This week is officially Mental Health Awareness week. With that in mind, it is important we raise awareness around our mental health. As with the health of our bodies, the wellness of our mental health is of paramount importance.
One in every four people will experience a mental problem of some kind each year including one in every six people experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week.
Statics such as the ones above just goes to show the breadth and spectrum of mental health issues across the whole nation. What is also very clear is that mental health issues affect the vast majority of us directly or indirectly. Research has also shown that only one in every eight people is getting treatment of any sort. That leaves a huge section of our population isolated either through stigma or unaware of the help out there.
What is Mental Health Awareness Week?
Mental Health Awareness week is an event that is organised by The Mental Health Foundation annually across the whole of the UK. The aim of the event is to focus the whole country on achieving and maintaining good mental health.
The awareness week is open to everyone. The goal is to create a platform from which people feel free to talk about their mental state and its effect on their daily lives.
The theme for this year’s week is nature. We are sure we’ve all had plenty of lovely walks over the past year and it has done most of us a world of good. As the daffodils bloom and the sun warms us up, we wish there will be plenty more walking done soon.
The theme of nature this year acknowledges how our parks, gardens and paths have provided us all with respite during what has been a tough year. It also reinforces how important exercise and getting out and about is to our bodies not only physically but mentally.
How to get involved
The Mental Health Foundation have a number of fantastic resources including posters and badges to help you get the word out about this great cause.
You can also choose to get active. The Mental Health Foundation is encouraging anyone who wants to take part to organise a series of walks in nature to support the raising awareness.
These activities will have the support of the Mental Foundation along the way.
To find out more about more exciting ways in which you can help raise awareness around mental health during this Mental Health Awareness Week please visit The Mental Health Foundation for more details.
The Importance of Mental Health to Us
We understand all too well the impact mental health has on our clients, their families and even our team.
A recent study revealed that 20% of over 60's suffer from some form of Mental or Neurological disorder. With 6.6% requiring care for a long-term condition or disability as well 3.3% of the older population struggling with anxiety.
This crucially indicates the mental struggles that are involved with needing care as well as caring for our loved ones. We want to encourage all our carers and families to talk openly about their struggles. No one should suffer in silence.
As we raise awareness around mental health let us also reflect. If you feel and want to talk to us about a concern you might have, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.