Mental health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being, and it is essential to recognise there is no health without mental health. As well as our individual duty to take care of ourselves, it’s also a collective responsibility to look after one another.
The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day has been declared as, ‘Mental health is a universal human right.‘ This theme emphasises the importance of mental health and the need to ensure that everyone has access to the resources and support they need to maintain good mental health. With every right comes responsibility, and we can all play our part to ensure a more connected, compassionate, and caring world for those around us.
One of the most effective ways to support mental health is by caring for our friends and family. Here are some tips on how we can do this:
Listen without judgement: One of the most important things we can do to support our loved ones’ mental health is to listen to them without judgement. Sometimes, all a person needs is a listening ear, and by being there for them, we can help them feel heard and understood.
Offer practical support: From time-to-time, people might need practical support to help them manage their mental health. This could be anything from helping them with household chores to accompanying them to appointments.
Encourage self-care: Encouraging our loved ones to practise self-care is an important part of supporting their well-being. For example, we might encourage them to take breaks, engage in activities they enjoy, or spend more time with friends and other loved ones.
Keep on learning: Educating ourselves about mental health can help us better understand what our loved ones are going through and how we can best offer our support. There are many resources available online, including articles, videos, and podcasts, that can help us learn more about a variety of topics related to mental and physical health.
By supporting our friends and family’s mental health, we can help create healthier communities, nations, and a more compassionate world. If we all play our part, we can help ensure that mental health is recognised and embraced as a universal human right and that everyone has access to the resources and support they need at the point of need.
“Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you doesn’t mean you can, should, or need to do it alone.” ~ Lisa Olivera
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