Mental Health Awareness Week 2019

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Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday 13 – Sunday 19 May), is an opportunity to share experience, and exchange ideas on how to care for our own mental health, and that of others. Mental health difficulties can affect anybody. Sometimes in the form of a lifelong illness, or at other times, an isolated occurrence in response to a particular life situation. But in neither circumstance should people be afraid to acknowledge the illness. Having mental ill health does not make somebody unpredictable. It does not mean they cannot function safely within society. Nor does it make them any less capable of living a fully rounded life.

The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, is body image. As a photographer, insecurity over appearance is a common point of discussion. Everybody wants photographs that flatter, indeed, I am no different. From lighting to clothing to posture, there are many practical steps we can take to affect how we look in photographs. And how we feel inside can make all the difference to our outward bearing.

on location, body image, mental health awareness, Emma Lord photography
On location – I quite like this picture as I’m not posing rigidly (Credit: R. Munn)

Self Care

In the lead up to Metal Health Awareness Week, I came across some thoughts on how we can care for ourselves as part of an holistic self love process. Follow the link for the full list, but a few of my favourites include:

  • Thank your body for all that it does instead of criticising it for what you think it lacks.
  • Trust yourself more. Listen to your inner voice. The voice that just told you that you do not have an inner voice, that is your inner voice.
  • Learn to forgive yourself and others. We are all human, doing our best with what we have.
  • Own who you are without apology. You are a limited edition.
  • Stand tall. You are worthy to be here.
  • Fuel your body with real food. You would not put junk into your car and expect it to function well.
  • Move your body daily. You only have one, honour it.
  • Spend time with kind people. They will help you to be kinder to yourself.
  • Get to know your neighbours. Connection is priceless.
  • Get into nature, often. We are part of it.
  • Go for your dreams. You will regret it if you don’t.

Locally

In advance of Mental Health Awareness Week, BBC Wiltshire hosted a radio debate on what needs to change in mental health care services. I attended as an audience member to hear the panel discussion. I won’t give any details away; the show will be broadcast at 6.00 pm on Wednesday 15 May. It will be available here to listen after broadcast.

As part of their involvement in Mental Health Awareness Week, BBC Wiltshire have also produced a mental wealth calendar with ideas on how we can practice self care. There are several ideas which I will be trying to incorporate into my routine.

  • Mental Health Awareness Week, Emma Lord Photography
  • Mental Health Awareness Week, Emma Lord Photography

Local readers might be interested in a week-long event hosted by Baristocats in Swindon. Frames of Mind will showcase a selection of writing, celebrating poetry and open conversation about mental health and wellbeing. I was delighted to learn that both of my submissions were accepted and will be included in the display.

Finally

There are plenty of resources available, and people on hand to help. The stigma around talking about mental ill health will take time to overcome. Through events such as Mental Health Awareness Week, open conversation is being encouraged, and progress being made.

If you, or somebody else, is experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek immediate help.