Mental Health Awareness Week 18th -24th May 2020
Mental Health Awareness Week is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation; the theme for 2020 is Kindness.
Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate; associated words include affection, gentleness, warmth, concern, and care. The most unique attribute of kindness is its power to develop and deepen community solidarity by strengthening relationships.
Research shows that kindness is a remedy to isolation; it creates a sense of belonging, reduces stress and improves our confidence and self-esteem. Although there are some that look upon kindness as an act of weakness, it is in fact an act of courage – Mental Health Awareness Week focuses on supporting each other to take that brave step and harness the benefits for both giver and receiver.
Kindness is an act of courage
Research highlights that over the last decade health inequalities in society have increased overall.Read more here.
We can all experience mental health problems at some time or other, be it stress, anxiety, depression etc. However, the risks of mental ill-health are not equally distributed. The likelihood of our developing a mental health problem is influenced by many factors including our biology and the circumstances in which we are born, grow, live and age. Sadly, those who face the greatest disadvantages in life often also face the greatest risks to their mental health.
The COVID-19 pandemic has inspired collective community action across the world. Kindness has come to the forefront during these uncertain times showing that amidst and despite the fear, there is also community, support and hope.
Being kind helps reduce stress and improves mental well-being.
This type of community action is what we need to inspire others, to connecting with each other and pave the way for a kinder society. Kindness can transform our schools, places of work, communities and families.
3 things to do during Mental Health Awareness Week:
- Reflect on an act of kindness. Share your stories and pictures (with permission) of kindness during the week using #KindnessMatters and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
- Use our resources in your family, school, workplace and community to join with thousands in practising acts of kindness to yourself and others during the week
- Share your ideas on how you think we could build a kinder society that would support our mental health using #KindnessMatters and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
A kinder society is the way forward.