This week (13-19 May) is Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW). We investigate what the week is, why we highlight it, and this year’s theme, body image: how we think and feel about our bodies.
💚 #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek starts today ☺️
💚 2019’s theme is ‘Body image – how we think and feel about our bodies’ #BeBodyKind
📣 This year, with your support, we want to reach more people than ever! pic.twitter.com/W5GGQtZEQK
— Mental Health Fdn (@mentalhealth) May 13, 2019
It’s great to highlight the importance of mental health all year round, but MHAW is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health problems.
Mental health affects us all, one in four of us each year to be exact, and it is just as important as physical health.
MHAW
Every year the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) runs MHAW, an opportunity to raise awareness of the prevalence of mental health problems in the UK. The week works to reduce stigma surrounding the topic and starts an open discussion on mental health.
Mental health can be positive and negative, just like your physical health.
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This week different organisations and individuals will be trying to raise awareness, understanding, improve education and reduce the stigma around mental health.
When we talk about mental health, issues like depression, anxiety and stress are often at the forefront, but mental health issues can be things you don’t even expect.
Body image
Each MHAW there is a theme, in the past these have included loneliness, friendship and sleep. Last year’s theme, stress, brought new research to light that highlighted the effect of negative body image on mental health.
It was found that almost one in every three people have felt so stressed by body image and appearance that they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. It was clear that more research was needed, and fast.
This year, the theme is body image: how we think and feel about our bodies.
Living in a time where we are constantly bombarded with ads and Insta models showcasing unrealistic ‘body goals’, it’s no wonder body image issues are on the rise. But, that doesn’t make them less important.
Research
In preparation for MHAW, the MHF asked teenagers and adults how they felt about their bodies. The research found that 37% of teenagers felt upset about their body image, and 31% felt ashamed.
Having body image concerns isn’t a mental health problem, however, it can be a risk factor for mental health problems. Research shows that negative feelings about our bodies are associated with poorer quality of life, psychological distress and the risk of unhealthy eating behaviours.
The same research found that more than a third of adults have felt anxious or depressed because of their body image, and one in eight have experienced suicidal thoughts or feelings because of concerns about their body image.
It’s time to take body image issues seriously.
#BeBodyKind
Throughout MHAW, and all year round, you can raise awareness of mental health problems. Whether it is speaking about your own experiences or giving your friends accurate information about mental health problems, every conversation helps reduce stigma.
In keeping with this year’s theme, the MHF are encouraging people to get on social media and use #BeBodyKind.
Simply post a photo of yourself on social media of a time or place where you felt comfortable in your own skin and use the hashtag. This could be a picture of yourself or something else that reminds you of the moment.
Each post will add to the discussion and raise awareness.
Support
If you are struggling with a mental health problems or body image issues, there’s loads of support available.
Samaritans can be contacted via call or email 24/7. Call 116 123 to speak with a Samaritan for support, or email jo@samaritans.org.
New service Shout is free, anonymous, and uses text messaging to connect people experiencing a mental health crisis with volunteers.
Using text messaging, Shout offers a convenient, confidential way to seek mental health support. Simply text Shout to 85258 for help.
If you want to learn more about mental health and why it is so important, visit the MHF website.
For help in an emergency always call 999.
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