World Mental Health Day

It’s World Mental Health Day today (Saturday, 10 October). And this year it comes at a time when our daily lives have changed considerably as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

The NHS Every Mind Matters website offers a range of resources that help spot the signs of common mental health concerns, practical self-care tips and guidance and, importantly, explains when to seek further support. It also has a free NHS-approved online tool called ‘Your Mind Plan‘, to help people take simple steps to look after their mental health, improve their mental wellbeing and support others too.

Research shows that talking is good for your mental health, so that’s why the Mental Health Foundation is encouraging friends, family and colleagues to come together for a virtual cup of team as part of their Tea & Talk campaign.

The mental health charity MIND has also written about why prioritising mental health has never been more important than it is now. They are encouraging people to take the opportunity to ‘do one thing’ this World Mental Health Day, and sharing your story so others see that they’re not alone in the challenges they’re facing.

We’re all living with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and it can take its toll on our mental and emotional health, so if you’re feeling isolated, lonely, depressed or anxious, please know that you’re not alone; talk to someone you trust. Sharing a problem is often the first step to recovery.

More information, advice and mental health support is available here.