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), as effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Such interventions can help people develop different ways of thinking, coping with anxiety and responding to situations that trigger fear. Exposure therapy, in which people learn to face feared situations in a controlled way, is one approach supported by evidence.

The organisation also says antidepressant medicines, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be useful for adults with anxiety disorders when prescribed under professional supervision. Benzodiazepines are generally not recommended for routine treatment because of their potential for dependence and limited long-term effectiveness.

The WHO advises people experiencing symptoms of anxiety to seek care. Recognising symptoms early and accessing appropriate treatment can help people manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

Disclaimer: This report is based on information published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not medical advice or a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Individuals experiencing mental health symptoms should consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance and should not start, stop or change medication without medical supervision.