World Mental Health Day: 10 October 2022

Mental health problems exist in our lives, families, workplaces and communities, impacting everyone.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global crisis for mental health, fueling short- and long-term stresses and undermining the mental health of millions. Estimates put the rise in both anxiety and depressive disorders at more than 25% during the first year of the pandemic. At the same time, mental health services have been severely disrupted and the treatment gap for mental health conditions has widened.

We must do as much as possible to prevent mental ill-health – as individuals and as a society.

World Mental Health Day is also a chance to talk about mental health in general, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to talk about things and get help if you are struggling.

Stigma and discrimination continue to be a barrier to social inclusion. Importantly, we can all play our part in increasing awareness about which preventive mental health interventions work and World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to do that collectively.

Research shows that:

🧠 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem each year in England

🧠 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (e.g. anxiety/depression) each week in England.

It is important to remember:

✅ You are never alone.

✅ It is as important to look after your mental health as it is your physical health.

✅ Talking can help whether, that be talking with a medical professional, a trusted family member or a friend.

✅ Mental health does not shape you as an individual and it is important to look after yourself.

✅ Reaching out when times are tough is not a sign of weakness.

✅ No matter how low you feel, help is available.

For more information on charities that support UK mental health visit: https://buff.ly/3Mnsb96