The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10 October every year. The theme of this year’s Mental health Day, set by the World Federation for Mental Health is ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority‘.
The Mental Health Foundation feel that Mental Health should be on par with physical health, and that they will continue to call on national and local government to prioritise reducing known factors that pose a risk to mental health, enhance those known to protect it and create conditions needed for everyone to thrive.
We should all recognise that days like World Mental Health Day, are days to talk about how we look after mental health and to open up the conversation for anyone struggling.
1 in 4 people will suffer from a mental health problem at some point in their life.
World Mental Health Day is about putting mental health and wellbeing in the spotlight, giving an opportunity to progress with our efforts to continually improve mental health services and access to those services.
In the time following the pandemic, there has been a large increase in mental health issues. With an estimated rise of over 25% in both depression and anxiety. Mental health services have become increasingly stretched and severely disrupted during this time. This has created a bigger gap in the treatment of mental health conditions.
Globally the World Health Organization is challenging the stigma and discrimination that continues to be a barrier for those attempting to access the correct care and treatment that is needed.
On World Mental health Day 2022, we want to remind you that there is a conversation to have about mental health. Starting this conversation not only allows someone to address their mental health needs, but it creates that all important awareness.
How do you protect your mental health? Here are a few helpful tips:
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Encourage healthy sleep
- Listen to your favourite music
- Start a gratitude journal, by writing three things you are grateful for each day
- Learning a new skill that you find relaxing
- Engage in some basic relaxation techniques (here is a YouTube video on meditation by our practitioner Roxy!)
- Practice mindfulness by attending to the here and now
- Be mindful of what is in your circle of control and what is outside of it
- Be kind to yourself!
Here are some useful links to other mental health websites and services that also contain some helpful hints and tips:#
Author, Nikki,
Smart TMS Birmingham Practitioner