Insights

This Sunday 10^th October is World Mental Health Day.

This is a day of great importance for our emotional and mental health, and this year’s theme is Mental Health in an Unequal World. Given the past 18 months of dealing with Covid-19, it is more important now more so than ever to take some time and reflect on how we can combat our own mental health problems, be it from work stress, family stress, chemical imbalances that cause depression and other health concerns, or other external pressures.

According to WHO, mental health is a state of wellbeing in which every person can recognise and realise their own abilities, can cope with day-to-day stress, can work productively, and can contribute to their community. We know that this is not always easy, and in fact can be impossible at times.

If you’re suffering or living with mental health illnesses or issues, please know you are not alone and you have support.

According to a recent study by Mind:

• 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England
• 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (such as anxiety or depression) in any given week in England.
• 1 in 5 people have had suicidal thoughts
• 1 in 14 people self-harm
• 1 in 15 people attempt suicide
• Women are more likely to have suicidal thoughts and attempts, but men are three times more likely to take their own life in comparison.
  
  

These numbers are staggering.

There are a number of resources that can help each of us come up with productive solutions and strategies, including free how-to guides from the Mental Health Foundation.

Examples of these include

• “How to support good mental health at work”
• “How to manage and reduce stress”
• “How to overcome fear and anxiety”
• “The truth about self-harm”
  
  

There are a number of free resources that are available, and we thought to share these across our various media streams:

Mind - Here is a list of all of the mental health topics supported by Mind. Mind also have an Infoline that is accessible Monday to Friday from 9am – 6pm on 0300 123 3393

Samaritans – Samaritans are open 24/7, if ever you need a listening ear or someone to talk to. They can be reached on 116 123

Mental Health UK - MHUK have tons of resources to help you achieve your mental health and wellbeing goals. MHUK offers everything from tips and tricks to worksheets to help build resilience or organising thoughts. They are also partnered with Rethink Mental Illness, who can be contacted on 0121 522 7007.

Mental Health at Work - MHAW has a library of nearly 500 resources and documents on mental health, from eating disorders to working from home and isolation, imposter syndrome and managing stress and anxiety.

Mindfulness UK – If you ever want to practice mindfulness or meditation, look no further. Here is a link to all of the guided meditations available through Mindfulness UK.