World Mental Health Day: Recognizing the Signs and Building Confidence For Every Day Success

Every October, the world pauses to talk about something we all carry and only recently discuss more openly: mental health. This year, World Mental Health Day falls on October 10th, and the World Health Organization reminds us that mental health support is not a luxury—it’s a necessity, especially during times of crisis and everyday stress.

But here’s the truth: mental health isn’t only about emergencies. It’s about the small signs we notice in ourselves or others every day on or off the road. Sometimes it’s the way we feel, the thoughts that keep looping, the behaviors we slip into, or the physical signals our body sends when it’s all just too much.

The good news? By learning to recognize these signs and knowing what to do about them, we can move from overwhelm toward confidence—and that’s where my I CAN Roadmap and a continuing education class I just took comes in.

Recognizing the Four Main Areas of Mental Health

When our mental health starts to decline, we usually notice it in four main areas:

1. Feelings – Maybe it’s sadness, irritability, guilt, or feeling on edge.

2. Thoughts – Things like “I’m a failure” or “Nothing good ever happens to me.”

3. Behaviors – Withdrawing from friends, relying on alcohol or substances, missing deadlines.

4. Physical signs – Trouble sleeping, headaches, constant fatigue, or a racing heart.

   
   

These can show up as yellow flags (things to pay attention to, but often manageable with support) or red flags (signals that it’s time for professional help right away).

• Yellow flags might look like feeling down, struggling to sleep, or withdrawing from friends. These don’t mean you’re “broken”—they mean your body and mind are asking you to pause and care for yourself. A certified health & well-being coach can help you explore these patterns and reset.

• Red flags include any talk of self-harm, giving away possessions, or dramatic mood shifts. These are serious signals that require the support of a licensed therapist or mental health counselor.

  
  

Important: If you or someone you know is experiencing red flags, please reach out to a licensed professional or crisis hotline immediately. Support is out there, and you don’t have to carry it alone.

Why This Matters

Mental health impacts every part of life—including how we show up at work, at home, and even behind the wheel. Here are some examples you might notice behind the wheel.

1. Feelings

• Irritability → more likely to honk, tailgate, or engage in aggressive driving.

• Anxiety → overcautious maneuvers, difficulty merging, or freezing at intersections.

2. Thoughts

• Racing thoughts → distracted driving, missing exits, or forgetting signals.

• Negative self-talk (“I’m such a failure”) → zoning out or reduced focus on traffic cues.

• Preoccupation with worries → less awareness of pedestrians, cyclists, or sudden changes.

3. Behaviors

• Withdrawal → avoiding driving altogether (which can impact independence).

• Risk-taking → speeding, running lights, or weaving through traffic.

• Poor time management → rushing, leading to unsafe lane changes or speeding.

• Substance reliance (alcohol, stimulants, sedatives) → impaired judgment and slower reflexes.

4. Physical Signs

• Fatigue or poor sleep → microsleeps, drifting lanes, or slower reaction times.

• Headaches or muscle tension → distraction and discomfort while driving.

• Shortness of breath or panic → pulling over suddenly or freezing mid-drive.

• Appetite/energy changes → brain fog that reduces alertness and decision-making.

When stress, fatigue, or intrusive thoughts take over, we’re more distracted, less patient, and more at risk of making mistakes.

That’s why mental health is not only about surviving crises. It’s about creating the habits, support systems, and confidence to thrive in everyday life.

Putting It Into Practice

Here’s a simple way to start:

• Identify one stressor you’re carrying right now.

• Create space by pausing for a two-minute hand-over-heart breathing exercise (inhale deeply, exhale slowly, repeat).

• Build confidence by writing down one thing you did today that shows resilience.

• Create an action plan by setting a realistic goal for the week (like going to bed 30 minutes earlier).

• Navigate with support by sharing your plan with a person you trust.

Taking the Next Step

If you recognize yourself in the yellow flag stage—feeling tired, disconnected, or overwhelmed—this might be the right time to reset with guided personal support.

That’s why I offer a 2-hour coaching lab session where we walk through the I CAN Roadmap together. In this session, we’ll identify your patterns, create breathing room, and build a practical, values driven plan you can take forward with confidence.

👉 [Book your Self-Care Lab today] and take the first step toward a happier, more confident you.

Final Thought

World Mental Health Day reminds us that mental health is a human right—and it’s also a personal responsibility. By recognizing the signs early, creating space and self-care practices for ourselves, as well as reaching for the right kind of personal support, we move from surviving to thriving.

You can take the first step. And you don’t have to do it alone.