What World Mental Health Day means to us...

​For us, and for the people who get involved with Healthy Minds, every day is Mental Health Day. 
 
Healthy Minds was set up with a mission to reduce stigma so that people feel more comfortable talking about mental health; to provide support for people who need it; and to speak up for positive change.
 
Mental health is the biggest public health issue in our society: poor mental health is both a cause and consequence of inequality. The problems and solutions are complex.

As an organisation led by lived experience, we know that mental health is an issue for many people every day. Some people have to work hard to find ways to maintain their mental health. Some people’s circumstances mean that they face harder struggles to overcome mental health difficulties. Some people are overwhelmed by poor mental health. Some people fear that they can’t carry on struggling and lose hope. 

This is daily life for many people, and our daily life at Healthy Minds is helping people to get through what they’re experiencing. That might mean finding ways to stay safe at the point of crisis, to learn how to manage our mental health, or to find a path to a more hopeful future.
 
The future that we strive for at Healthy Minds is a world in which people with mental health issues are properly supported, the causes of poor mental health are tackled at the root, and that we all live free from stigma, every day.

Paul, a Healthy Minds Forum Member, shares some of his thoughts about what needs to be done to move towards a future without stigma...
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"A world without the negative stigma around mental health would be one where mental well-being is as openly discussed and supported like physical health. Some considerations may be: 
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1. Ability to have open conversation: People could talk about their mental health challenges without fear of judgment, just like they do with physical illnesses. Conversations about anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions would be as normalized as discussions about a sore throat, back ache or any other common ailment.
2. Universal Access to Care: Mental health services would be easily accessible, affordable, and integrated into standard healthcare. Seeking therapy or counselling would be as routine as visiting a doctor for a physical check-up.
3. Education and Awareness: From a young age, children would be taught emotional intelligence, coping strategies, and the importance of mental health care. Mental health education would be a core part of school curriculum, reducing misunderstandings and fostering empathy
4. Compassionate Communities: Society would be more empathetic and understanding of those facing mental health struggles. Instead of fear, isolation, or judgment, people would offer support and understanding to those in need. Neighbours, friends, and families would know how to respond with kindness and offer resources when someone is struggling.
5. Workplace Support: Workplaces would have policies that support mental well-being, such as mental health days, access to on-site counselling, and training for managers to recognize and support employees struggling with mental health. Employers would view mental health as part of overall productivity and employee well-being.
6. Inclusive Language: The language around mental health would be more respectful and less harmful. Phrases like "crazy" or "weak" would fade away, replaced by more supportive and understanding terminology
7. Positive Representation: In media and entertainment, mental health challenges would be portrayed with accuracy and sensitivity. Characters in films, TV shows, and books would openly discuss therapy or mental health issues, reducing the taboo around seeking help.
8. Less Self-Stigma: People would feel empowered to seek help without feeling shame or guilt. Mental health would be seen as a core part of well-being, and individuals would not hesitate to prioritize it, whether by seeking therapy, practicing self-care, or using coping strategies.

Ultimately, in such a world, mental health would be viewed as a fundamental aspect of human experience, not something to hide or be ashamed of."

​- Paul, Healthy Minds Forum Member