Take time to think about your mental health

October 10, 2022

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Today marks World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme is Make Mental Health and Well-Being For All a Global Priority. We know mental health is an issue which challenges all members of our school communities, so it’s important to remind people to pause for a moment and use today as an opportunity to think about how they can protect their own mental health.

Highlighting the importance of today the World Health Organization (WHO) explained, “Whilst the pandemic has, and continues to, take its toll on our mental health, the ability to reconnect through World Mental Health Day 2022 will provide us with an opportunity to re-kindle our efforts to protect and improve mental health. Many aspects of mental health have been challenged; and already before the pandemic in 2019 an estimated one in eight people globally were living with a mental disorder. At the same time, the services, skills and funding available for mental health remain in short supply, and fall far below what is needed, especially in low and middle income countries.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global crisis for mental health, fueling short- and long-term stresses and undermining the mental health of millions. Estimates put the rise in both anxiety and depressive disorders at more than 25% during the first year of the pandemic. At the same time, mental health services have been severely disrupted and the treatment gap for mental health conditions has widened,” they warned.

“Growing social and economic inequalities, protracted conflicts, violence and public health emergencies affect whole populations, threatening progress towards improved well-being; a staggering 84 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced during 2021.  We must deepen the value and commitment we give to mental health as individuals, communities and governments and match that value with more commitment, engagement and investment by all stakeholders, across all sectors.  We must strengthen mental health care so that the full spectrum of mental health needs is met through a community-based network of accessible, affordable and quality services and supports,” the WHO explained.

“Stigma and discrimination continue to be a barrier to social inclusion and access to the right care; importantly, we can all play our part in increasing awareness about which preventive mental health interventions work and World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to do that collectively. We envision a world in which mental health is valued, promoted and protected; where everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy mental health and to exercise their human rights; and where everyone can access the mental health care they need,” they added.

Some tips to manage your mental health 

•  Connect with other people. Good relationships are important for your mental well-being. Take time each day to be with your family or friends. Don’t rely on technology or social media alone to build relationships. Talk to people rather than just sending texts or messaging people.
• Be physically active. Getting out and active is not only good for your physical health it can also improve your mental well-being. Don’t think you have to spend hours in the gym, just find activities you enjoy and try and fit them in to your daily life.
• Learn new skills. Go for that new job or promotion at work, or simply sign up for a class or a new project. Learning new things boosts confidence and self-esteem, it also helps you connect with other people.
• Give to others.  Taking a moment to help someone out can help you feel positive and give a sense of reward. It could be as simple as thanking someone for their work, or asking a family member or friend how they are doing.
• Pay attention to the moment. This includes acknowledging your thoughts and feelings, how your body feels and thinking about the world around you. Being aware can make you more positive and help you face challenges in a better manner.