Question: What is World Mental Health Day all about?
Answer: The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
Several Seats CIC wishes to work alongside others towards making positive mental health a global priority. We know that more people are experiencing poor mental health because of the rising cost of living. We also know that this disproportionately affects people from low social economic backgrounds.
Stigma and discrimination continue to be a barrier to social inclusion and access to the right care.
World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to raise awareness collectively and shed light on these barriers. I envision a world in which mental health is valued, promoted and protected.
🤔 How can I help someone that may be suffering with mental health? 🤔
📱 Regularly check in with them. A quick 'How are you?' text, or even sending them a funny picture is enough to let them know you're thinking of them.
☕️ Ask them to go for coffee/ dinner/ bingo/ knitting club/ whatever floats your boat - even if they don't feel up to it, it's still nice to be invited, right?
💬 Encourage them to share their worries. It can be big step to take, but remember - a problem shared is a problem halved.
💝 Just be there for them! Even if they're not quite ready to talk, be patient. Make sure they know they can trust you and that you will take them seriously.
🤔 How can I help myself if I am suffering with mental health? 🤔
Everyone is different - here's what I personally like to do to relieve stress:
🏋🏼 Staying active.
🛍️ Feeding my shopping addiction.
🍱 Eating good food.