Thursday is World Mental Health Awareness Day
The 10th October is World Mental Health day. Schools and organisations through the UK will be donning yellow and running in-house initiatives to stimulate the conversation about mental health problems amongst young people and workers across the UK.
Most of us know by now that Mental health issues should no longer be stigmatised and creating open, honest dialogue amongst young people will ensure future generations treat mental health without stigma and with as much importance as their physical health.
This culture is already firmly embedded in the USA however by comparison the UK's attitude towards caring for our own mental health is only now moving away from the stiff upper lip attitude of ignoring the problem and focusing on more tangible issues to one where holistic approaches and talk therapy are only now becoming regarded as good solutions not indicative of someone being a weak or less manly human being. In the UK last year a total of 6507 suicides were registered by coroners. This is the highest level in the last 15 years and represents an 11.8% spike increase on the previous year. All time highs for young people and young girls were also reported.
One in four people are affected by mental health problems every year. Mental health issues amongst men are rife. Mental health problems can be common conditions such as anxiety and depression or rarer, more complicated problems such as schizophrenia or episodic bouts of mania but whatever is affecting you or your loved ones help is available.
If you don't perceive yourself as having mental health problems it is still important to keep looking after your own mental well being. The organisation MIND has some helpful tips on looking after yourself and building positive relationships.
THINK ABOUT WHATS AFFECTING YOUR WELLBEING.
Common life events can affect your mental well-being and we all deal with what life throws at us differently. Bereavement, loneliness, relationship problems, work and money are all stressors in life and possible causes of disruption to your mental well-being.
SOMETIMES YOU CANT PUT YOUR FINGER ON IT
Mental health can be a consequence of external forces such as those listed above or can come from something innate within. You might be more susceptible to internal causes of mental problems if you have suffered from neglect, or childhood trauma, isolation or discrimination. Homelessness or health conditions. Poverty, unemployment or being in a position where you’re responsible for caring for another person. Even traumatic events such as military service or being a victim of crime can all be the causes of current or future mental illness.
MINDs website reminds us that no matter the reason for your low mental health you deserve to be happy. There are steps you can take to improve how you feel.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO FEEL BETTER?
MINDs site explains we should aim to build positive relationships, make time for those we love, join groups and talk about how we feel. Volunteering can be an excellent way to combat loneliness and keep your mind active.
Mindfulness
They suggest mindfulness and being present in any given moment can help udo to focus your emotions thoughts feelings and help you to accept the world around you. There is a dedicated “bemindful” website for more information on the importance of mindfulness and courses you can take to learn the technique.
https://bemindful.co.uk/
Learn Something New
Learn a new skill or take up a new hobby to give yourself achievable goals and remind yourself that you can accomplish your targets. Start small. Read A Book, Bake a cake, learn a new instrument or language or simply start a new art or craft. Learning new things can boost your confidence and self-worth.
Relaxation Techniques.
Here are 8 relaxation tips to boost your mental health.
If you want more tips on looking after your mental health in everyday living visit MIND here where you can read other blogs detailing tips on combating depression and find out new ways to combat low mental health.
Just remember even if you’re not suffering from mental health problems yourself, being a listening ear or a supportive friend can make a difference to someone you love.
So it’s worth understanding how to achieve good mental health and spotting the warning signs or poor mental well-being so you can ensure you AND those around you stay safe and well.
Standing Desks allow you to move freely and feel less stagnant when you work, they improve blood flow and encourage regular breaks which can act as good mental health breaks.
We asked Nick White, MD of iwantastandingdesk.com to explain to us why Standing desks are a great way to encourage positive mental health.
"The simple act of standing improves brain function, by increasing oxygen levels, glucose levels and vitally dopamine production. Using a standing desk as part of a healthy lifestyle can only contribute positively to to physical and mental well-being. " - Nick White MD, I Want A Standing Desk.