World Mental Health Day

On the 10th of October every year, we recognise World Mental Health Day. Find out more about mental health and how to make a difference on this year’s World Mental Health Day.

Mental health has been a common subject for a lot of us during the recent pandemic. It has been a part of so many of our lives due to the strange circumstances and the changes we have had to make to our daily routines. People are often unaware of what mental health is or are unsure of how to help someone who is suffering from their mental wellbeing. There is also a stigma attached to mental health problems therefore people feel less comfortable to talk about their problems.

If you are in good mental health, you will make the most of your potential, cope with life and play a full part in your family, workplace, community and among friends. Having a mental health problem can drastically vary from person to person, and people deal with this in many different ways. Whether its anxiety, fear, stress or feeling lonely, sad or depressed, any ongoing negative feeling means there is an issue with your mental health and the quicker this is dealt with, the quicker things will start turning around.

Looking after your mental health is just as important as your physical health and there are many different ways you can help your mental wellbeing.

Firstly, connect with other people, it is vital you keep in contact with friends, relatives and partners so that they can supply you with the help you need. Talking to someone can also be just what is needed when something is plaguing you.

Taking care of your physical health also helps take care of your mental health by raising your self-esteem and distracting your brain into something active. It also causes a chemical change in your brain which can help to positively change your mood. Learning a new skill or hobby is also a great way of taking your mind off something. It also helps to build you a sense of purpose whilst boosting your self-confidence.

They say that giving somebody else a compliment or a small act of kindness can actually have a positive effect on you. Offering this will give you a sense of self-worth by creating positive feelings within yourself and others.

Mindfulness is a term that is used a lot and is all about being in the present moment. Taking up mindfulness activities such as Yoga, meditation, a peaceful hobby or even video games can focus the mind on what is happening at that moment. Whether its breathing, dancing or colouring within the lines, these simple activities that you probably do every day will help to improve your thoughts and feelings as you soak in the world around you.

You’ve probably heard of the menopause in women, but did you know men go through a similar hormonal change as they age? The male menopause, or andropause, is often triggered when men reach their 40s. Male menopause can also have negative effects on your mental health. With COVID-19 pandemic halting normal life, many older men with symptoms of male menopause could be experiencing more difficulty, with their mental health also being at risk.

Understand male menopause and learn how to alleviate the symptoms at

https://www.optimale.co.uk/male-menopause-mental-health-guide/#contents

Raising awareness is the next step and there are plenty of events or things you can do to get involved and help to spread awareness.

Tea & Talk is a lovely little way to get together with friends and family, eat cake, put the kettle on whilst raising funds for the cause. This also a great way to talk about what might be troubling you.

You can do your bit with as little as £1.90 if you purchase a green ribbon pin badge. Why not buy a few for your workplace, school or Tea & Talk event!

For more information, head to www.mentalhealth.org.uk

To read the stories of outstanding individuals who have shared their mental health journey with us, head to

www.mentalhealthawareness.org.uk