October 10 is World Mental Health Day. A day to pause, check in and remind ourselves to make mental health a priority.
This year’s theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” is a reminder of the importance of listening to people’s experiences and using what we learn to help create more understanding and supportive communities.
But the conversation doesn't have to stop on October 10.
World Mental Health Day gives us an opportunity to start, or continue, conversations about mental health, check in with the people around us and find ways to stay connected and supportive throughout the year.
Listening to Lived Experiences
When it comes to mental health, lived experiences can mean a variety of different things. It may mean navigating a mental health challenge, experiencing a crisis, supporting a loved one or finding your way through the mental health system.
Every experience is different, and every story has something to teach us.
Listening to someone share their experience doesn't mean we need to have all the answers. We aren't able to fix everything or know exactly what to say. Sometimes, simply being present, listening without judgment and letting someone know they aren't alone can make a difference.
Listening can be something we make space for throughout the year, not just on one day.
Making Mental Health Part of the Conversation
At Rhyme, we're passionate about being part of our communities and finding ways to make a positive difference. Mental health awareness is one of the ways we can do that year-round.
That's why we're proud to work alongside community partners to bring awareness, conversations and resources to places where people live, work and gather.
Since 2023, Rhyme has partnered with the Wisconsin Herd and NAMI Oshkosh for BeHERD Night, creating an opportunity for fans to learn more about mental health while supporting an important local organization.
The partnership has continued, and BeHERD Night will return during the 2026–27 Wisconsin Herd season.
In 2026, Rhyme expanded our mental health awareness efforts to the baseball community through our first Mental Health Awareness Night with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. The event brought fans together to learn more about mental health and suicide prevention, with Prevent Suicide Fox Cities joining us to help connect the community with resources.
These events are more than a night at the arena or ballpark. They're opportunities to bring people together, start conversations, learn from others, and remind our communities that support is available.
Keeping the Conversation Going
Mental health doesn't follow a calendar, and neither do our efforts to support one another.
There are countless ways to stay connected to the conversation throughout the year. It might be learning something new, attending a community event, checking in with someone you care about or simply being open to a conversation when the opportunity arises.
At Rhyme, we're proud to continue working with organizations like the Wisconsin Herd, NAMI Oshkosh, the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, Prevent Suicide Fox Cities and many others who are helping make mental health part of the conversation in our communities.
Check in. Listen. Learn. Keep the conversation going. Because when we make space for real voices and listen to real experiences, we can help create real change.
Looking for Ways to Stay Connected?
World Mental Health Day can be a great starting point for learning more about mental health, connecting with local organizations or finding events happening in your community.
Below are a few of the organizations and events that Rhyme has connected with. This is not a complete list of resources available there are many organizations, professionals and community groups doing important work across Wisconsin and beyond.
Upcoming Community Events
- Prevent Suicide Fox Cities
- Halloween Bash – Oct 17th 2026
- Learn more: https://preventsuicidefoxcities.org/
- NAMI Wisconsin
- Find local NAMI events throughout WI: https://www.nami.org/find-your-local-nami/wisconsin
- BeHERD Night
- Wisconsin Herd | 2026–27 Season - more details coming soon.
- Mental Health Awareness Night
- Wisconsin Timber Rattlers | 2027 Season - more details coming soon.
- Prevent Suicide Fox Cities
A Few Organizations & Resources
If you or someone you know is looking for support, 988 is available by call or text through the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
However you choose to connect with the conversation, World Mental Health Day is a reminder that listening, understanding and supporting one another can happen any day of the year.
Learn about the 2026 BeHERD Night and Timber Rattler’s Mental Health Awareness Night sponsored by Rhyme:
2026 Mental Health Awareness Night
Sources: https://wmhdofficial.com/, WFMH