In recent years, I have had multiple conversations with my peers regarding challenges associated with working in the minerals industry, and in particular the importance of mental health in our field. In part, this stems from my own experiences with anxiety, but I was surprised at how many people have battled similar problems but do not mention them unless the topic is raised by someone else. It remains a somewhat taboo subject – a sign of weakness. This realization led me to propose this theme for Mineral Exploration in the hope of bringing this important topic out into the open, and encouraging more conversations at all levels. I am grateful my colleagues on the Editorial Board saw the value of this discussion, and I hope the readers will as well.