Just one year shy of 3 decades this year, World Mental Health Day on Sunday, October 10th, 2021, is by no means any less poignant. Arriving amidst the backdrop of a tumultuous period for the world, it is hardly surprising that the mental wellness of many in the UK has declined. If you are one of the lucky, who have avoided mental health issues so far in your life, you doubtlessly know someone who isn’t as fortunate, whether you are aware of this fact or not.
It is widely accepted that 1 in 4 people will experience mental health problems of some nature in England with 1 in 6 experiencing issues such as anxiety and/or depression in any given week. Aside from these, other common mental health problems are: phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders, eating disorders, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorders, antisocial personality disorders, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, suicidal thoughts and self-harm.
By the end of June this year, 1.46 million people were in contact with mental health services; most of these contacting adult services. 340,694 people were in contact with children & young people’s mental health, a further 168,311 were in contact with the learning disabled and those on the autistic spectrum. 21,381 were subject to the Mental Health Act including 15,1917 detained in hospital.
Although these figures appear daunting, the silver lining is, these are individuals seeking and receiving help. Due to publicity provided by days like, World Mental Health Day, society is more accepting of these types of issues and are less likely to declare sufferers of being melodramatic or ‘attention seeking’ than previously. Subsequently, those suffering are less likely to hide their problems and more willing to seek assistance.
Mental health awareness and support continues to be the driving force behind World Mental Health Day, and there are many ways you, as an individual or business, can involve yourself, from simply watching the ITN news-style programme produced to raise the profile of mental health in the UK to organising any number of activities such as:
- Secret Wellbeing Santa
- Wellbeing breakfast
- Mental Health pub quiz
- Lunchtime craftercise
Some businesses, such as AI Global Media are organising a night walk. By seeking sponsorship and raising money to support the mental health charity, Mind. Participants will be able to discuss mental health and take the plight of those struggling literally to the streets. The walk itself is in recognition of how physical exercise can assist in the recovery of mental health problems and may give those taking part a chance to practice mindfulness and mental wellness.
The 10K walk, being completed by AI Global Media, around Burton-on-Trent and the surrounding areas in the Midlands, is being jointly coordinated by Office Manager, Sean Wilkins (route planner) & event coordinator Director, Kathryn Hall, with Katheryn overseeing publicity and participation. It is scheduled to take place on the evening of World Mental Health Day 2021 itself, October 10th. Should you wish to make a donation to this cause please follow the link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kathryn-hall24 .
