Word Mental Health Day brings awareness to the topic of mental health, reminding us why it is so important and inviting conversation on how it can be improved. It prompts us to talk openly with one another about challenges, and to look for solutions through research and support. 

The 2026 theme is: 'Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change'. Read on to discover Scientific Reports Collections calling for papers on topics relating to Mental Health. 

These are Collections of original research papers  and are be open for submissions from all authors – on the condition that the manuscripts fall within the scope of the Collection and of Scientific Reports more generally. Narrative review articles are also welcomed, to our sister journal Scientific Reviews.

Calls for Papers

Menopause and mental health

The years leading to menopause and the transition itself often affect women’s physical and mental health. Feelings of anxiety and stress, depression, as well as mood changes are some of the most common menopausal symptoms that compromise mental health. Treatment options include medication, psychological therapy, and lifestyle changes, yet individualized approaches tailored to the person’s needs and life circumstances are often the most effective.

Impact of climate change on mental health and wellbeing

Climate change is not only an environmental crisis but can also have significant implications for mental health, often disproportionally affecting young people and vulnerable populations. This relation is complex and involves both direct and indirect effects, such as post-traumatic stress caused by exposure to extreme weather events, or anxiety and depression triggered by the perspective of food insecurity or displacement. Understanding the psychological burden of climate is essential for fostering resilient individuals and communities.

Transgender healthcare

Transgender people face persistent barriers to accessing safe, competent, and affirming healthcare. Discrimination, lack of knowledgeable providers, and inadequate care models all contribute to poor health outcomes. Despite growing recognition of these challenges, transgender people have historically been excluded from medical research, resulting in significant knowledge gaps. Research in this field may include, but is not limited to, mental health support, hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgeries, and the intersection of transgender healthcare with broader public health considerations.

Humour, laughter, and psychological wellbeing

Humour and laughter enhance our mood, reduce stress, and can also strengthen social relationships. Therefore, they have a positive impact on our mental health, psychological and social well-being. Despite their importance for life satisfaction and happiness, empirical research on humour and laughter is relatively scarce, limiting their use as therapeutic tools in psychological interventions.

Mindfulness, meditation, and mental health

Meditation and mindfulness practices are thought to influence our mind and body. They help decrease emotional reactivity, they alleviate stress and foster wellbeing. These practices can vary; some may focus on visualisation, breath, body scans, and word repetition, while others might make use of physical postures (e.g. yoga asanas, qi gong) to train attention and cultivate awareness. Meditation and mindfulness practices are commonly used in psychotherapy alongside conventional pharmacological approaches.

Elite sport and mental health

In elite sport, athletes may face unique mental and physical demands that can increase their susceptibility to certain mental health problems. The pressure to maintain strict discipline and perform well, and their exposure to media and public scrutiny often leads to burnout, anxiety, and depression. Identifying the symptoms that indicate mental health issues in elite athletes and planning interventions that aim to optimize their psychological wellbeing are both essential in sport research.

Information technology applications for mental health

Modern applications for mental health are becoming increasingly vital as digital tools help address growing global demand for accessible mental health support. Emerging technologies such as mobile health apps, teletherapy platforms, wearables, and AI-driven diagnostic aids, enable early detection, continuous monitoring, or personalized interventions. Advances in data analytics and therapeutic prognosis have significantly enhanced treatment precision and user engagement. Despite this progress, challenges remain regarding data privacy, clinical validation, user trust, and equitable access.