Mental Health Awareness Month is an event organised by the Mental Health Foundation and is held every October. The whole month is focused on raising awareness of the importance of mental health and encouraging people to look after their mental health, seeking the most appropriate type of support, if necessary.
The 2022 theme is ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’, and encourages organisations, workplaces and people in the community to get involved with raising awareness.
What causes poor mental health?
Mental health issues can stem from a wide range of causes, including loneliness, trauma, debt, bereavement, health conditions, work stress and lifestyle factors. It is important that people understand what contributes towards their own poor mental health, so they can identify self-care actions to manage their mental wellbeing.
How you can help your mental health
Some types of self-care will be specific to an individual, but these are some more common ways to help improve your mental health:
Prioritise social connection
Social connection helps people to feel happy and boosts self-esteem. Feeling lonely and isolated can cause depression, so staying connected with people is important for wellbeing. Some research has revealed that having a variety of social connections can reduce stress and heart-related risks.
Stay active
Doing exercise gives you a natural mood boost so making time for some form of exercise in your week can help your mental health. Choose an exercise that you enjoy, so if running is not your idea of fun, choose something else otherwise you are likely to give up. A long walk, dancing, cycling, Zumba and swimming can all help improve your mental health, you don’t have to be running marathons to feel the benefit.
Eat well, sleep well
Your diet and lifestyle have a big impact on your mental health, so you should try to avoid foods or alcohol that will have a negative impact on your mood. For example, foods that are high in fat or sugar can lead to a bad mood, while protein, fruit and vegetables can help to lift your mood. If you are feeling low, you should avoid drinking alcohol as it is a depressant and it can also affect your sleep quality. Having adequate sleep is vital for feeling at your best, so try to get into a regular sleep routine.
Self-care activities
Identify the activities that make you feel happiest and use them as your go-to self-care activities. From taking a long soak in the bath to watching a film that makes you laugh, or doing something active outdoors, when you are feeling low you should turn to one of your favourite self-care activities to give yourself a wellbeing boost.
Talk about your feelings
Talking openly about how you are feeling is an important way to get support, whether you talk to a close friend or a professional. Simply talking in an environment where you feel comfortable can help you to look at your position from a different angle and may give you some solutions to improve your mental health. Getting support from family and friends can help relieve some of the stress you are feeling.
Chat4Change is a campaign run by the Kaleidoscope Group that encourages talking openly about mental health and you can find a ‘How to Start a Conversation Tip Sheet’, to help you to start that first important chat about your mental health.
When it comes to mental health, you need to know that you’re not alone, and there will be someone out there to listen to you; family, friends, or Kaleidoscope – you’re never alone. If you feel like you need urgent support, don’t hesitate to text TeamKPG to 85258, where we offer free, confidential support by our training counsellor through our 24/7 helpline. We’re here to listen and help, no matter when.
