As is my custom, I am writing to remind you that this week in the UK is Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) . Regular and longer standing readers will know that I originally started blogging on the theme of mental health, sharing my own experiences in the hope that these might help others. For newer readers, this may come as a surprise but, I hope, a welcome one: though much has been done to remove the stigma attached to discussions around mental health there are still many barriers that need to be brought down. If you want to see my earlier posts on my own issues, they can be found in the ‘My Story’ link in the header.
Here in the UK MHAW has been led since 2001 by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) who have done much to provide advice, guidance and assistance for this important subject. Each year they take a theme for the week, and this year it is about the importance of movement in relation to our mental health. On their website they say
One of the most important things we can do to help protect our mental health is regular movement.
Our bodies and our minds are connected, so looking after ourselves physically also helps us prevent problems with our mental health. Exercise releases “feel good” hormones, that reduce feelings of stress and anger. It also helps us feel better about our bodies. It can improve our sleep too. If it involves other people, like being part of a team, a class or group we see regularly, that can also boost our mental health.
Despite these benefits, so many of us struggle to move enough. We know there are many different reasons for this, so this Mental Health Awareness Week we want to help people to find moments for movement in their daily routines.
That quote can be found on the MHF website, and if you follow that link you will see that the page has other links to help you find out more. Their whole site is a mine of useful information, and I encourage you to take a look: it is always good to be better informed about something as important as our mental health, and if you or someone you know is in need of support you will be able to find a way to get it.
In previous years the MHF have made videos in support of the campaign but as far as I can tell they haven’t done so for this year. A number of other organisations have, though, and here is a good example:
And I couldn’t resist this one, from the England football captain (even if he did desert my team!):
That is badged by an organisation called Shout, which provides a free, confidential, 24/7 text message service for anyone in need of mental health support in the UK. Trained Shout Volunteers can help with issues including anxiety and depression, among others. As I said, help can be found if you need it, in a variety of ways.
The MHF has released a report which has identified that in the UK, 36% of adults (aged 18+) do not meet the physical activity recommendations set out by the World Health Organisation, but that when they asked the UK population if they believed that regular physical activity is important for mental health and wellbeing, 82% of UK adults agreed. They add that:
The mental health and wellbeing benefits of moving more include:
- less tension, stress, and mental fatigue
- a natural energy boost
- a sense of achievement
- more focus and motivation
- feeling less angry or frustrated
- having fun
- an opportunity to connect with others.
This is good advice, and I know that I should be doing more active things to support myself – and probably we all should, if we are honest with ourselves. My mobility has been very much restricted by a medical condition diagnosed in 2015, and I have probably used it as an excuse not to do more. But even if I don’t get out much I can be more active in my home, and that is what I’m trying to do. I have a carer who visits three times a week and he has said that he can see some improvements in me: so if I can do it, anyone can! What’s your excuse for not doing it? Go on, you know it makes sense!
Being a Brit I have naturally concentrated on what is happening here, but I’m pretty sure that wherever you are there are similar initiatives in support of improved mental health. They make take different themes but they all have the same goal. I know that the US designates May as Mental Health Month, and there is much online about that. If you are in the US and want to know more this is a good starting point, from Mental Health America – a video from that site offering a welcome to Mental Health Month from MHA President and CEO Schroeder Stribling:
Again, if you follow the link to the site you will find a whole host of resources to help you, either for yourself or to get involved with helping others.
I know from personal experience that our mental health can be a fragile thing, and encourage everyone to do what you can to take care of yours and that of those you love.
Be Happy. Be Active!
Take It Easy 