World Mental Health Day Has Never Been More Important
As the UK braces itself for a return to stricter lockdown measures, and the ensuing impact it’s bound to have on our emotional wellbeing, World Mental Health Day has never taken on greater significance.
In June, just three months into lockdown, a study of 90,000 UK adults revealed that mental health had worsened by an average of 8.1% as a result of the pandemic.
More than two-thirds (69%) of UK adults reported feeling somewhat or very worried about the effect COVID-19 was having on their lives. Worries about the future (63%) was incredibly prevalent, as were feelings of anxiousness and stress (56%). With job losses on the increase now that the furlough scheme has come to an end, we can only begin to imagine how those mental health figures will spike if we’re plunged into complete lockdown once again.
Now more than ever it’s vital that we maintain positive mental health, whether that’s through exercise, being occupied, eating healthily, maintaining close contact with friends and family, and proven wellbeing strategies such as meditation and mindfulness. Or preferably, a combination of all of the above.
Leading therapist Khody Damestani admits that he’s busier than ever, desperately trying to calm and treat clients who are overwhelmed by a situation that none of us have experienced before, and hopefully will never do again.
The co-founder of the mental fitness company, MyMindPal, believes that World Mental Health Day is a hugely important fixture on the wellbeing calendar.
“This year it’s more important than ever that we do what we can to support one another in these uncertain times,” says Khody.
“Engaging in self-care, developing coping strategies and being empathetic to others are just some of the ways that we can protect our mental health and unite together to get through this challenging period.”
For more information about MyMindPal, visit mymindpal.com
