World Mental Health Day: Take A Breath And Carry Out A Mental Well-Being MOT – Health & Safety

It is World Mental Health Day today and the theme for WMHD 2023
(set by the World Foundation of Mental Health) is 'Mental
Health is a universal human right' – the idea is to use
the day as an opportunity for people and communities to improve
knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions to promote and protect
everyone's mental health.

This got me thinking about my communities at work and how our
mental health requires attention during the obviously challenging
times, but also during more subtle ones. Events which are part of
life (not considered 'traumatic') can also affect our
mental wellbeing – change in itself, in our family life, work
life, health, can all put a slow-burn strain on our mental health
and this is as true for clients as it is for colleagues, friends,
and family.

Most of my clients are coping with the mental fall-out which can
be associated with changes resulting from family breakdown and
separation – there are so many resources out there which
provide help and support through this difficult time.

And in the workplace, colleagues are providing expert service
and advice, whilst (for example) simultaneously and seamlessly
dealing with returning to work after parental leave or moving home;
or caring for elderly parents; or facing uncertain health
challenges; or (in my case!) adjusting to a beloved first-born
heading off to uni for the first time

So whether it is the more obvious, or the more subtle changes
that we face in our day to day lives - we need to look after our
mental wellbeing. Today is a good reminder that maybe we should
consider mental health as a human right. It is also a signpost to

talk about mental health, and to take a breath, pause for
thought and carry out our own mental wellbeing MOT.

Here are some of the many sources of support worth
highlighting:

• CallSamaritans on 116 123at any time of the
  day or night




• If you are in the workplace and have access to a Mental Health
  First Aider network, check them out




• CallBreathing Space on 0800 83 85 87or visit their
  website




• Message SHOUT to
  85258 for 24/7 text support on your mobile




• If you are a child or young person, you can call
  Childline on 0800 1111 or talk to them online




• Call the CALM helpline on 0800 58 58 58 or use
  their webchat
  here. The helpline and webchat are both open 5pm to
  midnight, 365 days a year

The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.