This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week takes place between 15 and 21 May, and the theme is anxiety.
Feeling anxious from time to time can be perfectly normal, especially ahead of important life events. However, when we feel like that all the time, it can put a strain on our mental health.
A survey by The Mental Health Foundation found 34% of UK adults felt anxious, while almost three in 10 people (29%) experienced stress in the past month.
The good news is: with a little help and support, our anxiety can be managed. This year’s campaign aims to increase awareness and understanding by providing information and advice on the things that can help prevent anxiety from becoming a problem.
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek starts on 15 May. Join us in spreading the word about anxiety and the things that can help.
Find out how to get involved, download resources and read our tips about coping with feelings of anxiety https://t.co/L5MunpK0on #ToHelpMyAnxiety pic.twitter.com/7BGDhF91O4
— Mental Health Foundation (@mentalhealth) April 15, 2023
Every day, millions of people feel anxious for a wide variety of reasons, and being famous is no shield. Ryan Reynolds has spoken several times, including on social media, about his long battle with anxiety:
Ryan Reynolds has revealed that his anxiety got so bad at one point that he thought he was going ‘to die’ before a scheduled TV appearance. https://t.co/sioywMT9ZT
— Metro (@MetroUK) March 1, 2022
Prince Harry may have looked cool and collected at the Coronation, but he has also been very public about his anxiety:
“It is okay to have depression, it is okay to have anxiety and it is okay to have an adjustment disorder. We need to improve the conversation. We all have mental health in the same way we all have physical health.” — Prince Harry #mentalhealth pic.twitter.com/sEYFkeoK3U
— BreakFree Rehabilitation Center (@BreakfreeRehab) May 8, 2023
WandaVision and Marvel star Elizabeth Olsen spoke to Variety about her panic attacks:
Elizabeth Olsen on Her ‘Embarrassing’ Marvel Scenes, Recovering From Panic Attacks and Whether She’s Still an ‘Aspiring Stoner’ https://t.co/2WZQb4p0Cn
— Variety (@Variety) October 3, 2022
Young tennis star Naomi Osaka’s career has been affected by her anxiety and she talked to Vogue about how she manages it:
“As someone who suffers from anxiety, having a daily mechanism to help me cope has been really comforting,” says Naomi Osaka on the new series of meditations she’s recording for children https://t.co/rE64XUoI1l pic.twitter.com/T1eoieqCUH
— Vogue Runway (@VogueRunway) April 1, 2023
The pandemic and its aftermath put anxiety firmly in the spotlight, with almost every sector of society affected by an increase in anxiety. Luckily, there are a lot of resources out there that can help.
This #NationalStressAwarenessDay take a moment to learn some of the signs of stress. If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, visit our website to learn more and find some ideas for coping > https://t.co/HPkUhtpRdS pic.twitter.com/v3w1TwAsFv
— Mind (@MindCharity) November 3, 2021
Thanks to all at @stpatsfc for the support and helping us promote our positive mental health message 🙏🏼💜#HeadInTheGame https://t.co/l5yGRxRm2B
— Head In The Game (@HeadInTheGameIE) May 8, 2023
There are a range of charities supporting maternal mental health week this year, and by working together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of parents experiencing mental health challenges. #MHAW23 #strongertogether #togetherinachangingworld @PMHPUK pic.twitter.com/4tKjS23iQO
— DorPip (@dor_pip) May 3, 2023
You can get support from dedicated national organisation @AnxietyUK, as well as groups closer to wherever you are, from London-focused @GoodThinkingUK, to community groups in Manchester and Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside:
What a superb effort from Community Groups and Organisations in North Manchester, bringing together some fabulous Free events, and supporting Mental Health Awareness Week @WHMmanchester #buildingstrongercommunities #MentalHealthAwareness pic.twitter.com/vAHZPtObW1
— Leonie WHM (@leonie_painter) May 8, 2023
Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week (15th – 21st May). This year’s theme is anxiety, which affects over 8 million people in UK. Throughout next week we will be raising awareness of the support available if you need help in managing your mental healthhttps://t.co/s9TlBWikqs pic.twitter.com/Ai75AVXlIA
— Groundwork in Cheshire, Lancashire & Merseyside (@GroundworkCLM) May 9, 2023
Anxiety can rear its head at any time in our lives. If you’re a student, @StudentMindsOrg can help with that exam pressure:
It’s normal to feel stressed about your upcoming exams, but don’t forget that you aren’t alone. Adam reminds us that everyone’s in the same boat and it can help to work together. Read the rest of his blog: https://t.co/ETW86NXbGP pic.twitter.com/Yl3KupJsq1
— Student Minds (@StudentMindsOrg) May 7, 2023
While @TimetoChange aims to help anyone, from business owners to bus drivers, struggling with anxiety to open up:
For someone experiencing anxiety, ‘small’ problems don’t always feel small.
If a friend seems anxious on #TimeToTalk Day, really listen and try not to minimise their concerns. pic.twitter.com/BzQxDiNGJg
— Time to Change (@TimetoChange) February 2, 2023
There are other ways to ease anxiety, using music:
#QFQs we “spoke” to @spokeworld about making looking after your mental health as easy as listening to your favourite music https://t.co/33gTKLT6t7 – via @Maddyness_UK /
— Maddyness UK (@Maddyness_UK) May 9, 2023
Playing sport:
After seeking sanctuary, football changed Wan’s life.
Wan is a refugee rights campaigner it’s tough work & looking after mental health is vital. Wan does this by playing ⚽️ with the UK’s first women’s FC of sanctuary.
What’re your tips for looking after your mental health? pic.twitter.com/4OGqTwyxoz— City of Sanctuary UK 🧡 (@CityofSanctuary) May 8, 2023
And even volunteering
Volunteering and supporting your community can help with your mental health and well-being. See Tobi’s story in the thread below. (1/3)#BigHelpOut #Volunteering #Kindness pic.twitter.com/BjjZviLsUp
— Random Acts – UK South (@RARepUKSouth) May 8, 2023
Want to show your support for Mental Health Awareness Week? Wear something green on Thursday 18th.
Don’t forget to throw on your favourite green clothes on Thursday 18 May for #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek 💚
Learn more about the resources you can use here: https://t.co/Cq4sKwm7g7 pic.twitter.com/iL1F32LGID
— Mental Health Foundation (@mentalhealth) May 4, 2023
Everyone gets anxious occasionally – even us. That’s why we’re banging the drum for organisations offering 24/7 help and support, while also keeping in mind a quote from the one and only Julie Andrews: “if you remain calm in the midst of great chaos, it is the surest guarantee that it will eventually subside”.
