World Mental Health Day
Last week on Tuesday 10th October marked World Mental Health Day. Working for a Global Mental Health organisation meant that we were very much actively involved in the day. Although the subject is something I spend a large part of my day talking and thinking about I do feel I can become desensitised to it, just like anything we do or see on a regular basis. For me, the day was so insightful and thought provoking I thought I'd try to unjumble my thoughts and put them into words.
Our teams overseas were taking part in various activities to raise awareness and we were no different in the London office. We held a tea and talk session over lunch. This year's theme is mental health in the workplace so we decided to have an open discussion about what can reduce and improve our positive mental health at work. Examples included not asking for help when we need it and making sure we take our lunch breaks, get out of the office for some fresh air and to stretch our legs. We also had our very own bake off and consumed vast amounts of cake!
After work we headed to a talk hosted by the charity Mind. The evening was a very intimate but informal discussion with two speakers who shared their own stories with us. Both of them were incredibly brave and inspiring, it can be so difficult to sometimes even say 'I'm not OK' let alone openly share your most personal feelings. There were a few keys points that I took away from the evening.
Firstly, as part of my job I've spent a lot of time working in mental health overseas in underdeveloped countries; however, the discussion really highlighted how much more there is to do here the UK. Don't get me the wrong, the work we do abroad is so incredibly important but there's still so much stigma and unawareness attached to mental health here too.
This leads me onto my next thought, and point which was discussed, about how do we start to make these changes? How can we help people understand and be aware? Just because we can't see it doesn't mean it's not there. It's been a topic that's greatly debated as to whether mental health awareness should be part of education. Personally, I agree, it's a topic just like bullying or sex education that should be addressed. Children and young adults suffer just as much as adults; their friends and families also need help in understanding and supporting them. Improving education and raising awareness at a young age can surely only have positive effects?
Mental health shouldn’t be something we’re not ashamed of talking about. It’s just as important as physical health. We discuss cancer and heart disease openly and frequently in our daily lives, why should depression or schizophrenia be any different? I’m a huge fan of days like ‘World Mental Health Day’ as it does increase awareness and action but a valid point that came from the discussion was, why just a day? Why not every day?
I could go on and on but I already feel like I’m rambling a little. The one thing I’d like you take from this, is that you be kind, be aware and be there. Always.
