“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” Margaret Mead.

We are living in very challenging times at present given the conflict in Ukraine, rising prices and the impact of the Covid Pandemic that has affected the world over the last couple of years. All of the things I’ve mentioned have the ability to have a negative impact on people’s mental health.

It was therefore very relevant that this week is Mental Health Awareness Week hosted by the Mental Health Foundation. The foundation’s aim is to drive change towards a mentally healthy society for all and support communities, families and individuals to live mentally healthier lives, with a particular focus on those at greatest risk.

Mental health problems can affect anyone, at any time and the foundation believe that mental health is everyone’s business. So, for one week each May, they campaign around a specific theme for Mental Health Awareness Week. Since their first campaign in 2001, they’ve raised awareness of topics like body image, stress and relationships.  The campaign reaches millions of people every year.  This year’s theme is loneliness.

Loneliness affects many of us at one time or another. Loneliness can be both the driver for and a product of poor mental health. Our connection to other people and our community is fundamental to protecting our mental health and we need to find better ways of tackling the epidemic of loneliness. We can all play a part in this.

Our society is changing fast. The pandemic has given rise to a sense of loneliness and isolation undermining confidence in daily routines. In recent times, many of us have had far less access to loved ones. Technology is enabling healthcare professionals to see more patients without the need to travel, but on the flip side of the coin, convenience and cost efficiencies are driving more and more activities online.

Our workplaces are also changing. With many adapting to home and hybrid working, we need to embrace this change while building and maintaining meaningful connections with our colleagues.

The Mental Health Foundation are raising the impact of loneliness on our mental wellbeing and the practical steps we can take to address it. Reducing loneliness is a major step towards a mentally healthy society. Long-term loneliness is closely linked to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

Mark Rowland Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said:

“We hope this year’s theme of loneliness will strike a chord with many of us who felt lonely and struggled throughout the Covid pandemic.

Millions of us experience loneliness from time to time. We know that some people are at higher risk of experiencing loneliness and the evidence shows the longer we feel lonely, the more we are at risk of mental health problems.

Loneliness deserves more attention and we’re calling on everyone who has struggled as a result of being lonely to share their experiences. We must work together – as individuals, as a society and through government policy – to reduce loneliness and prevent mental health problems by investing in welcoming, social spaces and new community initiatives.”

Some of the ways people can participate in Mental Health Awareness Week:

  • During Mental Health Awareness Week use the hashtag #IveBeenThere to share experiences of loneliness to support others and give the campaign momentum.
  • Sign up to walk, run or job as part of the 80 Miles in May challenge and share your photos using #80MilesinMay and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.

For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw or join the conversation on social media using #IveBeenThere and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.

This week, why not take a few moments to reflect on the subject of loneliness. Consider how you may participate in the Mental Health Foundation campaign.

Think about whether you are feeling lonely right now and if so, contemplate what help and support would help you to start to address how you are feeling. Who can you reach out to that can assist you?

Whilst you may not be feeling lonely yourself consider what practical support you can provide to loved ones or friends who may be feeling that way. Remember even a small kind gesture may make a huge difference in someone’s life!

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk