Every October 10th, the world comes together to recognize World Mental Health Day, a moment to spark conversations, share resources, and fight stigma. Digital campaigns often dominate this space, hashtags trend, stories circulate, and videos get shared.
But awareness doesn’t only happen online. It also happens in schools, offices, coffee shops, libraries, and community centers, spaces where print materials become powerful tools for visibility, education, and empathy.
Here’s how organizations, nonprofits, and small businesses can use print to create meaningful touchpoints during Mental Health Awareness events.
Brochures That Educate with Care
Mental health is complex, and people often look for resources they can revisit quietly on their own. Brochures are a compassionate choice because they provide space to explain:
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Local support groups and community events
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Hotlines, text lines, and crisis resources
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Coping strategies, mindfulness techniques, and wellness tips
Design matters: brochures should feature calming colors (soft blues, greens, neutrals) and clear, skimmable layouts. Distribute them at:
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University student centers
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Waiting rooms in clinics
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Community resource fairs
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HR wellness events
Related Blog: How to Design Effective Marketing Brochures
Notecards for Personal Messages
A handwritten note can be surprisingly powerful. Notecards allow organizations to send encouragement, gratitude, or reminders.
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Schools can hand out cards with simple affirmations like “You are not alone.”
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Workplaces can send reminders about employee assistance programs or self-care breaks.
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Nonprofits can thank donors who fund mental health initiatives.
These moments of human connection provide a warmth that a digital post can’t always replicate.
Related Blog: Thank-You Cards That Build Client Loyalty
Bookmarks That Keep the Message Visible
Among free event handouts, bookmarks stand out because they’re practical, portable, and long-lasting. Imagine bookmarks printed with:
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Daily affirmations or positive reminders
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A local helpline number
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Quick breathing exercises or grounding techniques
Each time someone opens a book, they’re reminded of mental health resources in a gentle, approachable way. These are especially effective for:
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Libraries and schools during October events
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Workshops and conferences that distribute wellness toolkits
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Bookstores and coffee shops that want to support community campaigns
Related Blog: Creative Ways to Use Bookmarks in Promotions
Greeting Cards That Spark Connection
October is a chance to encourage people to reach out. Greeting cards can be part of larger “check-in” campaigns, reminding friends, family, or employees to send a kind message.
A simple “Thinking of You” card can help start conversations that might otherwise feel difficult. Organizations can:
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Launch “Send a Card” campaigns during World Mental Health Day
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Provide pre-printed cards with uplifting quotes and mental health resources
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Encourage teams to send anonymous kindness notes to coworkers
Related Blog: Print Products That Make Your Brand Look Bigger Than It Is
Calendars for Long-Term Impact
Awareness shouldn’t stop on October 10th. Calendars can keep mental health reminders visible throughout the year.
Each month could feature:
- Self-care prompts
- Motivational quotes
- Local resources
Giving out calendars at mental health awareness events extends the campaign into an ongoing movement.
Related Blog: Custom Calendar Printing Guide
Posters and Flyers for Public Spaces
Don’t overlook the power of large-format print. Posters and flyers can quickly grab attention in high-traffic spaces like bus stops, libraries, gyms, and break rooms.
Use them to promote:
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Awareness walks or fundraising events
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Free counseling sessions
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Wellness workshops or meditation classes
Posters also pair well with QR codes, linking people directly to digital resources or registration forms.
Related Blog: Want Your Flyers to Actually Work? Here’s How to Make Them Convert
Presentation Folders for Conferences & Resource Kits
For larger events like mental health conferences, school assemblies, or workplace trainings, presentation folders help package all resources neatly in one place.
Fill them with:
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Brochures and worksheets
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Speaker bios and schedules
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Journaling prompts or reflection exercises
A branded folder ensures that resources won’t get lost or overlooked, making your event materials more impactful.
Related Blog: How to Use Presentation Folders to Impress Clients Before the Pitch
Stickers and Handouts for Younger Audiences
For schools and youth organizations, stickers can be a creative way to make mental health messages approachable. Stickers with phrases like “It’s okay to ask for help” or “Be kind to your mind” encourage students to carry the message forward—literally—on laptops, notebooks, or water bottles.
This makes the campaign fun, interactive, and memorable for younger audiences.
Bringing It All Together
Print marketing for mental health awareness isn’t about sales or flashy promotions. It’s about creating tangible, supportive materials that people can hold, revisit, and share.
Whether it’s a brochure explaining resources, a bookmark tucked into a library book, or a calendar that offers daily encouragement, print has the power to extend awareness beyond a single day.
So this World Mental Health Day, consider how Overnight Prints can help you deliver materials that not only inform, but also comfort, inspire, and connect.
