|Katie Hunter
World Mental Health Day was established 25 years ago in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health. In some countries around the world, this forms just one part of the larger Mental Illness Awareness Week, helping to promote the idea that mental health is just as important as physical health.
Each year, October 10th is celebrated with an aim to increase public awareness about mental health issues, increase education on the topic and attempt to eliminate the stigma attached. It is hoped that this, in turn, will encourage sufferers to seek help and support Although to many of us this may not seem like a particularly common or alarming issue, according to recent studies, approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. This is why this day helps to promote more open discussion of mental disorders, and investments in prevention and treatment services. The treatment gap for mental, neurological and substance use disorders is difficult especially in poor resource countries. This year, the World Federation of Mental Health calls for improved mental wellness in the workplace and for us in school.
Mental health problems, ranging from issues like depression and anxiety disorders to conditions like schitzophrenia affect millions of people around the world. The statistics regarding the impact of mental health conditions on society are disturbing; whilst exact estimates vary, it is highly likely that:
- 1 in 4 people will experience some form of mental health condition in any year
- At any given time, 1 in 6 working age adults have symptoms associated with mental ill health (examples of which include sleeping problems, fatigue, worries etc) which do not meet the diagnosis; and
- A further 1 in 6 working age adults experience diagnosable mental ill health conditions and anxiety at any given time
https://adviserplusintelligenthr/2017/09/world-mental-health-day-10th-october-2017-time-change/
Acknowledging mental health problems and doing what you can to assist those living with poor mental health is vital in helping people to improve their mindset and giving them the courage to seek and receive effective treatment, World mental health day is a wonderful opportunity to remind everyone that it is crucial to take the time to look after their own wellbeing. Below are some tips on little ways you can improve you quality of living through focusing more on your mental health:
1. Reach out
Reaching out to those around you and building relationships is a really important part of developing positive mental health wellbeing. Having dependable people around you can be a lifeline when times get tough and will provide you with people who you know you can always talk to regardless of the situation you find yourself in. Reach out to your family, friends and teachers, rather than being tempted to keep your worries to yourself.
2. Exercise
Exercise is a great way to boost your mental health wellbeing. The endorphins that our bodies release when we exercise enhances our mood, helps us to sleep, benefits our concentration and generally makes us feel better about ourselves. Exercising can also be an incredibly positive social experience too – helping us to meet and interact with others who have similar interests.
3. Stimulate
Remember those brain training games that we were all obsessed with? Perhaps its time to re-engage with those though-provoking challenges. Brain stimulation and focusing on new experiences can help build you confidence and make you feel more positive. Rediscovering an old interest, taking up a new hobby, learning something new or setting yourself a challenge can help you take more from life and meet new people along the way.
4. Join in
Being parts of events, groups, gatherings and local clubs can be incredibly rewarding and satisfying. They will keep you busy and result in numerous stories and memories for you to share and be proud of in years to come. Our very own newspaper is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of something truly enjoyable and worthwhile – with meetings every Wednesday straight after school in the library and plenty of other opportunities which stem from this, perhaps this could be the change that will benefit your mental health both now and in the future.
So, in this world which can sometimes come across as overwhelming and scary, be the one to make a difference; ask classmates ’how are you?’, smile at those you meet and be the kind of person you would want to be friends with. You will probably never realise how much this could mean for someone going through a particularly tough time.
