Monday 10-05-2021 - 12:06

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from Monday 10^th May - Sunday 16^th May 2021. This year, join the fight for mental health.

Today marks the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week, the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health. This year, the theme for the week is ‘Nature and the Environment’, something fitting after a year where we’ve seen more of the four walls in our homes than the four seasons. As we enter spring and begin to ease out of lockdown, we’re inviting you to reconnect with outdoor spaces and the natural world.

During the Coronavirus pandemic, many of us have experienced mental health difficulties, or seen a friend or family member struggle. We recognise that everyone will be in a different place right now, so you can choose to get involved in any way that works for you. The good news is, you don’t have to climb a mountain to feel the benefit – there are lots of simple ways to bring nature into your everyday. 

 

Some of the ways you can participate in Mental Health Awareness Week:

• Find nature wherever you are, nature is all around us. It might be a garden, a park, a nearby beach or open countryside. Even in cities where nature can be harder to find, there might be a local community garden or courtyard to discover and explore. Stop to listen to the birdsong, smell the freshly cut grass, take care of a house plant, notice the movement of the clouds, flowers or animals nearby. Take a moment to appreciate these connections. 

• Taking some quiet time to reflect in natural surroundings using all your senses can be a real boost to your mental health. If you're physically able to exercise, try to do it outside – whether it’s a run, cycle or a short walk. Walking or running outdoors in nature may help to prevent or reduce feelings of anger, tiredness and sadness.

• Share images/videos/or just sound recordings of the nature on your doorstep (and how this made you feel) on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

• Use Mental Health Foundation resources to join with thousands of people who will be finding new ways to connect with nature in their local environment.

 

Struggling right now?

Call Student Space on 0808 189 5260 (3pm and midnight every day);

Text 'STUDENT' to 85258 or visit the Shout website to find out more;

Call the Samaritans 24/7 for free on 116 123;

Book an appointment with your GP or call 111 for out-of-hours NHS advice;

Complete our short advice enquiry form to get in touch with the Student Union Advice Centre.