This week is Mental Health Awareness week with this years theme been kindness.
At Harrogate Skills for Living Centre we like to support and promote Mental Health awareness week as we recognise the importance of raising awareness and acceptance around mental health.
The Mental Health Foundation chose this years theme as kindness because of its singular ability to unlock our shared humanity. Kindness strengthens relationships, develops community and deepens solidarity. It is a cornerstone of our individual and collective mental health. Wisdom from every culture across history recognises that kindness is something that all human beings need to experience and practise to be fully alive.
Kindness is defined by doing something towards yourself and others, motivated by genuine desire to make a positive difference. We know from the research that kindness and our mental health are deeply connected. The research shows that kindness is an antidote to isolation and creates a sense of belonging. It helps reduce stress, brings a fresh perspective and deepens friendships. Kindness to ourselves can prevent shame from corroding our sense of identity and help boost our self-esteem. Kindness can even improve feelings of confidence and optimism.
Check out this short film clip from the Mental Health Foundation.
This year, maybe more than ever in the current Covid-19 pandemic we find ourselves in, kindness is key and more important than ever.
During Mental Health Awareness Week, the Mental Health Foundation are asking us to do three things:
You can find more information about this years Mental Health awareness week here.
