#MentalHealthAwareness Week
This #MentalHealthAwareness Week, we’re looking at how common Mental Health issues really are in the UK.
Did you know that as many as 1 in 4 people in the UK will suffer with some form of Mental Health issue in any one year? For an issue that is so prevalent and common in our society, it never fails to surprise me how little the topic is ever discussed or addressed.
The long and short of it all is that no matter who you are, where you are from or what you do for a living, you are most likely going to have to face some form of Mental Health illness in your lifetime. Life is hard and what’s more it’s hard for everyone, regardless of how things appear on the outside, more often than not, the people who seem the happiest or the most blessed are the ones suffering the most.
Always remember, it takes nothing just to be kind.
How can you help yourself?
Be kind on yourself, you may feel like you’re not keeping up with the rest of the world or the friends who seem to have it all, but that’s OK. There is no manual for where you should be and when in life, just enjoy what you can, when you can.
Why not treat yourself to something? You spend a large chunk of your life working hard to pay your rent, bills and other commitments, so why not reward yourself too for all your efforts.
Never be too proud or scared to ask for help. If things just aren’t panning out the way you expected, or you just feel overwhelmed by everything around you, tell someone, ask for help and advice. Sometimes, just getting it all off your chest is enough to give you that bounce back in your step and get things feeling more manageable.
How can you help others?
Sometimes, just a simple check in with friends or family could make the world of difference! To know there is somewhere out there thinking about you, or who cares enough to take time out of their busy day to say ‘hi’ can make you feel connected and like you matter.
That seemingly distance stranger at the bus stop or in the queue, why not just say ‘hi’, pay them a compliment and make them smile. Again, just a small gesture might just be enough to turn their day round, make them feel like they exist in a seemingly disconnected world.
Listen. Sometimes, all someone needs is to be heard, to have their feelings said out loud to someone else. Offload all those thoughts they have whizzing round their head or heart that are weighing them down or causing them to panic.
If you want to get more involved in helping others with Mental Health problems, you can always study a course such as a Level 3 Diploma in Mental Health and Social Care as a way to better understand the human mind and give you a pathway into working in the sector.
What to do if you or someone you know is having Mental Health issues right now?
Reach out and get help. No one is going to judge you or think badly of you for admitting you need help coping right now.
There are many charities and organisations out there that can help, contact them and discuss what your options are, you don’t have to suffer alone or in silence.
Two well-known charities are Mind and the Samaritans, they have trained helpers and volunteers who can help and guide you on what’s best to do. You can contact them through their websites here: