Let’s raise awareness for Mental Health Awareness Week!
People in the UK suffer everyday are affected by mental illness. You may be one of them. This article was born from the desire to raise awareness for mental health, and how you can lift your mood and empower others.
Mental Health Awareness Week is nearly upon us, which is the perfect time to raise from the rooftops the issue of mental illness, and what we can do about it!
When is Mental Health Awareness Week?
This year, Mental Health Awareness Weeks runs from 10-16 May 2021, with the theme being Nature. You can read more about the nature theme here.
Through the course of this week, nature will be promoted as the answer to a surprisingly large amount of health problems. Even small contacts with nature have been shown to minimise the effects of social isolation, and protect our mental health.
What is the purpose of Mental Health Awareness Week?
Mental Health Awareness Week seeks to raise awareness and visibility around the topic of mental health. After all, figures show that approximately one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health issue every year.
How do I get better mentally?
Some key ways to protect and look after your mental health and wellbeing include:
- Keeping as active as possible
- Going for a walk releases endorphins to boost your mood
- Listening to music you love
- Practicing breathing exercises throughout the day to induce feelings of calm
- Eat a balanced diet
- Talk about your feelings with a close friend or family member
- Undertake an activity you are good at, to boost feelings of confidence
What are the 5 ways to wellbeing?
The NHS has a guide on 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health.
The 5 steps include topics such as mindfulness, and ways you can be kind to others – which in turn has a very positive effect on your own wellbeing.
What foods improve mental health?
A healthy, well-balanced approach to your diet and nutrition plays a huge part in our mental health, and feeling at our best. Including foods for your mental health into your diet can help us think more clearly, and improve concentration and attention span on activities.
A great boost to your mental health is the inclusion of lots of fruit and vegetables, together with omega-3 fatty acids (for example, salmon). Pair these with nuts, seeds, beans, and lentils, and you’ve got yourself a healthy set up for the best foods for your brain.
How can you join in with Mental Health Awareness Week 2021?
There’s plenty going on this week, with opportunities to talk about all aspects of mental health, and seek advice.
Mental Health Awareness Week is one of the very best times to speak out about needing help, or perhaps reaching out to a loved one who is in need.
How can you get a diagnosis for sub-optimal mental health?
Mind explains what mental health problems are, what may cause them, and the many different kinds of help, treatment and support that are available.
This charity also provides guidance on where to find more information, and tips for friends and family to enable support.
Join the conversation on social media using:
#ConnectWithNature
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
#mhaw #fightforMH
#AnxietyAwareness
#SelfCareMatters
#ShiftYourMindset
Check out the absolute wealth of resources to raise awareness for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021, which you can find here.
From email signatures to video call backgrounds, this is a simple way to get involved in the movement.
It’s all about making your colleagues and peers open their eyes to mental illness and make it less of a stigma.
