Welcome to World Mental Health Day. The theme for this year is ‘make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’. This was chosen by World Health Organisation to shine the spotlight on how access to healthcare is increasingly polarised. During 2021 many inequalities have been highlighted linked to race, ethnic groups, gender and sexual orientation, where we live in the world and for us, where we live in the UK.
The statistics about access to health services show that inequality is a real issue and the pandemic has exposed this. Many people in the UK are struggling to cope with the costs of living increase and fuel crisis, and accessibility to support is variable depending on where you live and who you are. The continued under investment in mental health compared to physical health funding is disproportionate and contributes to the gap in treatment.
Facts in the UK
In 2021, people in the lowest income bracket in the UK continue to be twice as likely to develop a mental health issue than those on an average income. The increase in people struggling with anxiety and depression increased by 25% during the pandemic and the ability for mental health services to respond to this need was negatively impacted. Whilst NHS waiting lists can be lengthy there are many community based services available and it’s worth looking at what is on offer in your area.
More than 84 million people were forcibly displaced globally in 2021 and the impact of conflicts, violence and growing social and economic inequalities continues to lower our health and wellbeing. We may feel overwhelmed and question how we can have a positive impact on such global problems. By prioritising your own health and wellbeing and taking responsibility for you, you can help yourself and inspire those around you.
What can you do?
Increase more awareness by sharing campaigns such as this. Encourage conversations about mental wellbeing among your friends and family.
If you are in work or education, encourage conversations about mental health, get involved in any groups that are looking at wellbeing, volunteer for activities that help you feel positive. If you’re a parent encourage age-appropriate conversations with your children about how to look after themselves with a healthy diet, exercise, limited screen time, having hobbies. Try to lead by a good example and link up with other like-minded parents.
Invest in 1 hour for wellbeing
On this special day highlighting mental health across the world, we would like to encourage all of you to take 1 hour out over this week to invest in your wellbeing. Consider how you can best do this – may be taking 15 minutes out every day this week is more feasible for you than a full hour. The simpler the better is often most effective. What about going outside with a cup of tea; looking at a green space; taking longer than usual in the shower; picking up the phone and speaking to a friend who you find uplifting; spending slightly longer on a walk and taking time to sit down; creating a music track of 5 songs that you find motivating.
If anyone is considering talking therapy please contact us and arrange a telephone consultation about your needs. We offer a range of therapy models for children, young people and adults with female and male therapists.
We have a helpful section on our website about different types of therapies and lots of self-help information Frequently Asked Questions – The Wellness Consultancy.
https://thewellnessconsultancy.org
Rachel Wesley
Helpful links