IFA Magazine recognises World Mental Health Day today and its prevalence in financial services

World Mental Health Day, recognised globally on 10th October, serves as an important reminder of the vital role that mental wellbeing plays in every aspect of our lives, including the workplace for busy financial service professionals.

Organised by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the day aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage action that supports those affected. Each year, the WFMH sets a theme to guide global conversations. For 2025, the focus is “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” highlighting the importance of ensuring accessible mental health support during times of crisis.

Sue Whitbread, Editor at IFA Magazine, said:

“World Mental Health Day is an important reminder that wellbeing should be front of mind, not just when it comes to clients, but for advisers themselves too. In today’s high-pressure environment, building mental resilience is essential for all of us, but especially for advisers and their teams given so many headwinds including market volatility, regulatory demands, as well as client anxieties.

“With Consumer Duty highlighting the need to understand and respond to clients’ vulnerabilities, advisers must be alert to mental health considerations in their advice. Equally, firms need robust cultures and supportive policies, especially in these days of hybrid working, to ensure that all team members can feel valued, supported, and able to perform at their best.

“That being said, I believe strongly that mental health shouldn’t be a focus for one day only; it should be a constant thread underpinning business practices, professional development, and personal wellbeing if we’re to continue to thrive in today’s challenging professional – and global – environment.”

In the IFA world, these words really resonate. Advisers face constant pressure, juggling market shifts, client expectations and regulatory change, all while upholding the highest ethical standards. It’s a demanding line of work, which makes it even more important for firms to build supportive cultures where people can talk openly and strengthen their mental resilience.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, this year’s campaign also addresses the psychological impact of repeated exposure to crises and conflicts through the media. In an age of constant news and market updates, advisers can find themselves absorbing a relentless stream of uncertainty and negativity; a reality that can quietly affect focus, motivation, and wellbeing.

Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone.

The Foundation reminds us that it’s okay to ask for help, no matter the circumstances. Their guidance on managing feelings of overwhelm offers practical advice for recognising stress and seeking support early. Similarly, their tips for managing news consumption and reducing doomscrolling can help professionals strike a healthier balance between staying informed and protecting mental health.

While advisers are used to managing financial risk, emotional resilience is just as important. Firms that make wellbeing part of their culture through flexible working, ongoing mental health education and supportive leadership are better placed to retain talent, build stronger client relationships and maintain long-term performance.

At IFA Magazine, we believe conversations around mental health should extend far beyond a single awareness day. In honour of World Mental Health Day 2025 today, we’ll be running a series of exclusive features throughout the morning exploring wellbeing in the financial advice sector, including insights from advisers, business leaders, and experts on how and why firms can continue building mentally healthy workplaces.

To learn more about World Mental Health Day and access resources, visit the Mental Health Foundation’s website.

Check out all our coverage for World Mental Health Day here on IFA Magazine using this link