World Mental Health day is described by the World Health Organization as:

“The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.”

Mental health is a topic that has always been important but has been amplified more than ever over the last year and a half through the Covid-19 pandemic.

World Mental Health Day is a chance to raise awareness & across social media we will see the slogan ‘Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality’ and the hashtag #WorldMentalHealthDay shared via Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. This is your chance to be involved and take part in the conversation.


#TRYSOMETHINGNEW

In August of this year, SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) in conjuction with sportscotland, launched the #TrySomethingNew campaign, as part of their wider ‘Feel Your Personal Best’ message, aimed at helping people take care of their mental health and wellbeing.

On it’s launch Chief Executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, said:

“It has been a very difficult 18 months due to the pandemic but with restrictions continuing to ease now is the perfect opportunity for people to get out there and try something new. Keeping the body and mind active is crucial to our health and this campaign will encourage people to get out there and be active.”

Chief Executive of SAMH, Billy Watson, added:

“During lockdown a lot of us found that being active helped to boost our wellbeing; so as we continue to transition away from restrictions, it’s a great time to start new routines or pick up old ones. Whether it’s yoga, surfing, or netball – SAMH and sportscotland is encouraging everyone to ‘Try Something New’ for their mental health.

Trying a new sport or activity might seem daunting; but the benefits are vast – being active can reduce stress, boost self-esteem and confidence, and help you to connect with others.”

Kieron Achara MBE, former TeamGB basketball star, helped launch the initiative and said:

“We all know the importance of good mental health so it is great to see SAMH and sportscotland working collaboratively to encourage people to be more active. Go out and try something new, it doesn’t have to be something you perceive to be difficult or challenging, the most important thing is that people get out there and try. Who knows that might me the start of a fantastic new journey.

In Scotland, we have this mindset, for example I’ll say to my friends, ‘come along and play some basketball with me’ and they’ll say ‘well I’m not good at basketball’. My response is usually, ‘well you’ve never played’ so we have this belief that you are either good at something or your not and I think that holds you back.

Playing sports or lifting weights, it doesn’t have to be ‘I’m the best at this’ but how does it make you feel? You’ll never know that unless you try it and I’ll give you an example of something new for me, right now I’m doing ‘munro-bagging’ I’ve done 15 or 16 Munro’s now and if you were to picture what a ‘Munro-Bagger’ looked like I am definitely not that! But I got out there for the first time and it was tiring, gruelling, all the different changes of weather but the way it helped my mind, I just felt free from absolutely everything so it was something I tried.”

You can read more on our full Q&A discussing mental health with Kieron here.


RESOURCES

Asking for help and finding that support can be one of the toughest parts in dealing with mental health. Across the UK and further afield there are numerous organizations, charities and support groups that you can access, a selected few are listed below:

Mental Health Organization:

Prevention is at the heart of what we do. Our knowledge, informed by rigorous research and practical based study, has been pioneering change for more than 70 years and we aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo or tackle difficult or under researched issues.

Click here to find out more.

SAMH – Scottish Association of Mental Health:

SAMH has been there for Scotland’s mental health for almost 100 years.

We’ve delivered care and support to thousands, we’ve spoken out, stood up, and most importantly, we have listened. We’re tried, tested and trusted, but now it’s time for more.

We are stepping up, so that SAMH can reach everyone who needs us.

Frog Systems

Frog Systems was born from the realisation that by sharing our individual stories we can help each other to live better, more inclusive lives.

We believe every voice has the right to be heard. We work with our clients to amplify those voices and help to break down stigma surrounding mental health, share positive wellbeing messages and guide future wellbeing strategy.

We are here to help you create a platform where employees and communities have the confidence to speak out – to learn from and support each other.

We search out interviewees from all walks of life and from within our clients’ organisations to share honest stories and relevant content focused on three areas: Mental Wellbeing, Social Wellbeing and Corporate Wellbeing.

Check out their Champions Cinema here, where you will find more information and videos.

Back On Side

As an independent charity based in the UK, we are committed to tackling mental health illness. Here in the UK, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health illness each year. Mental health includes a person’s emotional, psychological and social well-being.

We have recognised this ongoing dilemma and are determined to rebuild a society where no young person or adult is left tackling mental health problems alone. #SupportThroughSport

WHO & NHS

Two of the most important organizations you’ll find regarding Mental Health & Services is the World Health Organization and the NHS where you can access resources and find out which services and help are available to you.


#WorldMentalHealthDay | Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality.

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