Mental Health Awareness Week

It’s easy to feel alone when you’re facing a mental health challenge, but during Mental Health Awareness Week we are reminded that no one needs to face it alone. This week encourages us all to take action for mental health in whatever form we can.

Since 2001, the Mental health Foundation has campaigned for mental health awareness every year in May. This drive to raise awareness and prevent mental health crises is crucial in Scotland. Current estimates suggest that one in four people face a mental health problem, ranging from common conditions such as depression and anxiety, to more complex conditions such as bipolar and schizophrenia.

 

what does ‘action’ mean at Change Mental Health? 

To us, action is more than just a word. We live it every day to ensure that we can change attitudes and tackle stigma around mental health. That action includes ensuring that individuals can take the first step in recognising they need support, to putting them on the path to their recovery journey. Influencing our politicians and decision-makers is also key to prioritising mental health and getting it to the top of the agenda.

This is what we think: there is no change without action.

1. Encouraging individual action

Individual action starts with empowering one person choosing to make a difference for their mental health, either for themselves or for someone else. This can take many forms, depending on your situation, from recognising when you need support to taking the brave step of seeking help.

2. Influencing policy

We can ensure that mental health is prioritised at a government level by raising awareness, sharing lived experience and advocating for better services. It’s about turning real stories into meaningful change through engagement with decision-makers and campaigning for fair, accessible support for all.

3. Early intervention and prevention

The best way to support mental health is by intervening as early as possible and preventing crises or distress. Recognising the signs in yourself and others and providing early education is especially important.

This matters even more because 75% of mental illnesses begin before the age of 18. Our Young People’s Programmes give children and teenagers essential knowledge about mental health, helping them recognise challenges, build resilience and seek support when needed.

4. Tackling stigma

Many people feel stigmatised because of their mental health. This can be because of misinformation about certain conditions, fear of being judged, or feeling ashamed or embarrassed about their situation. Dispelling myths and misconceptions – and basing our services, resources and message through the voices of people with lived experience of mental health challenges – helps us to provide the support people need, when they need it and in a way which works best for them.

5. Training

Supporting the mental health of employees should not just be a ‘tick-box’ exercise, it should be embedded into the culture of your workplace. From essential awareness to specialist skills, our training supports proactive intervention and prevention. Start the conversation with colleagues today or contact our Training team to kickstart action in supporting staff’s wellbeing.