Mental Health in a World That Feels Heavy

​At Ambition, our purpose is simple yet powerful: Building Better Futures. It’s a commitment that extends beyond careers and recruitment. It’s about supporting people in every aspect of their professional and personal lives, and that includes their mental well-being.

As we mark World Mental Health Day on October 10th, we’re reminded that building better futures also means building healthier, more compassionate workplaces, where mental well-being is prioritised, not just acknowledged.

The 2025 theme, as set by the World Health Organization, is Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencies. It’s a timely reminder that in times of crisis – whether caused by conflict, natural disasters, or public health emergencies, mental health support is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.

We live in an age of constant connection yet often feel overwhelmed by what we see. The steady stream of distressing news such as wars, displacement, and climate disasters can quietly erode our mental resilience. It’s easy to fall into a cycle of doomscrolling, feeling helpless, and then showing up to work the next day pretending everything is fine.

But the truth is: it’s okay to not be okay.

Mental Health Is Not a One-Month Conversation

At Ambition, we believe mental health deserves attention every day, not just in October. That’s why, across our global offices, we have taken steps to ensure our people feel supported, heard, and empowered to seek help when they need it.

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Available to all employees, our EAP offers confidential access to professional counselling, mental health check-ins, and coaching. We encourage our teams to use this resource proactively, as part of maintaining their overall well-being.

• Mental Health First Aiders: Across our offices, Ambition has trained Mental Health First Aiders who are equipped to provide initial support to colleagues facing mental health challenges. They are not therapists, but they are compassionate listeners who can offer reassurance and guide others to the right resources.

• Creating Safe Spaces: We’re fostering a culture where mental health is openly discussed and supported. Whether through regular check-ins, open conversations, or simply encouraging people to take breaks when needed, we want our teams to know that their well-being comes first.

A Global Perspective on Mental Health

Mental health challenges don’t look the same everywhere. Cultural norms, access to care, and even the language we use to discuss mental health vary widely across regions. That’s why we’re committed to a global yet localised approach, ensuring that our support systems are accessible, relevant, and respectful of the diverse communities we operate in.

As employers, we must recognise that mental health is not just about individual resilience. It’s also about the systems and environments we create. Leaders have a responsibility to build workplaces that are psychologically safe, inclusive, and supportive.

What You Can Do

Whether you’re part of the Ambition team, a client, a candidate, or simply someone reading this, I encourage you to take a moment today to check in with yourself, and with those around you.

• Are you feeling okay?

• Are you taking time to rest and recharge?

• Do you know where to turn if you need support?

If the answer to any of those questions is “no,” that’s okay. What matters is knowing that help is available and that you don’t have to go through it alone.

Final Thoughts

World Mental Health Day is a meaningful reminder of why mental well-being must remain a priority, especially in a world that often feels uncertain and overwhelming. But the day itself is only the start. The real impact comes from the conversations we continue to have, the support we offer, and the culture we build together.

At Ambition, we will continue our commitment to fostering a culture that prioritises mental well-being because building better futures means creating workplaces where people feel safe, supported, and seen – not just on World Mental Health Day or in times of crisis, but every day.

Author Chris Aukland is Group Managing Director at Ambition, an international recruitment firm with offices across Australia, Asia, the UK, and the US. With over two decades of experience, Chris is passionate about helping organisations grow by securing the right talent and supporting professionals in achieving their career goals. A strong advocate for lifelong learning and innovation, he’s committed to leveraging AI and emerging technologies to enhance recruitment solutions and build better futures for clients, candidates, and teams alike.

Edited by Nadiah Affendi, Senior Marketing Manager, Ambition.