Youth Mental Health Day 2026: #BuildFutureYou
Friday 18 September is Youth Mental Health Day.
Youth Mental Health Day is a chance to talk about how we feel, look after our wellbeing and remind each other that asking for help is OK.
This year’s theme is #BuildFutureYou.
The future can feel exciting, but it can also feel uncertain or overwhelming. You might be thinking about school, college, work, money, friendships, relationships or what you want to do when you are older. You do not need to have everything worked out.
Building your future can start with one small step today.
What does #BuildFutureYou mean?
#BuildFutureYou is about thinking about the person you want to become and recognising the small things you can do to support yourself along the way.
Your future does not have to look like anyone else’s.
You might want to:
feel more confident
try something new
make new friends
learn a skill
look after your mental health
worry less about what other people think
find something you enjoy
ask for help when you need it
Your goals can be big or small. What matters is that they mean something to you.
It is OK not to know what comes next
There can be lots of pressure to know what you want to do with your life.
You might hear questions like:
“What are you doing after school?”
“What job do you want?”
“What are your plans?”
It is completely normal if you do not know yet.
You are still learning about yourself. Your interests, friendships, goals and plans can change as you grow.
You do not have to build your whole future today.
Start with one small step
Looking too far ahead can sometimes make things feel bigger and more stressful.
Instead, think about something small you can do today.
You could talk to someone you trust, get outside for a while, try a new activity, make time for something you enjoy or write down one thing you would like to achieve.
Small steps still count.
Look after yourself along the way
Looking after your mental health is not only something to think about when things become difficult.
Making time for yourself and noticing how you are feeling can help you understand when you might need some extra support.
Some days will be easier than others. Having a difficult day does not mean you are going backwards.
Give yourself time.
Talk about how you feel
You do not have to deal with everything by yourself.
If something is worrying you, try talking to somebody you trust. This could be a friend, family member, teacher, youth worker or another trusted adult.
You do not need to wait until something feels really serious before asking for help.
Sometimes simply saying “I’m struggling at the moment” can be the first step.
Think about Future You
Take a moment to imagine yourself in the future.
Instead of thinking only about what job you might have or where you might live, think about how you would like to feel.
Maybe you want Future You to feel:
happy • confident • safe • supported • proud • calm • independent • accepted
Then ask yourself:
What is one small thing I can do now to help Future Me?
You do not need a perfect answer. Just start somewhere.
REMEMBER...
You do not need to have your whole future planned.
Your journey will be different from other people's, and that is OK.
Small steps can make a big difference over time.
Your plans are allowed to change.
Talking about your mental health is important.
Asking for help is a strength.
And most importantly, your mental health matters now – not just in the future.
SHINE – look after your wellbeing
Sleep
Getting enough rest can help your body and mind recharge.
Healthy Eating
Regular meals and drinks give your body the energy it needs.
Interaction & Communication
Spend time with people you trust and talk about how you are feeling.
Nature & Sunlight
Getting outside and spending time in daylight and nature can support your wellbeing.
Exercise
Moving your body in a way you enjoy can help you feel good and manage stress.
You don't have to change everything at once. Choose one small thing and start there.