Mental Health Awareness Week is one of the most important weeks of the year. Now more than ever mental health is a topic that is becoming increasingly important amongst people of all ages and backgrounds.

In this feature Blackpool’s Grand take a look at what this year’s theme is (Anxiety), what the goals are, and what you can do during this very important week.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an immense effect on people’s mental health all over the world. Continuous lockdowns have caused long periods of isolation, alongside the loss of loved ones which would’ve only added to the tough struggle of coping with the uncertainty and anxiety of the past year. That’s why Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 (15 to 21 May) may seem particularly important and significant compared to the past. 

What is the Theme of Mental Health Awareness Week?

Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.

Lots of things can lead to feelings of anxiety, including exam pressures, relationships, starting a new job (or losing one) or other big life events. We can also get anxious when it comes to things to do with money and not being able to meet our basic needs, like heating our homes or buying food. But anxiety can be made easier to manage.

Focusing on anxiety for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week will increase people’s awareness and understanding of anxiety by providing information on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem. At the same time, we will keep up the pressure to demand change – making sure that improving mental health is a key priority for the government and society as a whole.

What are the Goals for Mental Health Awareness Week?

There are two very main aims for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week. The first one is to inspire more people to connect with nature in new ways and realising the immense positive impact this connection can have on their mental health. The second is to convince the main decision-makers at all levels that granting free access to nature and maintaining its quality of it is a social justice issue, not just an environmental one. 

What Can You Do During Mental Health Awareness Week?

One of the best ways to connect with others and influence change is through effective storytelling. The best way to demonstrate the effect nature can have on someone’s mental health is by telling others the joy and solace it brings to our lives. Otherwise, it may remain not valued or utilised enough.  

One way to share your story of nature is by hashtagging #ToHelpMyAnxiety whilst sharing a picture or video of yourself outdoors and the effects it has on you. It can be as simple as smelling a flower, walking barefoot on freshly cut grass, or hugging a tree! Get your stories out there on all social media platforms and create the awareness this important topic needs during Mental Health Awareness Week.

Mental Health Services:

If you do need to reach out, there are so many helpful resources out there, below are a few streams of support for varied help.

• Samaritans
• Mental Health Today
• NHS mental health services
• Supportline
• Rethink