Yesterday was World Mental Health Day. I am a big fan of Awareness Days. But I wonder how many people saw a Twitter hashtag, read a blog post or watched a Facebook video yesterday and took a moment to like or support and then went back to their everyday routine. Mental health isn’t a single day issue, and that’s why it is important to remember World Mental Health Day +1 (other numbers are and will be available!!).

Its so important that we keep talking and writing about this subject. We need to encourage people to talk when they are struggling. We need to be there for those around us with a friendly ear. But it is just as important to keep mental health support at the top of the agenda. Everywhere mental health support is stretched. People are waiting longer and longer to get the professional help they might need. Companies are relying on Employee Assistance Programmes that can’t cope with the demand.

So by being open about the subject, we not only provide a safer environment for people to talk and willing, supportive and non-judgmental listeners to be there for them, we also keep the pressure up for the necessary investment, development and support for professional mental health services.

So ask someone today how they are doing. If you are feeling low yourself, reach out to a friend or trusted confidante.

The World Health Organisation reports that:

• Close to one billion people have a mental disorder and anyone, anywhere, can be affected.

• Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. Globally, it is estimated that 5% of adults suffer from depression.

• Globally, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experience a mental disorder. Half of all such disorders start by age 14 years but most are undetected and untreated.

• People with severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia tend to die 10-20 years earlier than the general population.

• One in every 100 deaths is by suicide. It is the fourth leading cause of death for young people aged 15-29 years.

• The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on people’s mental health.

If you are struggling with anxieties as you return to work and looking for someone to support you then please get in touch at richard@newdaycoaching for a free, no obligation introductory chat to explore how I may be able to help you through this time. https://www.newdaycoaching.co.uk/121-coaching

If you are an employer and would like to talk about how to support people through anxiety and stress above and beyond an EAP then drop me an email at the same address to discuss the benefits holding a session or series of sessions to do just that. https://www.newdaycoaching.co.uk/public-speaking