World Mental Health Day 2020

Today is World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme is mental health for all. During 2020, we have faced enormous challenges of a global nature. The pandemic which we continue to live through knows no boundaries or borders. Bank balances and postnominals matter not. The virus affects us all as a species.

It has been an isolating time for many. And even those who tend towards solitude (myself included), need the emotional recharge of personal connection. Whether through face to face conversation or just the physical presence of somebody else’s energy. Video calls and emails offer opportunities to keep in touch, but they are no substitute for time spent in the company of similarly minded people – whether family or friends – who can lift our spirits with their presence. I have certainly been running short on spoons more often than usual during the pandemic.

Rather than revisiting my own mental ill health though, I thought I’d use today’s post to offer a few pointers to online resources.

World Mental Health Day 2020 – Activities

Mental Health First Aid England have created a short video in which Denise Welch and Chloë Davies talk about their own experience of mental ill health, and how they have coped with illness. The film offers a message of hope and positivity, through powerful and honest conversation. It doesn’t take long to watch, and I do recommend it.

Time to Change have a section dedicated to World Mental Health Day. This includes a number of people sharing their own experience of mental health illness. As well as discussing how mental ill health impacts their lives, they talk about how they manage their conditions, and action which others can take to help offer support. The conversations don’t always make easy reading, but they are thoughtful pieces, and worth the time to study.

The national charity, Mind, is encouraging people to do one thing for World Mental Health Day. Whether this is something for yourself, or reaching out to support somebody else, the campaign encourages everybody to get involved in some way. There is more information here, including a calendar of actions which can be taken each month towards improving our mental health. Local Mind branches are working within their communities to support people in doing one thing for today.

Finally, for urgent support for yourself or for another, the Samaritans are on hand all day, every day of the year. Their freephone number is 116 123. If you find yourself unable to turn anywhere for help, please call the Samaritans. You do matter, and you are never alone.