Mental Health Awareness Week

from Kids Alive! 13 May 2023

by The Salvation Army UK and Ireland

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK COLOURING

Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from 15 to 21 May so it’s the perfect time to think more about taking care of yourself.

Everyone has mental health, which includes your emotional, psychological and social well-being. That basically means whether you feel in a positive state of mind, feel safe, able to cope and connected to people around you. Your mental health can get better or worse depending on what’s happening in your life and the situations around you.

Wear It Green Day

During Mental Health Awareness Week, organisers are encouraging people to hold a Wear It Green Day on Thursday 18 May. All you have to do to join in is wear as much green as possible on that day. Talk to your teachers about holding a Wear It Green Day at your school – there are packs for them to download at mentalhealth.org.uk

You can also order a green ribbon badge to wear – the green ribbon is the international symbol of mental health awareness.

What’s Anxiety?

This year, the organisers of Mental Health Awareness Week are putting extra focus on anxiety.

Lots of things can make us feel anxious – exam pressure, relationships with family or friends, starting a new school or other big life events. Anxiety is a normal emotion that we all feel, but sometimes for some people it can get out of control. This might stop them from doing the things they want to do.

Top Tips

When you’re having anxious thoughts, focusing on your breathing can help control your anxiety. Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique. Close your mouth and quietly breathe in through your nose while you count to four. Hold your breath and count to seven. Breathe out through your mouth, making a whoosh sound while counting to eight. Repeat this three more times.

Exercise is a good way of dealing with anxiety. Running, dancing, playing football, skipping… it doesn’t matter as long as you’re moving.

It’s important not to ignore any worries you have. Writing your worries down in a diary can help you to process them.

Dealing with anxiety can be hard, but here are some ways to help… 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Spend time in nature, because it can help you feel calmer and less stressed. Whether you’re playing in the park or walking in the woods, connect with nature and spend time in green spaces.

Anxiety can make you feel lonely, so connecting with people can help. Talking about your feelings with parents, carers or teachers can help to reduce anxiety. It’s also helpful to spend time with family and friends having fun.

Try to get enough sleep and rest, even though it can be hard if you’re feeling anxious. Even chilling out and doing something simple like colouring can help you to rest your mind and give you a worry break.

It’s easy to reach for sugary snacks and drinks when we’re feeling low, even though they’ll actually make us feel worse in the long run. Having a healthy, balanced diet helps our bodies and minds cope with what life throws at us.

More Help

We can’t tell you enough how important it is to talk about any feelings or worries you have. Always share what you’re going through with a grown-up you trust.

If your anxious feelings aren’t going away and they’re having a negative impact on your life, ask your parents or carers to book you an appointment with your doctor. You can also try talking to the welfare staff at school.

For more information about Mental Health Awareness Week, visit mentalhealth.org.uk.