World Mental Health Day falls on 10 October. It is a moment to raise awareness, share support options, and make it easier for people to reach timely care. This year’s global focus is on access to services, especially when life is chaotic or unsafe. Below, we look at why access matters, how crises and chronic stress can heighten dissociation, and simple ways to stay grounded while you reach support.
Why this theme matters
When emergencies hit, needs surge and usual pathways to care can break down. Clear routes into help, calm information, and practical signposting reduce confusion at the very time people feel least able to navigate systems. In the UK, routes now include NHS 111 for urgent mental health advice alongside local services.
Where dissociation fits in
Dissociation is a protective response that can make you feel detached from yourself or your surroundings. In crisis, high arousal and repeated stress can push the nervous system into distancing more often. Signs include feeling on autopilot, time gaps, emotional numbness, or the world seeming flat or far away.
Why this matters for access:
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Dissociation can hide distress. Someone may look calm while feeling disconnected and overwhelmed.
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It makes help-seeking harder. Memory gaps and numbness can derail forms, calls, and appointments.
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It responds best to a mix of supports. Grounding skills, trauma-informed therapy, and practical access points work together.
Quick grounding if you are slipping away
Try one or two of these for sixty to ninety seconds:
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Name the present. Say the date, where you are, and one next small step.
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Five senses 5-4-3-2-1 Five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, one you can taste.
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Breathing. In for four, hold for two, out for four.
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Temperature and touch. Cool water on your hands, a warm mug, or a stress ball to anchor your body.
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Feet and movement. Press your feet into the floor, roll your shoulders, stand and stretch.
Small, repeatable anchors reduce the intensity of dissociation and make it easier to take your next support step.
Finding help in the UK
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Samaritans: free, confidential listening 24 7 on 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org
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Shout: free 24 7 text support. Text SHOUT to 85258.
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NHS 111: use 111 online or call 111 for urgent mental health help. In an emergency, call 999.
If services feel hard to navigate, ask a trusted person to sit with you while you call or text.
How communities can improve access
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Clear signposting. Workplaces, schools and universities can display crisis lines and local services where people actually look.
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Calm spaces. Quiet rooms and short movement breaks reduce overload and may prevent dissociative spirals.
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Trauma-aware language. “What helps you feel present” invites practical solutions without judgement.
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Buddy systems. Check-ins make it easier to attend appointments and follow up after difficult days.
A note for 10 October
Use the day to do one small, concrete thing that improves access for you or someone you care about. Save key numbers into your phone, set a reminder to book an appointment, or share this post with a friend who might need it. The goal is not perfection, it is safer, easier routes to support when life is at its hardest.
Stay connected with Ground Me
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On iPhone: open the App Store and download Ground Me Dissociation Aid
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On Android: coming soon. Sign up to our newsletter at groundme.app to be the first to know
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Questions or for mental health support Email bilge@groundme.app
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Become a test user via our Linktree
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Follow @groundmeapp on Instagram for regular bite size knowledge and more.
