What is Mental Health Awareness Week?
Every May we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week. This year, it falls on the 13th-19th of the month.
Every May we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week. This year, it falls on the 13th-19th of the month.
But, what is it all about? In this article, we’ll outline what Mental Health Awareness Week is, its origins, and why it’s important.
What is Mental Health Awareness Week?
The concept was created by the Mental Health Foundation in 2001, as an opportunity for the UK to come together and focus on improving mental health and bring awareness to both individual and collective struggles. The week continues to tackle stigma and help people overcome their struggles and look out for others.
In recent years, much of the conversation has evolved to focus on prevention as well as awareness- with the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 being ‘Movement: Moving More for Our Mental Health’.
The importance of Mental Health Awareness Week
When it comes to prevention through increasing public understanding, Mental Health Awareness Week is Vital.
Not only has Mental Health Awareness Week kept the conversation of mental health going, but it has also contributed to government policy changes and provided a fundraising platform for charities in the mental health sector.
On top of all this, the week drives pressure for change year on year, allowing us to live in a society where mental health is not a taboo, and promotes positive mental health for everyone.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2024
As previously mentioned, the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 is movement. This is a great theme because many of us struggle to get enough exercise.
However, the mental health benefits of exercise have been proven countless times. That’s why for Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 we’ll be encouraging you to find more ways to incorporate movement into your routine.
This does not have to be exercise in the traditional sense. Going for walks, runs or to the gym can be great, but we also want to stress the idea of incorporating movement in more creative ways. Having a dance around in the house or with friends counts!
Join the movement for mental health with Vita
Vita Health Group is committed to making people better. And, the first step in driving positive change for mental health is talking.
NHS Talking Therapies is a free and confidential therapy service designed to support individuals by providing the tools needed to get things back on track.
Support is available if you reach out- find information on self-referring here.
