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Mind Your Head on World Mental Health Day

Mental health is a vital national issue at the best of times, but the need for meaningful support in the community has become even more relevant as we’ve navigated the challenges and the aftermath of a global pandemic.

Image of Grainne Elliott, Chief Marketing Officer

By Grainne Elliott, Chief Marketing Officer 8 October, 2021

What is World Mental Health Day?

A programme of the World Federation for Mental Health, has been observed every year on October 10th. This year we should make sure to check in on our friends and family – particularly with the unprecedented impact imposed by COVID-19 continues to impact everyone in different ways.

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Mental Health Around Us

According to NHS Digital research, 1 in 6 young people had a mental health problem in 2020, compared to 1 in 10 in 2017. In addition, 2020 highlighted inequalities due to race and ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity, and the lack of respect for human rights in many countries, including for people living with mental health conditions.

Such inequalities have an impact on people’s mental health and the past year has brought with it many new challenges, with mental health problems developing and/or worsening among the population considering the global pandemic.

People from health-care workers, providing care in difficult circumstances, going to work fearing COVID-19 risks to themselves and their families, to the isolating experience for students' little contact with teachers and friends - anxious and uncertain about their futures. For the vast number of people caught in poverty or in fragile humanitarian settings with extremely limited protection from COVID-19; and for people with mental health conditions, and many experiencing even greater social isolation than before.

There are many consequences of the global pandemic which are being felt across the world – economic consequences of the pandemic are already being felt, as companies let staff go in an effort to save their businesses, or indeed shut down completely. It is expected that the need for mental health and psychosocial support will substantially increase in the coming months and years in the fall out of the pandemic and what’s to come – with mental health services already having suffered from years of chronic underfunding, is now more important than it has ever been.

Where can I find help?

Whatever you’re going through, you can visit the Samaritans website, or free phone - Just dial: 116 123. Remember, the number is free to call, and you can get in touch with them to talk about any mental health problem you may face.

We've also pulled together some useful resources and links below that include great tips on how to look after your well-being and support others.