Why is it so important that we keep talking about mental health ?
By starting a conversation about mental health with our family , friends and colleagues , we can support each other . We all have mental health and we need to look after ourselves in the same way as we do with our physical health . We know that the pandemic has impacted our lives in so many ways and global events continue to have a significant impact on our mental health . It is so important that we all have open and honest conversations about how we are feeling , that we know what help and support is available and also that we have tools and strategies that can support good mental health in our day-today lives . Sometimes it is hard to know where to start , but just listening to someone can make a real difference .
Have you seen a significant increase in the amount of people seeking help since the start of the pandemic ?
During the year 20 / 21 we saw a significant uptake in our services . We delivered 3,297 online counselling sessions which was a 37 % increase on the previous year . We supported over 100 people experiencing domestic violence with counselling and group therapy and referrals across our wellbeing programme increased by around 40 %. Attendances at our social activity groups were up 55 %. We want to make sure that anyone in our community who is struggling with mental ill health has somewhere to turn for support and advice .
What can we as individuals do to help others cope with their mental health ?
Talking openly and honestly about mental health with family , friends and colleagues really can change lives . Talking about mental health reduces stigma , helping to create supportive communities where everyone can talk openly about mental health and feel empowered to seek help when they need it . Everyone has mental health and by talking about it we can support ourselves and others .
TOP TALKING TIPS FROM WEST KENT MIND Ask questions and listen
Asking questions can give the person space to express how they ’ re feeling and what they ’ re going through , and it will help you to understand their experience better .
Think about the time and place
Sometimes it ’ s easier to talk side by side rather than face to face . So , if you do talk in person , you might want to chat while you are doing something else .
Don ' t try and fix it
It can be hard to see someone you care about having a difficult time but try to resist the urge to offer quick fixes to what they ’ re going through , just listening can be helpful .
Be patient
No matter how hard you try , some people might not be ready to talk about what they ’ re going through . That ’ s OK – the fact that you ’ ve tried to talk to them about it may make it easier for them to open up another time .
Lastly , please tell us a little about this year ’ s Wear It Blue campaign please .
Mental Health Awareness Week , which runs from May 9-15 , is an opportunity to get people talking openly and honestly about mental health . To get involved with this years Wear It Blue Campaign simply follow the steps below :
• Pick a day during Mental Health Awareness Week to show your support and wear something blue !
• Donate to West Kent Mind to support vital services for local people . To donate £ 5 text WKM5 to 70085 or to donate £ 10 text WKM10 to 70085 or visit the Just Giving campaign page : justgiving . com / campaign / WearItBlueforWKM
• Share your pics with West Kent Mind ! Tag @ westkentmind in your photos and use the hashtag # wearitblueforWKM .
• Start a conversation , talk and listen . Small conversations have the power to make a big difference .
Get involved and Wear It Blue
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