Mental Health Awareness Week – what does it mean?

Every year, Mental Health Awareness Week encourages people to talk openly about mental health and learn about ways to support themselves and others – and that’s exactly why we like to mark it here at the Portsmouth Mental Health Hub.

Your overall health and wellbeing is always important, yet we know that while we’d all rush to the hospital if we fell and broke a leg, or would call the GP if a nasty cough didn’t clear up within a few weeks, getting support for our mental health can feel much harder to do.

Louise Norris, Head of Clinical Access for Adult Mental Health services in Portsmouth, said: “Many people struggle in silence because they are worried about being judged or misunderstood when they experience symptoms of depression, anxiety or low mood, so raising awareness through events like MHAW helps us to break these stigmas and remind people that it is okay to ask for help. You are worthy of getting support and you are not alone.”

When you have problems with your mental health, it can affect how you think, feel, and act in everyday life. Stress from school, work, friendships, finances, family problems, or social media can sometimes become overwhelming and it can feel like you don’t know what to do. If you try to ignore these issues, it can affect your sleep, confidence, relationships, and overall wellbeing.

One of the most important messages we have during Mental Health Awareness Week (and always) is that simply recognising the signs of when you are feeling depressed or anxious is a step in the right direction. By being aware of changes in your emotions and behaviour, you can tell when you’re finding things hard and may need to ask for help, take a break, or practice some self care.

Self care means taking time to look after your mind and body in a healthy way. It can sometimes feel hard to prioritise yourself in this way, but it’s necessary and often small acts of self care can make a big difference.

There are many simple ways to practice self care:
● Getting enough sleep can improve mood and energy levels.
● Eating balanced meals and drinking enough water can also help the brain function more effectively.
● Exercise is a great way to reduce stress because it releases chemicals in the brain that help people feel happier and calmer.
● A short walk outside can improve your mood, because fresh air and movement stimulate calming hormones in your brain.
● Practicing grounding exercises, breathing exercises and meditation can help you to move your attention away from any worries or stress.
● Taking breaks from phones, computers and social media can support your mental wellbeing. Spending time offline can help people feel relaxed and focus on real-life connections.
● Hobbies such as drawing, reading, music, gaming, journaling, or sports can also reduce stress and help people express themselves.

Talking to someone you trust is another powerful method of self-care. Simply expressing how you feel, even if that scares you or you don’t feel it makes sense, releases the burden and can make problems feel easier to manage. Friends, family, members, teachers, or counsellors can offer support and remind you that you are not alone.

Nobody feels happy all the time and it is normal to have difficult days. Learning to rest, take breaks, and avoid putting too much pressure on yourself can improve mental wellbeing over time.

Louise commented: “Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that our mental health matters every day of the year. By supporting one another, speaking openly, and practising self-care, people can build healthier and happier lives and that’s exactly what the Portsmouth Mental Health Hub is here to do.”

You can call the Portsmouth Mental Health Hub and speak to one of our team on 0300 123 6621 between 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday. Or you can use the web chat service available on our website, which is open between 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.