International Day of Happiness: Joy, Hope and Connection Matter to Mental Wellbeing
- Shane Warren
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
MEDIA RLEASE / AWARENESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
20 March 2026
On International Day of Happiness, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) is encouraging the community to pause and reflect on the importance of happiness, hope, and emotional wellbeing in everyday life. The United Nations marks the day each year on 20 March, recognising happiness and wellbeing as universal human goals.
While happiness is often spoken about as something personal or fleeting, VMHPAA notes that it is also closely connected to mental health, resilience, and a person’s sense of meaning and connection. Moments of joy, hope, gratitude, belonging, and purpose can all play an important role in supporting overall wellbeing.
Shane Warren Chair of VMHPAA said International Day of Happiness is a timely reminder that mental wellbeing is not only about surviving difficulty, but also about making space for the things that help people feel alive, connected, and renewed.
“Happiness is not about pretending life is perfect or ignoring struggle. It is about recognising that joy, hope, and moments of peace matter deeply to our mental wellbeing,” Shane Warren said.
“When people take time to notice what brings meaning, connection, comfort, or delight, they are often strengthening the very foundations that support emotional health.” [Shane Warren]
In a world where many people are carrying stress, uncertainty, and pressure, VMHPAA is encouraging individuals, families, workplaces, and communities to create more room for kindness, optimism, rest, relationships, and everyday moments of joy.
This may mean reconnecting with loved ones, spending time in nature, engaging in meaningful work, practising gratitude, helping others, or simply giving ourselves permission to pause and breathe.
“Happiness does not always arrive in grand moments. Often it is found in small, human experiences; feeling seen, sharing laughter, finding hope, or beginning again,” Mr Warren went on to say.
“Looking after mental wellbeing includes making space for joy. Hope matters. Connection matters. New beginnings matter.” [Shane Warren]
On this International Day of Happiness, VMHPAA encourages everyone to take a moment to reflect on what brings light into their lives and to remember that nurturing wellbeing includes nurturing happiness too.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
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