In celebration of World Mental Health Day 2026, #MentalHealthPH, in partnership with Y-Space at Yuchengco Museum, will host a series of campaigns titled “You Are Home: Creating Safe Spaces for Every Story” on Oct. 9–10.
Each campaign is designed to encourage participants to express themselves, connect with others, and encourage conversations of mental health at home. It is aligned with the global theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”
“You Are Home” is curated like a real home and transforms four essential spaces—a Bedroom for restful reflection, a Dining Area celebrating supportive conversation as daily nourishment, a Living Room cultivating genuine connection and healing, and a Bathroom designed for releasing burdens and embracing renewal.
Through interactive elements in each room, visitors are invited to pause, share personal stories, and reflect on what truly makes a space feel safe. They are expected to leave behind messages and receive words of hope left by others.
Their shared experiences weave a collective narrative toward psychological safety—encouraging a shift toward making everyday environments places where vital conversations about mental health can naturally begin.
The exhibit, to open at Yuchengco Museum in Makati City on Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m., features a series of interactive spaces at home where visitors are invited to pause, listen and reflect. On Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors may participate in “Living Literatures,” an intimate storytelling experience inspired by the Human Library concept.
‘Human books’
Through focused, one-on-one or small group conversations, individuals with lived experiences serve as “human books,” sharing their personal stories to promote understanding, connection, and meaningful dialogue.
Living Literatures will feature the participation of Filipino mental health advocates and artists, including Riyan Portuguez (Your Millennial Psychologist), Kuya Kim Atienza, and those who champion awareness, empathy, and mental health conversations in their respective fields.
Participants may sign up through: bit.ly/wmhdyouarehome2026.
The campaign will culminate on Oct. 11 in a community choir experience titled “Living Voices,” to be led by Sanghimig Performing Arts. It is designed to gather individuals to sing, share and celebrate community through harmony, and amplifies the message that all voices, including those of persons with lived experiences, are welcome.
‘Notes of Hope’
“Notes of Hope,” an online dashboard, will be launched and made accessible throughout the exhibition. Visitors will have access to QR codes strategically placed to connect them to the website onemoredayph.org.
Through the platform, visitors may submit anonymous letters of hope and encouragement. These messages will be randomly surfaced to others browsing the site, creating an ongoing exchange of support, compassion, and shared humanity that extends beyond the exhibit itself.
Since its founding in 2016, #MentalHealthPH has remained committed to advancing mental health awareness, education and advocacy across diverse sectors and communities.
It has collaborated with the National Center for Mental Health and other parties for the development of the directory of mental health facilities and services in the Philippines and with the Philippine Science High School System and the Philippine Science High School National Alumni Association for the promotion of mental health in schools.
Recently, #MentalHealthPH was recognized by USTV+ with the Media Excellence Award in Psychological Awareness and Advocacy for its efforts in leveraging digital media for awareness building.—CONTRIBUTED
