Mental Health Awareness Week starts today!

Mental Health Awareness Week (12 to 18 May) starts today, and this year's theme is "community".

Since 2001, the Mental Health Foundation has been leading Mental Health Awareness Week, bringing the UK together to focus on getting good mental health.

The Mental Health Foundation wants to use this Mental Health Awareness Week to celebrate the power and importance of community.

Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing.

We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone.

Community

Communities can:

• provide a sense of belonging;
• safety;
• support in hard times; and
• give us a sense of purpose.

Being part of a community can:

• make life feel more meaningful and enjoyable;
• help us feel happier and safer; and
• improve our mental health.

Yet sometimes, although we are all part of communities, we do not always realise the benefits for our mental health. People who are more socially connected to family, friends or their community are happier, physically healthier and live longer, with fewer mental health problems than people who are less well connected.

What is a community?

There are many different types of community, and you can belong to more than one. A community is a group of people brought together through something which they share in common.

It can be found with either the people who live around us in a geographic location or with people we connect with through similar values and interests. You might find your community at:

• school or work;
• through your faith;
• at a club where you enjoy a hobby;
• as part of a group inspiring action for positive change;
• an online game; or
• even a book club or fan club.

Importantly, a community should make you feel good about yourself, feel safe and feel empathy towards others, and is there to help you through hard times such as illness, bereavement or natural disasters.

Of course, not all communities are safe or healthy. If a community makes you think badly of yourself, encourages hateful or discriminatory actions toward others, or puts you in danger, it will be damaging to your health and wellbeing.

Safe and healthy communities can have a powerful benefit for our mental health and overall wellbeing, by:

• reducing isolation;
• building a sense of belonging;
• providing a sense of purpose through community involvement;
• reducing symptoms of mental health issues;
• providing more life satisfaction;
• easing psychological distress;
• helping higher risk groups to be healthier and happier.

Get involved

It can be tough figuring out how to get involved in your community. So here are ten simple tips by the Mental Health Foundation on how you can build social connections and feel more part of your community:

• connect with mothers by doing activities you enjoy, such as sports, music, reading or gaming;
• spend time outdoors by going on walks, joining a running or cycling club, or spending time in a community garden to feel more connected;
• find like-minded people who match your interests, beliefs, faith or values, as it is easier to start conversations with people who have similar views;
• show kindness to others, as simple acts can help you feel like you belong;
• let people know you appreciate them as this can strengthen friendships and help you make new ones;
• healthy and safe online communities can be a great alternative for those who struggle with in-person socialising;
• volunteer or give to charity, as helping others can build a sense of community and give you purpose;
• take care of your local community and environment can make you feel more connected;
• welcome new members to your community and make them feel welcome;
• find peer support groups if you are struggling, as connecting with others who have had similar experiences can be really helpful.