Today is World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day takes place every year on 10 October. It’s a reminder of the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritise and invest in good mental health.

Mental Health Foundation is the only UK charity solely focused on preventing poor mental health and building and protecting good mental health. 

Mental health is one of the most important foundations for a healthy and long life, and we believe everyone deserves good mental health.

No-one living in the UK should be deprived of the opportunity for good mental health because of who they are, the community they come from or where they live.  

Poor mental health is not inevitable. There are things we can do as individuals, in our communities and across society to help us all to live with good mental health. 

This year's theme is 'access to services - mental health in catastrophes and emergencies'. The theme highlights the importance of people being able to protect their mental health in times of global instability.

For this year's World Mental Health Day, focus is on the mental health impact of repeated exposure to news coverage of crises and conflicts. 

The world is going through a tough time right now and even if you're not directly affected by events, it can still feel like a lot to cope with. It's okay to ask for help, no matter what you, or anyone else is going through. Read their advice on managing feelings of overwhelm.

We may not have the power to influence or change everything we’d like to on a global scale. But there are things we can do to protect ourselves and others from feeling overwhelmed and hopeless in the face of current events. Read some tips on managing your news consumption and the impact of doomscrolling. 

Also, check out Scottish Action for Mental Health’s (SAMH) Five Ways to Wellbeing a resource below or download guide here:

Connect

Staying in touch with loved ones can make us feel happier and more secure; and often just having a chat can help to lift our mood.

• Put five minutes aside to ask someone how they are

• Arrange to meet up with friends that you haven’t seen in a while

• Join a local group or club and meet new people in your community

  
  

Be Active

Being active isn’t just good for our physical health; it’s also proven to have a positive effect on our mental health and wellbeing.

• Go for a short walk at lunchtime

• Discover a physical activity you enjoy and one that suits you

• Try the NHS’s Couch to 5K programme

• Check out our partner jogscotland’s group finder for your nearest jogging group

  
  

Take Notice

Whether you’re spending time with friends or taking a moment for yourself, try to stop to take notice and be aware of the present.

• Set aside time to practise mindfulness or take up yoga

• Take notice of how your friends or colleagues are feeling

• Spend time outdoors, enjoy the fresh air and notice what’s around you

  
  

Learn

Learning enhances your self-esteem and confidence, and can be a great way to meet new people.

• Sign up for a class and learn something new

• Rediscover an old interest, such as cooking or gardening

• Take on a new challenge to make or fix something

  
  

Give

Giving can be very rewarding – in fact those who report a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy.

• Volunteer your time for a cause you are passionate about

• Spend time with someone who you know has been having a difficult time

• Fundraise for us and be part of Team SAMH!

  
  

Let us know if you have any other ways that help support your mental health, we would love to hear from you.

Archery is great activity for boosting your mental health, if you are not already part of a club you can find one here.