Mental Health Awareness Week (15/05 – 21/05) is an annual event that takes place in the UK to raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce the stigma associated with them. The week-long campaign is organized by the Mental Health Foundation, a charity that works to improve mental health and wellbeing for all.
Anxiety
The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week changes each year to focus on different aspects of mental health. This year’s theme is “Anxiety”, and the campaign aims to shine a light on anxiety as one of the most common mental health problems we face.
Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.
According to the World Health Organization there are an estimated 275 million people affected with anxiety disorders globally, and many more undiagnosed.
There are many different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Symptoms of anxiety can include feelings of fear or dread, increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and difficulty concentrating.
Anxiety can be triggered by a variety of factors, including external pressures in your life, genetics, and chemical imbalances in the brain.
Most people will be able to relate to stressful life events that can lead to feelings of anxiety, including moving into a care home, relationships, going to hospital for surgery, having strangers come into your home to provide personal care 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 home or buying food.
How do I get Involved?
Mental Health Awareness Week aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage people to talk more openly about their experiences. It’s important for people to feel able to seek help when they need it, and for mental health services to be accessible and effective. There are many ways to support Mental Health Awareness Week. You can start by learning more about mental health and the challenges that people face. You can also try to look after your own mental health by practicing self-care, getting enough sleep, and staying connected with friends and family.
