May marks Mental Health Awareness Month in the US; and Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK between 10-16 May 2021.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages. Now, more than ever, it’s critical to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles; because it’s usually the stigma that prevents individuals from seeking help. Employees worldwide, particularly younger staff, are worried about this stigma; as well as revealing mental health issues to their employers in case it negatively impacts on their career progression. To find out more on how mental health is impacting professionals at work in the UK, US and Australia, click here.
As a result of the declining mental health and staff wellbeing as we enter the second year of the pandemic, organisations like Mental Health America and the Mental Health Foundation in the UK, have stepped up to provide resources and practical tools for both employers as well as individuals.
US RESOURCES: TOOLS 2 THRIVE
This year, Mental Health America will continue its theme of Tools 2 Thrive. It’s also providing practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health; and increase their resiliency regardless of their personal situation.
Its toolkit includes advice on the following:
- Adapting after trauma and stress
- Dealing with anger and frustration
- Getting out of thinking traps
- Processing big changes
- Taking time for yourself
- Radical acceptance
UK FOCUS: CONNECTION WITH NATURE
The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK this year, hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is ‘nature’. Nature is so central to our psychological and emotional health, that it’s almost impossible to realise good mental health for all without a greater connection to the natural world, according to Mark Rowland, CEO of Mental Health Foundation.
“During Mental Health Awareness Week 2021, we will pull together the evidence that demonstrates the powerful benefits of nature for our mental health,” stated Rowland. “We will look at nature’s unique ability to not only bring consolation in times of stress; but also increase our creativity, empathy and a sense of wonder. It turns out that it is not just being in nature but how we open ourselves up and interact with nature that counts. We will show that even small contacts with nature can reduce feelings of social isolation and be effective in protecting our mental health, and preventing distress.”
The UK’s Mental Health Awareness Week has two clear aims. Firstly, to inspire more people to connect with nature in new ways; and help them become aware of the impact that this connection can have on their mental health. Secondly, to convince decision makers at all levels that access to nature is a mental health and social justice issue as well as an environmental one.
MENTAL HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS
During Mental Health Awareness Week, the Mental Health Foundation recommends that individuals:
- Experience nature. Take time to notice, recognise and grow your connection with nature during the week, and celebrate it.
- Share nature: Take a photo, video or sound recording and share the connections to inspire others. Join the discussion on how you’re connecting with nature using hashtags #ConnectWithNature #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
- Talk about nature: Discuss how you can help encourage people to find new ways to connect with nature; be it in your family, school, workplace and/or community.
For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw.
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