#KindnessMatters – Mental Health Awareness Week (18-24 May 2020)

This week (18-24 May) is Mental Health Awareness Week. Run by the Mental Health Foundation, the week takes place annually to raise awareness of this important issue that we often shy away from talking about.

Mental health problems can affect anyone, at any time. Especially during the coronavirus (covid-19) outbreak, we know that this time has been hard for everyone due to the fact that life as we know it has changed rapidly for us all.

The NHS in North West London is supporting this initiative and wants you to know that if you’re feeling anxious, stressed, worried, sad, bored, lonely or frustrated you are not alone and support is available.

Talking to a therapist or undergoing self-help courses can help you learn new ways to help yourself and feel better able to cope with any mental health issues faced.

There are a number of resources available out here to help you, a few of which we have listed below:

Every Mind Matters

Every Mind Matters has expert self-help advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.

For more information visit: www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

Good Thinking

If you’re anxious, stressed, struggling to sleep or have a general low mood Good Thinking has over 100 sources of support and a variety of resources all approved by the NHS and most are free for Londoner. Whatever your need you will find the support that is right for you.

For more information visit: www.good-thinking.uk/  

Talking therapies

If you are feeling stressed, worried, fearful or generally low talking therapy services are easy to access through direct self-referral or GP referral and they are available across all eight boroughs in North West London. To find out more, contact the relevant service for your borough.

Thrive LDN

Thrive LDN is a citywide movement to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Londoners. They have lots of resources and guides available to help ensure we all have the opportunity for good mental health. 

For more information visit: www.thriveldn.co.uk/

Join in online

The Mental Health Foundation has set the theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week as ‘kindness’.

One thing that we have seen all over the world is that kindness prevails during uncertain times. Helping others helps to reduce stress and improve our own emotional wellbeing.

If you would like to get involved – during the week, carry out or reflect on an act of kindness. Take a photo or video (with permission!), upload to social media and use the hashtags:

#KindnessMatters 

#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

You can also share your ideas on how you think we could build a kinder society that would support our mental health using the same hashtags above.