World Mental Health Day: How Our Brains Handle Emotions

By Vikram Gupta, Grade 11 | Director of Research & Publications

October 10, 2026

Every year on October 10, people around the world recognize World Mental Health Day. It's a day to spread awareness about mental health and remind everyone that taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. As high school students, we have a lot going on, whether it's studying for tests, keeping up with homework, participating in extracurricular activities, or spending time with friends and family. With so much happening at once, we sometimes forget to check in with ourselves and see how we're actually doing.

But did you know that something as simple as saying how you feel can actually affect what happens in your brain?

There's a process in neuroscience called affect labeling, which basically means putting your emotions into words. In a 2007 study at UCLA, researchers looked at how the brain responds when people identify negative emotions. They found that when people labeled these emotions, there was less activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain that helps process emotions like fear. There was also more activity in part of the prefrontal cortex, which plays a role in controlling and managing emotions.

So what does this mean in everyday life?

Imagine you have three tests coming up, a project due, and a bunch of homework to finish. You might feel stressed without really thinking about why. Instead of just ignoring that feeling, you could take a minute to recognize what's bothering you. Maybe you're nervous about one specific test, or you're frustrated because you don't have enough time to finish everything. Figuring out exactly what you're feeling won't make all your work disappear, but it could help you calm down and decide what to focus on first.

Of course, there's a lot more to mental health than just recognizing emotions. Things like getting enough sleep, taking breaks, exercising, and spending time doing things you enjoy can also help. Sometimes we get so caught up in school and other responsibilities that we forget it's okay to take some time for ourselves. You don't always have to be doing something productive.

It's also important to think about the people around us. Just because someone seems happy or acts normal at school doesn't necessarily mean everything is going well for them. Even something as simple as asking a friend how they're doing or listening when they need to talk can mean a lot. And if you're having a hard time yourself, there's nothing wrong with talking to someone you trust or asking for help.

At the Friendswood High School Neuroscience Club, we learn about how the brain works, but neuroscience isn't just about memorizing parts of the brain or understanding how neurons communicate. It's also about understanding how our brains affect the way we think, feel, and act every day. Learning about the science behind emotions can help us better understand ourselves and others.

This World Mental Health Day, we encourage everyone to take a few minutes to check in with themselves and the people around them. Whether that means taking a break from studying, doing something you enjoy, or reaching out to a friend, even small actions can make a difference.

Remember, it's okay to feel stressed, it's okay to take a break, and it's okay to ask for help. Your mental health matters.