May 16, 2024
Mental Health Awareness Week: Understanding, Awareness and Support
Welcome to Mental Health Awareness Week! This annual initiative exists to spotlight an extremely critical, yet often overlooked issue in our society: mental health. Many lives are impacted by mental health issues and it’s important that we understand, recognise, and support efforts aimed at improving mental health care.
A Growing Global Concern
According to Mind charity, 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. This figure does not take into account the vast number of people who never seek help or whose suffering goes unnoticed. Globally, around 450 million people currently suffer from such conditions, making mental health disorders among the leading causes of ill health and disability worldwide according to the World Health Organisation.
Supporting Mental Health – It Starts With Understanding
Mental Health Awareness Week is all about raising awareness, promoting understanding, and advocating for better care and support for individuals suffering from mental health issues. You might wonder, “What can I do to help?”
Here are some simple yet effective ways:
Educate yourself and others: Understand what mental health is all about. Visit reputable websites such as Mind.org.uk and MentalHealth.org.uk for resources.
Start a conversation: Break the stigma by opening up about mental health.
Be empathetic: Show understanding and compassion to people with mental health problems.
Promote positivity and resilience: Encourage practices promoting mental well-being like mindfulness, exercise, healthy eating, and social connections.
Taking Care of Our Own Mental Health
Not only should we stand to support those with mental health disorders, but it is also vital that we take care of our own mental well-being. Here are some ways:
Connect with others: Nurture relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. They form your support network and can offer help during tough times.
Stay active: Regular physical activity can boost self-esteem and can help reduce depression and anxiety.
Get involved with the Mental Health Foundation this Mental Health Awareness Week – 13 to 19 May. Join in and help to create a world with good mental health for all. This year’s theme is movement: moving more for our mental health. Get involved by finding and sharing your moments for movement this Mental Health Awareness Week. Find out more: here
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness can help us become more aware of our thoughts and feelings, allowing us to better manage them instead of being overwhelmed.
How Ayoa can support with Mental Health:
1. Task Management: Large volumes of tasks can be overwhelming and trigger stress. Ayoa’s task management can help users organise projects and set achievable goals. This can provide clarity, reduce anxiety, and increase a sense of control.
2. Visual Tool: Mind Mapping can help you to think clearly and creatively, explore ideas, and manage projects more effectively. Clearly see connections between ideas.
3. Set Reminders & Deadlines: This allows you to break up large projects and work at your own pace while keeping track of the progress. Allocate work to others to increase teamwork and an overall sense of achievement.
Where to Get Support:
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, it’s important to reach out for help. Mind.org.uk and MentalHealth.org.uk offer comprehensive resources, contacts and information for individuals seeking assistance. Other sources of help include your GP, local mental health services, and national mental health charities.
Here are some direct contact details for people to reach out to, which are always open to supporting anyone struggling:
Samaritans : 116 123
Student Minds : Text SHOUT to 85258
Alexa Dymond
Alexa is an innovative and passionate Marketing Manager at Opengenius, bringing a graphic design degree from the University of the West of England and a versatile toolbox of marketing and design skills amassed throughout her professional journey.