10 May 2022
It is Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday 9 - 15 May 2022) and this year’s theme is loneliness.
Loneliness is something that most of us will feel at some point in our lives. By highlighting this issue and its impact on mental health we hope to reduce stigma and offer support to more people who are lonely, or at risk of loneliness.
Public Health Lead for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Pippa Walls, said: “We know that some people are at higher risk of experiencing loneliness and the evidence shows the longer we feel lonely, the more we are at risk of mental health problems. We are also highlighting that preventing mental ill health is possible, and there are things that we can all do to protect our mental health and wellbeing.”
This week, the Mental Health Improvement and Suicide Prevention Steering Group is launching a consultation on its new three-year action plan. It is asking people in the Borders to get involved by giving their views.
Pippa added: “We’d like to encourage everyone to take part in our survey which will help shape the action we take on preventing mental ill health and promoting and protecting good mental health over the next few years.”
The Wallaceneuk Parkrun in Kelso on Saturday 14 May is being supported by The Scottish Borders Joint Health Improvement Team and Health in Mind to promote Mental Health Awareness Week and to highlight the mental health benefits of coming together as a community in a friendly and social environment to exercise.
Scottish Borders Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Services Manager at Health in Mind, Rachael Honeyman, said: “Moving our bodies in whatever way we can and connecting with others in doing so can have huge benefits for us both physically and mentally. Being active releases chemicals in our brains that can make us feel good, which can over time boost self-esteem, improve sleep and help our concentration levels.
“Being active can also create opportunities to meet new people, explore new opportunities and help us to feel good. Best of all, it’s often something we can do anywhere, anytime and for free!”