The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10 October every year, and the theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is ‘Mental health in an unequal world’.
Mental Health in an Unequal World
The Mental Health Foundation writes: “From the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve been tracking its impact on people’s mental health. Our research has shown that some of the people struggling the most are those who were already facing considerable challenges – people with long term health conditions, or facing discrimination, or parenting on their own. That is why we are launching a £2 million Covid Response Programme to work with partners to help some of the people who have been hardest hit. World Mental Health Day is also a chance to talk about mental health in general, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to talk about things and get help if you are struggling.”
Five Ways to Wellbeing
Sometimes it can be challenging to keep on top of our wellbeing – and it often only happens if we consciously think about it. Here are the five widely accepted ways to wellbeing, with some hand tips.
- Connect: make time to connect or reconnect with family, friends, colleagues – those around you.
From Mind: “There is strong evidence that suggests that feeling close to, and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and important to functioning well in the world.”
- Be Active: take a walk, run, swim, or play an active game in the street or garden – whatever you enjoy.
From Mind: “Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups.”
- Learn: something new – whether reading a book, an article, researching something of interest or learning more formally.
From Mind: “Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction. The practice of setting goals, which is related to adult learning in particular, has been strongly associated with higher levels of wellbeing.”
- Take Notice: of the world around us – stop, look, listen is not only a useful reminder for crossing the road but also for being present.
From Mind: “Studies have shown that being aware of what is taking place in the present directly enhances your wellbeing and that savouring ‘the moment’ can help to reaffirm your life priorities.”
- Give: whatever you can, and it doesn’t need to be a lot – your time, your money, your wisdom – you choose.
From Mind: “Individuals who report a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy; plus research has shown that performing an act of kindness once a week over a six-week period is associated with an increase in wellbeing.”
Above all else – be kind to yourself and those around you.
Getting Help and Support
If you need a little help – don’t hesitate! Here’s a few handy links: