The Importance of World Mental Health Day:
On the 10th October, it was World Mental Health Day; a reminder to think about the mental wellbeing of ourselves, our loved ones and everyone around us.
1 billion people across the world are living with a mental health illness (World Federation for Mental Health, 2024). If you struggle too, know you are not alone.
In low income countries, help only comes from family, friends and charities. In the UK, support can be found with charities and community interest companies, like Cocoon Kids. But we also have a health system, the NHS, that provides mental health support (emergency phone number: 111).
World Mental Health Day 2024 Theme:
The theme of this years WMHD is: ‘It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace’. A serious mental health problem stops most from getting to work, with only 10-15% making it to the office (World Federation for Mental Health, 2024). A job keeps you busy, gets you out of the house and being social is great for everyone’s mental health. But many people with mental health illnesses struggle to tell their co-workers as they don’t want to be treated differently. We can lose this stigma with appropriate mental health training and awareness in the workplace.
Even the healthiest of us can suffer in a physically and mentally unhealthy environment; long hours, night shifts and weekend shifts can lead to burnout and stress. Mismanagement can also create anxiety and fear about coming to work. By letting our workplace know we’re struggling, we can create a supportive community that prioritises employee health and happiness. Speaking up for ourselves and others (who may not have found their voice yet) helps everyone succeed.
6 Tips for Positive Mental Health:
Catch it, check it, change it
Worried about an important task, thinking everything will go wrong and you'll be seen as a failure? Reframe it. Instead, remind yourself that you're prepared, you've put lots of work in and you're doing your best. Treat yourself how you would a friend; be kind and supportive to yourself.
Be In The Present
Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings right now. Breathing exercises can help when you are feeling stressed or anxious. Take a deep breath in and a deep breath out and feel the air entering and leaving your body. Relax your shoulders and neck, focusing on your breathing and being aware of it. Focus on what you feel from your head to your toes.
Get Good Sleep
Good sleep improves how you feel physically and mentally, improves our moods, gives us more energy, and improves our concentration. Going to bed at the same time every night creates a good routine. Reading a book, listening to music, watching TV, or breathing exercises can relax us before bed. Keeping a diary can help you reflect on the day and be more restful. Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, or smoking before bed, try a relaxing herbal tea instead.
Connecting With Others
Spending time with friends and family and opening up to someone you trust about your thoughts and feelings. Have a device-free family time to talk and connect. Regularly going to clubs or social events can help create new friends and keep you connected. Talk to someone every day in-person, over the phone, or over text. If you need urgent help, connect to a helpline like Mind, Shout, Childline, or the NHS number, 111.
Live a Healthy Life
Physical health affects our mental health. Being active, going outside and having a balanced diet can help our mental wellbeing. Cut down on alcohol and caffein, and quit smoking or drug use. Can you join a casual sports team, a gym, a walking group, or maybe do some gardening? Physical activity releases endorphins that make us feel good. Try Active 10 or Couch to 5K. Eat lots of fruit and veg and use BBC Good Foods to find healthy, quick and cheap meals to cook.
Do Something for Yourself
Take time to relax, find time for your favourite hobby, or learn something new. Doing things that give us a sense of achievement makes us feel happy. This can also help us to connect with others. Learn an instrument, a language, a new sport, cooking / baking, arts and crafts, computer programming, DIY, the list goes on! Find time for things you find relaxing like reading, exercise, TV or having a bath.
Need someone to talk to?
Most importantly, you're not alone. It's okay to ask for help if you need it. We all go through mental health struggles. Cocoon Kids are here to support you too. Please do get in touch. For urgent mental health support, please visit:
Shout: Text 'Shout' to 85258
Childline: https://www.childline.org.uk/
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