October: A Month for Awareness, Action, and Whole-Person Health
Every October, we see the world painted in color — pink ribbons for breast cancer, orange for ADHD, green for mental health, and teal for OCD. Each represents a unique cause, but together they tell one story: our well-being is deeply connected, and awareness is the first step toward healing.
For those of us in the mental health field, October is more than a month of observances. It’s a reminder of how intertwined our physical, emotional, and neurological health truly are — and how understanding one piece of that puzzle can transform the whole.
From Awareness to Understanding
Throughout October, communities across the world come together to shine a light on mental health and neurodiversity. Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 5–11) and World Mental Health Day (October 10) invite us to break stigma, encourage open conversations, and remind one another that mental health care is health care.
This month is also National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention. Just as we schedule routine physical exams, emotional check-ins and mental health screenings can help identify concerns early — allowing for timely and effective treatment.
Expanding the Lens: When the Mind and Body Intersect
While October highlights many aspects of mental wellness, it also brings awareness to conditions that sit at the crossroads of mental and physical health — including Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and PANDAS, a subset linked to strep infections.
PANS/PANDAS can cause sudden changes in behavior, anxiety, OCD symptoms, and other emotional challenges that are often misdiagnosed or misunderstood. Raising awareness about these neuroimmune disorders is critical, as early identification and a multidisciplinary approach can significantly improve outcomes.
As a clinician and advocate serving on the Texas PANS/PANDAS Advisory Council, I’ve seen firsthand how bringing together medical, psychological, and family support systems helps children reclaim stability and thrive again. This intersection — where brain, body, and behavior meet — is where holistic care truly comes to life.
Connecting the Threads of Health
From ADHD and OCD Awareness to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October reminds us that mental health is not an isolated experience. A diagnosis, whether physical or psychological, doesn’t affect just one system — it affects the whole person.
When we treat the mind and body as partners, not separate entities, we empower healing that lasts. At Well Mind Body, that’s at the heart of everything we do: caring for the emotional, physical, and relational aspects of well-being with intention and compassion.
Taking Action: Simple Ways to Participate
This October, consider how you can turn awareness into action:
Schedule a mental health screening or check-in with a provider.
Learn about conditions like ADHD, OCD, or PANS/PANDAS to better support loved ones.
Offer empathy — to yourself and others — in moments of struggle.
Donate or volunteer with organizations promoting mental health education.
Awareness is powerful, but action is what changes lives.
Key Observances in October
At Well Mind Body, we believe that awareness is not just about information — it’s about compassion, connection, and care. This October, let’s continue to build understanding across disciplines, communities, and hearts. Because when we see the full picture of health, healing truly begins.
October Mental Health Key Dates
