World Mental Health Day 2020

According to research from Rethink Mental Illness, a staggering 80% of people living with mental illness say that COVID-19 has made their mental health worse.

Observed on the 10th October every year, World Mental Health Day aims to help raise mental health awareness and calls for us all to “make a contribution to ensure that people dealing with mental health problems can live better lives with dignity.”

Mental health & COVID-19

2020. To say that this year has been a “tough year” would be an understatement. Among the many concerning events across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic has made an unprecedented impact on our lives and continues to affect our mental and physical wellbeing on a daily basis.

We’ve spent months away from our friends and loved ones, seen workplaces, shops, and restaurants close for a considerable length of time as well as schools and nurseries. And at the time of writing, it looks like the feared “second wave” of cases is looming large.

Simply put, this year has taken its toll on our mental health. According to mental health charity Mind, more than half of adults (60%) and over two thirds of young people (68%) have said their mental health has gotten worse during lockdown.

Mental Health for All. Greater Investment – Greater Access

The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day is ‘Mental Health for All’. In response to the pandemic, the campaign aims to act as a call to action in highlighting the need for greater investment in mental health support.

The campaign reinforces the fact that mental health is a human right and support should be available for all those who require it.

The need for mental health support was highlighted in Mind’s research, with 30% of adults claiming that difficulties getting help for their mental health made their mental health worse.

Pandemic mental health top tips

While this year has undoubtedly been a trying time for us all, there are still many ways you can give your mental health a much-needed boost. Here, we have listed several top tips on overcoming the doom and gloom of 2020:

• Keep in touch: Maintaining a robust support network is vital in taking care of your mental health. However, for many individuals, close contact with friends and loved ones hasn’t been possible for many months. Thanks to the wonders of technology, there are multiple ways to keep in contact with others virtually. Keep a regular date in your diary and check in on those closest to you - it’ll do you all the world of good.
• Open up: If you feel worried, scared or helpless, talk to someone. Whether over the phone, video call, text or at a safe distance, sharing your concerns with someone you trust will help you through those emotions.
• Exercise: Our physical wellbeing has a significant impact on our mental health. It can boost your self-esteem; help you maintain a healthy weight and improve your sleep.
• Do your research: When researching the latest information and guidance, ensure that you are reading reputable sources. Reading rumours and speculative articles can cause anxiety while accessing good quality information will help you feel more in control.

While we are certainly living in challenging times, there are still numerous ways for us to keep on top of our wellbeing, such as the suggestions within this guidance. Use World Mental Health Day as an opportunity to focus on your wellbeing, develop your most meaningful relationships and look after those closest to you.

If you need to access our services to discuss any wellbeing concerns you may have, our confidential helpline is available 24/7, 365.

Alternatively, if you have access the My Healthy Advantage app (iOS & Android) you can view a variety of wellbeing resources including articles, videos, mini health checks and 4-week programmes, all aimed at improving your physical and mental wellbeing.