Prioritizing Mental Well-being: Unveiling the Significance of Mental Health Week 2023
Beginning on May 15th to the 21st of May, 2023, is Mental Health Awareness Week, a chance to become more knowledgeable about problems related to mental health and to promote change. Every year, communities and decision-makers join together to discuss how to improve our society’s understanding, sensitivity, and support for mental health. Every year, the week’s topic is different. For instance, prior years’ themes included kindness and body image, as well as nature and mental health.
Anxiety is the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week. According to a recent poll by the Mental Health Foundation, a quarter of adults stated their anxiety prevented them from performing the activities they wanted to accomplish occasionally or always.
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Feelings of anxiety can be brought on by a variety of factors, including exam pressure, interpersonal relationships, beginning a new career (or losing one), and other major life events. When it comes to financial matters and not being able to meet our fundamental necessities, such as heating our homes or purchasing food, we might also become nervous.
What is the Mental Health Foundation?
A charity in the UK called The Mental Health Foundation was founded in 1949. It participates in peer and community programs, researches the root causes of poor mental health, organizes public awareness drives, and pushes for reform to address those issues.
What is Anxiety?
Our bodies and minds can be impacted by anxiety. You can get headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, dyspnea, or chest pain while you’re feeling stressed. To rule out any other physical causes, you should consult a doctor if you are having these symptoms. You might have these symptoms of anxiety: tension or nervousness; difficulty relaxing; crying; trouble sleeping; difficulty concentrating. People close to you could note that you seem more withdrawn or irritated than usual. Or perhaps you appear fine on the outside but are actually in panic mode.
Everybody will respond differently to what works. Being physically active, spending time in nature, learning breathing exercises, receiving support to deal with financial stress, or eating healthily are all possible solutions. A fantastic initial step is frequently talking to a friend or spending time with loved ones.
Here are top recommendations on how to cope with anxiety
Try to concentrate on your breathing when you are experiencing anxious thoughts by focusing on how your body feels as you breathe in and out. It may enable you to restrain your thinking.
A smart technique to deal with anxiety is to exercise. Always keep in mind that exercise need not be strenuous; try some easy stretches, yoga, or sitting activities. Or simply take a stroll.
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We must not attempt to brush off our problems. You can better understand what makes you feel anxious by taking the time to keep a journal of your life’s events and how they influence you. Knowing this will help you more effectively plan for and deal with circumstances that might be stressful.
We may repeatedly think about certain topics in our minds when we are anxious. Rumination is what this is, and it is not beneficial. If you see yourself ruminating, try to dispute the concept by writing it down. Is the scenario you’re worried about likely to occur? Are you being truthful?
Money is a common source of concern. Seek assistance if you’re concerned about not being able to pay your bills, are having trouble paying off debt, or are unsure about your ability to support your family’s living expenses.
We are aware of the benefits of being outdoors on our mental health. We may feel less anxious and stressed as a result of being amidst nature.
Anxiety can make you feel quite alone. Making connections with others is quite beneficial. Spend time with friends or make new ones by getting involved in volunteer work, social or sporting clubs, or peer support organizations.
Many of us may grab sugary snacks, junk food, or alcohol when we are feeling worried. We must avoid using unhealthy meals or beverages as a coping mechanism because they will cause more long-term harm. The same goes for smoking and using recreational drugs.
ALSO READ: Mastering Mental Health First Aid: A Lifesaving Skill
Conclusion
Anxiety disorders may occur more frequently due to a variety of circumstances. Genetics, excruciating chronic health issues, traumatic experiences like child abuse or domestic violence, or drug or alcohol abuse are a few of them. Anxiety can also be brought on by your current condition in life, such as financial or housing issues, joblessness, work-related stress, loneliness, bullying, or challenging familial or interpersonal connections.
Anxiety disorders can be treated and managed in a variety of ways. The best course of action for you will depend on the type and severity of your anxiety illness as well as your situation. In most cases, speaking with your GP is the initial step in receiving support. This could be challenging, especially if you find it difficult to leave the house or speak on the phone due to nervousness. Check to see whether you can make an appointment online, or have someone call and make the call on your behalf.
