Mental health is just as important as physical health, but it is often overlooked or stigmatized.
Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and behave. Good mental health allows us to cope with the stresses of life, build and maintain relationships, and contribute to our communities.
Today, as we embark on this vital conversation, let us not forget that it is World Mental Health Day—a day of profound significance.
At Vanity Vaults, where the pursuit of inner and outer beauty intertwines, we understand that true elegance radiates from a healthy mind as much as it does from flawless aesthetics.
Therefore, we acknowledge this day with the same grace and sophistication that defines our brand.
World Mental Health Day 2023 presents an opportunity for us to delve into the realm of mental well-being, explore its profound impact on our lives, and embrace the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right.’
Join us on this enlightening journey as we delve deeper into the importance of mental health, its role in our daily lives, and the steps we can take to nurture it.
Why is it important to talk about Mental Health?
Poor mental health can have a significant impact on our lives. It can lead to problems at work or school, difficulty maintaining relationships, and physical health problems.
In some severely neglected cases, it can even lead to suicide.
The current state of mental health in the United Kingdom is concerning.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, one in six adults in the UK experiences a common mental health problem, such as depression or anxiety, in any given week. Additionally, one in five children and young people aged 5-16 have a mental health problem.
Despite the prevalence of mental health problems, many people are still reluctant to seek help. This is often due to stigma and shame.
But, it is important to remember that mental health problems are common and treatable. There are a variety of resources available to help people who are struggling, including therapy, medication, and support groups.
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10th each year. It is a day to raise awareness and understanding of mental health and to advocate for the rights of people with mental health problems. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2023 is “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right.”
Awareness and understanding
Raising awareness and understanding of mental health is essential to reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek help.
It is important to talk about mental health openly and honestly and to challenge negative stereotypes and misconceptions.
There are a number of things that you can do to raise awareness and understanding of mental health.
And, it begins with:
- Talking to friends and family about mental health.
- Sharing your own story, if you feel comfortable doing so.
- Supporting mental health organizations and charities.
- Educating yourself about mental health and the resources that are available.
Read more on how you can take actionable steps here.
Mental Health in the UK: What You Need to Know
Mental health problems can manifest in a variety of ways, both physically and emotionally. Some common signs and symptoms include:
- Mood changes: Feeling sad, depressed, anxious, or irritable for extended periods of time
- Changes in sleep patterns: Sleeping too much or too little, or having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Changes in eating habits: Eating significantly more or less than usual, or having difficulty enjoying food
- Changes in energy levels: Feeling tired or fatigued all the time, or having trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Withdrawal from social activities: Avoiding friends and family, or losing interest in activities that you used to enjoy
- Physical symptoms: Headaches, stomachaches, muscle aches, or other physical problems that are not caused by an underlying medical condition
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: Having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life
In case you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can help you determine if you have a mental health problem and recommend appropriate treatment.
Here are some additional tips for identifying signs of mental health problems in yourself and others:
- Pay attention to your own behavior and feelings. Have you noticed any changes in your mood, sleep, appetite, energy levels, or social interactions?
- Talk to your friends and family. Ask them if they have noticed any changes in your behavior or personality.
- Be aware of your risk factors. Certain factors, such as a family history of mental illness, trauma, or chronic stress, can increase your risk of developing a mental health problem.
If you are concerned about your own mental health or the mental health of someone you know, please do not hesitate to seek help.
There are many resources available, and early intervention can make a big difference.
How to Get Mental Health Support in the UK
- NHS: The NHS provides a range of mental health services, including talking therapies, medication, and support groups. You can access NHS mental health services through your GP, or by contacting your local NHS mental health team.
- Mental Health Foundation: The Mental Health Foundation is a charity that provides information and support on mental health. They have a website with a wealth of resources, including a helpline, online support groups, and information on different mental health conditions.
- Samaritans: Samaritans is a charity that provides 24/7 support for people who are feeling suicidal or in crisis. You can contact Samaritans by phone, email, or online chat.
- Mind: Mind is a mental health charity that provides information and support. They have a website with a wealth of resources, including a helpline, online support groups, and information on different mental health conditions.
- YoungMinds: YoungMinds is a mental health charity that supports children and young people aged 8-25. They have a website with a wealth of resources, including a helpline, online support groups, and information on different mental health conditions.
In addition to these official resources, there are also a number of other charities and organizations that provide support for people with mental health problems. You can find a list of mental health charities and organizations on the website of the Mental Health Foundation.
Please remember that you are not alone, and there is help available. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to one of the resources listed above.
Joining the Global Mental Health Advocacy
There is a growing movement to make mental health a global health priority. This movement is calling for increased funding for mental health research and services and for better integration of mental health care into physical healthcare.
Individuals can get involved in the movement to improve mental health by:
- Contacting their elected officials to advocate for mental health funding and services
- Supporting mental health organizations and charities
- Volunteering their time to help people with mental health problems
- Taking care of their own mental health and being a role model for others
Celebrities who have spoken up about mental health
A number of celebrities have spoken up about their own mental health challenges in recent years in an effort to break the stigma around the illness. This has helped to raise awareness and understanding of mental health.
It has been monumental in its effort to show people that they are not alone.
Here are a few examples of celebrities who have spoken up about mental health:
1. Selena Gomez
Selena has been very vocal about her journey with depression, with her powerful song Who Says still going strong amongst the hearts of her listeners.
She even cancelled her tour to take a step back and look after her mental and physical health.
Read more in this article here: Selena Gomez Cancels Tour Due to Anxiety and Depression.
2. Demi Lovato
Demi who has also been in the limelight since childhood, spoke up about self-acceptance in the latest interview Demi Lovato Opens Up About Bipolar Diagnosis, Gender Fluidity & Ignoring Instagram Comments.
Demi was diagnosed with bipolar disorder back in 2011, when she was 18 years old.
3. Prince Harry
Harry has always kept his mental health struggles private, despite having been in the spotlight since birth.
But after understanding the impact he may have on others by opening up about his experiences, he decided to share his journey with the world.
This decision not only humanized him in the eyes of his fans but also inspired countless people to seek help and support for their own mental health challenges.
Here is the link to the interview he gave to Forbes Magazine when he opened up about his struggle with Mental health.
He has always been an active advocate for Mental Health Awareness as he understands the implications of leaving it unaddressed first-hand.
4. Ryan Reynolds
In a post to acknowledge Mental Awareness Month (in 2021), he shared the following thoughts on his social media:
“We don’t talk enough about mental health and we don’t do enough to destigmatize talking about it. But, as with this post, better late than never. I hope…”
Social Media Post, Ryan Reynolds.
For more details on his statement, read the article published by The Mirror here.
5. Dwayna “The Rock” Johnson
While talking to Entertainment back in May 2023, Dwayne opened up about battling depression in his life.
He talks about depression like we can all relate to it by sharing, “I didn’t know what depression was. I just knew I didn’t want to be there.”
Read more on what The Rock has to say on the subject here.
6. Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle has battled severe depression in her personal life.
During an emotional interview, she opened up about the real side of what people perceived as a fairy-tale experience.
“I just didn’t want to be alive anymore — and that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought.”
During an Interview with Oprah Winfrey
You can read up more on what she had to say here.
There are many other celebrities and public figures, including Adele, who are opening up about their battle with mental health for the sake of helping many others going through the same battles, possibly alone.
What can we do to take care of our mental health?
It’s not uncommon to face moments when our mental health feels fragile. It’s a shared experience, a thread that connects us all. However, it’s also a reminder that we often have the power to steer our mental well-being towards strength and resilience if we take action early on.
In the section ahead, we’ll explore a set of 10 actionable habits that you can adopt now to nurture your mental health.
These habits aren’t just for those already navigating rough waters; they are for everyone, including you.
10 ways to take care of your mental health
- Get regular exercise: Move your body, nurture your mind.
- Eat a healthy diet: Nourish your body, nourish your soul.
- Get enough sleep: Rest your body, recharge your spirit.
- Spend time with loved ones: Connect with those you love, feel loved in return.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Calm your mind, soothe your soul.
- Engage in activities that you enjoy: Embrace your passions, ignite your spark.
- Set realistic goals: Aim high, but be kind to yourself.
- Learn to say no: Protect your boundaries, preserve your peace.
- Avoid negative people: Surround yourself with positivity, elevate your vibe.
- Seek professional help if needed: There is no shame in asking for help.
- Be patient with yourself: Healing takes time, be gentle with yourself.
Because, just like our physical health, our mental health deserves proactive care.
Mental Health Awareness: Why It’s Important and How You Can Help
Each gesture of support, no matter how seemingly minor, contributes to a powerful compounding effect of hope, understanding, and unity.
- Share your story. If you are comfortable doing so, sharing your own story of living with a mental health condition can be a powerful way to raise awareness and understanding. You can share your story on social media, in a blog post, or in a public speaking event.
- Support mental health organizations and charities. There are many mental health organizations and charities that are working to raise awareness and understanding of mental health. You can support these organizations by donating money, volunteering your time, or attending their events.
- Educate yourself about mental health. The more you know about mental health, the better equipped you will be to talk about it with others and to challenge negative stereotypes. There are many resources available online and in libraries that can help you learn more about mental health.
- Share information about mental health on social media. Use your social media platforms to share information about mental health conditions, resources, and events. You can also share personal stories and experiences to help raise awareness and understanding.
- Encourage others to talk about their mental health. If you know someone who is struggling with their mental health, encourage them to talk to someone they trust. You can also offer to listen to them and support them in any way you can.
Here are some specific examples of things you can do to raise awareness and understanding of mental health:
- Host a mental health awareness event at your school, workplace, or community center. This could be a panel discussion, a film screening, or a workshop.
- Start a mental health support group at your school, workplace, or community center. This can be a great way to provide support for people who are struggling with their mental health and to raise awareness of mental health issues.
- Write a blog post or article about mental health. You can share your own experiences, or you can write about a specific mental health condition or resource.
- Give a presentation on mental health at your school, workplace, or community center. This is a great way to educate others about mental health and challenge negative stereotypes.
- Create a social media campaign to raise awareness of mental health. You can share infographics, videos, and personal stories to help people learn more about mental health.
No matter how you choose to get involved, raising awareness and understanding of mental health is an important way to help people who are struggling. By talking about mental health openly and honestly, we can help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help.
Conclusion
In the world of elegance and beauty, let’s not forget that true beauty comes from within, and that includes mental well-being. World Mental Health Day 2023 reminds us that mental health is a universal human right, and we should strive to protect and advance it. By recognizing the signs of poor mental health, adopting positive habits, and fostering a supportive environment, we can all contribute to a healthier, happier world.
