World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day (10th October 2019) is an opportunity for all of us to reflect and raise awareness of mental health issues and what better time to show your support for better mental health.

Every year close to 800,000 people globally take their own life and there are many more people who attempt suicide. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. It’s the leading cause of death among young people aged 20-34 years in the UK and is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds globally.

Suicide is a global public health problem and it is often believed that it is only adults who exhibit suicidal behaviours, but it should be made known that many children and young people engage in this kind of behaviour as a result of violence, sexual abuse, bullying and cyberbullying.

There are numerous complex factors that contribute to a suicide, but what is most important is that all of our actions must be geared toward prevention.

Mental Health Issues can affect anyone, any day of the year but today is a great time to have a chat with a friend, family member or colleague and have think about your own wellbeing too.  We are so busy in our day to day lives that sometimes we miss the signs that someone is struggling mentally but even just a simple ‘How are you?” and taking the time to chat over a cup of tea can make all the difference to someone. We don’t have to be a professional in this field to help someone but connecting with others can help us to feel a greater sense of belonging and can help a person to express their feelings.

Some Helpful Tips to Good Wellbeing:

• Make time for the people you love. Keeping regular contact with friends and family, whether it’s face-to-face, on the phone or by text, can strengthen your relationships.
• Join a group. Think of the things you like to do, such as drawing, gardening or sport and look for local groups. Meeting others with a shared interest can increase your confidence and build your support network.
• Talk about the way you feel. Opening up to a trusted friend or family member can help you to feel listened to and supported. Just acknowledging your feelings by saying them out loud can help.
• Try relaxation techniques. Doing something that you find relaxing, such as listening to music, colouring in or having a bath can help to reduce stress and improve your mental wellbeing. You could even learn meditation.
• Do something you enjoy. Whether it’s taking a long walk, playing an instrument or going to the cinema, it’s positive for your wellbeing to do something that makes you feel good.
• Learn something new. Learning new skills can help boost your confidence and give you a sense of achievement. You could learn a new language, sign up for an art class or try a new recipe. It doesn’t have to be something big.

Look after yourself and look after each other!

We have provided a link below for further help and advice.

Information and Support

If you have interest in supporting your staff with Mental Health Training please see our Mental Health Training links below:

Mental Health Awareness

Level 2 Mental Health

Level 2 Children and Young People’s Mental Health