Mental health awareness week happens every year and is a vital time dedicated to educating and raising awareness about the importance of mental health. This year it will take place from 12 to 18 May. With mental health affecting millions of people worldwide, this week serves as a reminder that understanding and supporting mental health is essential to ensure mental health resources are accessible to all. It also serves as an opportunity to break down stigma, encourage open conversations and support those who are struggling.
Understanding mental health
Mental health is an important part of our overall well-being, it influences how we think, feel, and interact with others daily. It also affects every aspect of life, including relationships, work and decision making. Despite its significance, mental health often carries a stigma which can prevent people from seeking help or discussing their struggles openly.
Common mental health issues
Mental health challenges are more common than many people realise, with 1 in 6 individuals reporting that they experience a common mental health problem weekly. These include:
- Depression: a disorder characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest.
- Anxiety: a condition that causes an overwhelming feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): is a mental health condition where you have recurring thoughts and repetitive behaviours that you cannot control.
- Schizophrenia: is a mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often causinghallucinations, delusions and difficulty distinguishing between reality and imagination.
How you can help
Everyone can play a role in promoting mental health awareness and supporting those affected. Here are a few ways you can help:
- Educate yourself: read and share information about mental health either in person or on social media, to better understand and empathize with those affected.
- Listen to others without judgement: if someone opens up to you about their mental health struggles, be supportive and listen without judgement.
- Open conversations: talking openly about mental health, can make it easier for others to share their experiences and seek help.
- Encourage friends and family to get professional help if needed.
- Support mental health organisations: Donate to or volunteer with organisations that provide mental health services and support.
- Remember to take care of yourself: prioritise your mental health by making time for activities that make you happy and help you to relax! For example, exercise, reading a book, doing a hobby, spending time with loved ones, pampering yourself.
This mental health week lets strive to be more mindful of our own mental health and support those around us. By checking in on our loved ones and encouraging open conversations we can make a positive impact and ensure that no one has to face their struggles alone.
Support and Resources for CAW Students
As a student of The College of Animal Welfare, you get FREE access to a wide variety of resources and support via the togetherall app; there is a great short online course on how to manage depression and low mood. Togetherall also has forums so you can discuss any worries with others, and access to trained counsellors 24/7. If you haven’t set up an account, you can do so FREE of charge with your CAW email address.
If stress is getting overwhelming and persistent to you, or if you are struggling with any aspect of college life, remember you can access up to six confidential counselling sessions free of charge: full details can be found here.