Mental health awareness week (9th-15th May) is an annual event hosted by the Mental Health Foundation and this year’s theme is ‘Loneliness’. It is crucial to raise awareness around the importance of keeping ourselves healthy and to continue the fight against the stigma associated with mental health.
It is estimated that almost 11% of the world population is living with mental health disorder, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that people with severe mental health disorders have a 10-25-year life expectancy reduction. 1 in 4 of us experiences a mental health problem every year, and this underlines the importance of checking in with our own mental health, as well as reaching out to those around us who may be struggling.
One of the reasons why mental health awareness is so crucial is that it can reduce the number of people suffering in silence. Let us normalize talking and spreading awareness about mental health, by doing so people with mental health disorders realize that they aren’t alone. Having a mental health disorder can be extremely isolating, but opening up the conversation around mental health creates an environment where people feel more comfortable discussing their own struggles.
Speaking openly about mental health can also help people suffering get appropriate treatment from mental health professionals, which in turn reduces reliance on drugs and alcohol for coping. Transparency around mental health awareness helps people with mental disorders find resources, support groups, or activities to improve their wellbeing. Additionally, friends and family members of those with a mental illness can learn how to effectively help and support their loved ones.
Suffering from a mental health disorder can feel like you’re stuck in a long tunnel, constantly searching to find the light at the end. But improving mental health doesn’t necessarily require expensive therapy sessions, or prescription medications. There are many ways to improve mental wellbeing that are cost-effective, and can be done on your own time, from the comfort of your home. One of the best things you can do for your mental health is to have an open conversation with someone you trust. Let them know how you are feeling, what challenges you are facing and what might bring you down. Sometimes just talking about it makes you feel better and you can break through the difficult situation.
Moving your body every day is a great way to keep your mind sharp, healthy, and happy. If you’re suffering from a mental health disorder, exercising for a short period each day is a great way to feel better. During and after exercising, the body releases feel-good endorphins that can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Mental health conditions can also be triggered by career stress, family life, or other obligations. Despite the responsibilities we all face, don’t forget to make yourself a priority. Every day, do something you enjoy that makes you happy and relaxed, that is away from all other distractions. Find ways to give yourself something to look forward to each day.
It is important to remember that mental health issues are common, and most people will experience mental health challenges at some point during their lives. The world is losing too many children and adults to suicide every year, as a result of unresolved mental health issues. Remember that mental health conditions aren’t only for people of a certain economic status, gender, or age. We’re all at risk, and we should be having open and honest conversations about the state of mental health around the world, and treatment options that are available.
We will kick off the week with a roundtable talk on the 9th May at 8pm London U.K time. You can register your interest on by clicking here and you will be directed to the event page.
In addition to that, we will also be hosting a live event in Zimbabwe, Harare on 14th May 9am. To register your interest email events@africahealing.org with your full name, email and phone number.
Both events are free of charge so come along and let’s create awareness and impact together.
One of the reasons why mental health awareness is so crucial is that it can reduce the number of people suffering in silence. Let us normalize talking and spreading awareness about mental health, by doing so people with mental health disorders realize that they aren’t alone. Having a mental health disorder can be extremely isolating, but opening up the conversation around mental health creates an environment where people feel more comfortable discussing their own struggles.
Speaking openly about mental health can also help people suffering get appropriate treatment from mental health professionals, which in turn reduces reliance on drugs and alcohol for coping. Transparency around mental health awareness helps people with mental disorders find resources, support groups, or activities to improve their wellbeing. Additionally, friends and family members of those with a mental illness can learn how to effectively help and support their loved ones.
Suffering from a mental health disorder can feel like you’re stuck in a long tunnel, constantly searching to find the light at the end. But improving mental health doesn’t necessarily require expensive therapy sessions, or prescription medications. There are many ways to improve mental wellbeing that are cost-effective, and can be done on your own time, from the comfort of your home. One of the best things you can do for your mental health is to have an open conversation with someone you trust. Let them know how you are feeling, what challenges you are facing and what might bring you down. Sometimes just talking about it makes you feel better and you can break through the difficult situation.
Moving your body every day is a great way to keep your mind sharp, healthy, and happy. If you’re suffering from a mental health disorder, exercising for a short period each day is a great way to feel better. During and after exercising, the body releases feel-good endorphins that can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Mental health conditions can also be triggered by career stress, family life, or other obligations. Despite the responsibilities we all face, don’t forget to make yourself a priority. Every day, do something you enjoy that makes you happy and relaxed, that is away from all other distractions. Find ways to give yourself something to look forward to each day.
It is important to remember that mental health issues are common, and most people will experience mental health challenges at some point during their lives. The world is losing too many children and adults to suicide every year, as a result of unresolved mental health issues. Remember that mental health conditions aren’t only for people of a certain economic status, gender, or age. We’re all at risk, and we should be having open and honest conversations about the state of mental health around the world, and treatment options that are available.
We will kick off the week with a roundtable talk on the 9th May at 8pm London U.K time. You can register your interest on by clicking here and you will be directed to the event page.
In addition to that, we will also be hosting a live event in Zimbabwe, Harare on 14th May 9am. To register your interest email events@africahealing.org with your full name, email and phone number.
Both events are free of charge so come along and let’s create awareness and impact together.
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