Mental health affects all of us. We all have it. We all need to look after it. And we all need to talk about it. CALM’s recent nationwide survey showed that 54% of you would be likely to talk to someone if you were struggling with your feelings during the pandemic. That’s pretty ace. But 30% of you probably wouldn’t, and that needs to change.
This year, Mental Health Awareness Week is all about kindness, but it can be difficult to break down what 'being kind' really means. Which is why we’re using Mental Health Awareness Week to make a commitment to ourselves, to our mates, to our colleagues and family, that we’ll check in. Not just when we’re finding things tough, but when we’re happy, sad, angry or something in between.
How? If we can check in when things are good, we’re more likely to when they’ve gone a bit pear-shaped. At CALM we believe everyone should be able to ask for help when they need it, from your friends, family, colleagues, or from our helpline and webchat services. But you don’t need a new language or a fancy kit to do that. It doesn’t even have to be a big deal. It can even be… fun.
Cos, let’s be honest, talking isn’t always what you want to do. It’s a selfie of your best friend doing a derp face when you’re feeling shit, it’s playing FIFA late into the night with that mate you haven’t seen for three years. Perhaps it’s a double tap on your Instagram story, or a blow out takeaway at your pal’s place eaten at record speed. There’s loads of ways to connect with each other, check in with each other, and look out for each other. So we’re putting the spotlight on ways you can be a best mate this Mental Health Week and every week.
