The Mental Health Foundation has hosted Mental Health Awareness Week every May since 2000. This year’s theme is ‘surviving to thriving’.
“Good mental health is more than the absence of a mental health problem” – Mental Health Foundation
This Mental Health Awareness Week, the Mental Health Foundation is asking why so many people are living with mental health problems and why so few are thriving with good mental health.
I have known people who have struggled with depression, anxiety, post-natal depression, OCD, anorexia, self-harm and even people who have taken their own lives. I have also spent three years on anti-depressants myself (read more here), so I know all too well how common it is to struggle with mental health – so why are we all so afraid to talk about it?
Even though I’ve not been medicated for a good three years, I feel I’ve come a long way even in the six months since I last blogged about my mental health. For a start I’m making more of an effort to practice self-care. That’s right, the girl who claimed ‘ain’t nobody got time for that’ realised that it’s important to look after yourself and I’ve started making at least a little bit of time once a week to just be. Take a look at my weekly self-care tips here. I even wrote a separate post for new mums to encourage them to take some time for themselves daily – yep, daily. Happy mum = happy baby!
What can you do to help?
Mel’s cards: https://acornishgeek.com/2017/04/19/when-you-want-to-help-someone-but-cant-find-the-words/
Resources
How to look after your mental health – Mental Health Foundation
Supporting someone with a mental health problem – Mental Health Foundation
Mental Movement – started as a blog and the team are currently working on the second issue of their magazine
Blurt – increasing awareness and understanding of depression. Their Buddy Box subscription is awesome – great for a gift or a self-care treat
There are some fantastic blogs out there. I particularly rate Geek Magnifique and A Beautiful Chaos. Hannah Gale has also recently blogged about her counselling journey.
If you’re worried about yourself or someone close to you, please talk to someone. The Samaritans offer emotional support 24 hours a day, in full confidence. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.