World Mental Health Day

10 October 2022 is World Mental Health Day, a World Health Organisation (WHO) initiative to increase awareness of mental health issues.

It’s an ongoing challenge to promote the view that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that mental health problems are equally debilitating. This year’s theme is to ‘make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’, but World Mental Health Day really just provides us with a great opportunity to start new conversations and get people around the world talking about mental health. This helps to normalise mental health issues, destigmatise mental health, and increase awareness of the spectrum of mental health needs, as more and more people come to understand that mental health problems can, and do, affect us all.

Prior to the pandemic, it was estimated that around 1 in 8 people were living with a mental health problem. However, the combined effects of COVID-19 - such as financial worries, social isolation and limited access to crucial healthcare services - have created a global crisis in population mental health, resulting in a 25% increase in depression and anxiety disorders. Furthermore, additional stress factors such as the war in Ukraine, recent increases in the cost of living and the ongoing energy crisis are placing additional pressure on population mental health. Unfortunately, in most cases mental health services are not adequately equipped - or funded - to deal with the challenges presented by this increase in demand for resources, leaving vulnerable individuals at risk and without the vital support they need.

The Mental Health Foundation has produced a range of helpful resources to enable individuals and organisations to show their support for World Mental Health Day, including posters, social media graphics and green ribbon badges - the symbol of mental health awareness.

In keeping with the theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day, we’re encouraging everyone to put their own mental health - and the mental health of their loved ones - first. You can do this by wearing a green ribbon, or organising or taking part in any of the activities which support this important initiative. You can also support World Mental Health Day by simply showing that mental health and wellbeing is a priority for you: being there for one another - friends, family, colleagues and even strangers - to talk, listen, and show that you care.

At Pneuma, the mental health and wellbeing of our service users and staff are paramount, which is why we fully support initiatives which raise awareness of mental health issues, including World Mental Health Day.

Pneuma Healthcare was created with a vision: to combine a high-quality PWP service with the optimal staff support and wellbeing. If you would like to find out more about our service, then get in touch.

If you’re concerned about your mental health, you can contact your GP or call the Samaritans on 116 123.


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