World Mental Health Day: Council highlights resources available to support your mental health

To mark World Mental Health Day today (Thursday 10 October 2023), Shropshire Council’s public health team are encouraging people across Shropshire to take action to support their mental health.

World Mental Health Day graphic

The global campaign initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), aims to raise global awareness of mental health issues, mobilise efforts in support of mental health, and reduce stigma.

This year’s theme is emphasising the importance of prioritising mental health in the workplace.

Statistics

• 1 in 4 people has been affected by a mental health problem.
• 9 in 10 UK adults experienced high or extreme stress in the past year (Mental Health UK report 2024).
• Almost a quarter of UK adults feel unable to manage stress and pressure levels in their lives (Mental Health UK report 2024).
• A fifth of workers hit burnout point (Mental Health UK report 2024).
• While 73% of adults feel able to manage stress, 24% feel they are unable to do so (Mental Health UK report 2024).

Understanding Burnout

Burnout is recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterised by feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy.

Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said:

“World Mental Health Day is the perfect opportunity to take some time to think and talk about mental health – and most importantly of all, to take action to support our mental health.

“This year’s theme is focusing on the workplace, and we call on everyone—from employers to employees, executives to managers—to take shared responsibility for workplace mental health.

“By educating ourselves and each other to recognise the signs of poor mental health and providing mutual support, we can create healthier, more resilient workplaces where mental wellbeing is a priority for all.

“To support the day, we’d also like to highlight the many local resources our public health team and partners have created. I would encourage anyone who maybe feeling burnt out or generally low or needs some advice to support their mental health and wellbeing, to utilise these.”

Feeling low or anxious? Reach out to someone

There are many simple things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing. It’s also important to be open about how we are feeling and to reach out for help when we need it.

Shropshire’s Council’s mental health and wellbeing webpages offer a range of support and tools to support people’s mental health. These include:

• Mental health and wellbeing support in Shropshire resource pack – This new resource contains lots of useful local and national contacts to support mental health and wellbeing including supported employment, support for people with health and social care needs, support for sexual abuse, support for family and unpaid carers and support for children and young people.
• Listening ear, emotional wellbeing and community support for Shropshire Residents and Workforce – Emotional wellbeing and community support.
• Shropshire’s Social Prescribing programme – This is a non-medical programme designed to help people with a wide range of social, emotional, or practical needs that helps them resolve their concerns at an early stage and put them back in charge of their wellbeing.
• TogetherAll is an online community for any Shropshire resident aged 16 and over, for people who are stressed, anxious or feeling low. The service has an active forum with round-the-clock support from trained professionals. You can talk anonymously and confidentially to other members.
• Support for children, young people, and young adults – there is a wide range of advice, information and support for children and young people. This includes NHS Shropshire, Telford Wrekin website Healthier Together which offers advice for parents, young people, and pregnant women, as well as clinical resources to support healthcare professionals. Our children’s Social Prescribing programme offers children and young people, aged 11 (in school Year 7) and above. a non-medical approach to support for a range of social, emotional, and practical needs.
• Every Mind Matters– is a national NHS campaign full of tailored tips and advice to help you manage stress, sleep better, and boost your mood.

Also many workplaces offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) that provide counselling services. We suggest contacting your HR department at work to enquire about what support services they have in place, such as an EAP or other service. The counselling offered may only be short-term (i.e., up to six sessions), if this is the case consider speaking to your GP for longer-term support.

Stress and anxiety about work and money can affect people’s mental health and wellbeing and, for lots of people, this has been heightened by the rising cost of living in recent years. The council’s cost of living webpages offer a wide range of advice and support to ensure you are maximising your income.

Urgent help – Call NHS 111 select mental health

If you or somebody you know is in crisis and needs urgent mental health support you can now contact your local crisis service in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin by calling NHS 111 or visiting www.111.nhs.uk and selecting the mental health option.

Further information

Find out more about World Mental Health Day at: World Mental Health Day 2024 | Mental Health Foundation