When is Mental Health Awareness Week? Signs of stress and how to get help

Mental Health Awareness Week is a prime opportunity to learn more about mental health issues and advocate change.

Every year, communities and decision-makers discuss how to make society more aware and supportive of mental well-being.

The theme for the week changes annually, with previous years’ themes including anxiety, nature and mental health, kindness, and body image.

Here is a look at this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, including its date, theme, and how to participate.

This year, Mental Health Awareness Week is between Monday, May 13, and Sunday, May 19.

The Mental Health Foundation launched the initiative in 2001 to “bring together the UK to focus on getting good mental health”.

It says on its website that the week aims to tackle stigma and help people understand and prioritise their and others' mental health.

The website says: “Each May, millions of people from every part of society take part across the whole of the UK. They include people in schools and further education; private, public and charity sectors; families and individuals.

“The UK and national governments, celebrities and many others continue to actively support the week.”

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme is ‘Movement: moving more for our mental health’.

The Mental Health Foundation said: “Regular physical activity is known to improve mental health, quality of life, and wellbeing. It also helps prevent and treat heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and breast and colon cancer, and more.

“Despite these benefits being well established, over a third of UK adults do not meet the recommended amount of activity.”

In a new report, the foundation “explores what’s stopping the UK population from being more active, and what could help get people moving more for their mental health”.

There are several ways in which you can get involved.

The Mental Health Foundation wants people to participate by finding moments for movement in their daily routines.

That does not mean signing up for a marathon or hiking. It can be a short walk, a dance class, or swimming with friends or family.

Some people are even skydiving to raise money for the foundation.

You can also donate and support the charity’s quest to achieve good mental health for all.

Alternatively, you can hold a Wear It Green Day at your school or workplace to raise money for the cause.

The Mental Health Foundation is a UK-based charity that focuses on improving mental health and well-being for everyone. Established in 1949, it works to prevent mental health problems, promote good mental health, and provide support for those affected by mental health issues.

The foundation conducts research, advocates for policy changes, and delivers various programmes and initiatives to raise awareness and understanding of mental health.

Some of the key areas of focus for the Mental Health Foundation include:

The mental health charity Mind says there are several clear signs of stress including sleep problems, headaches, panic attacks, blurred eyesight, high blood pressure, and heartburn.

Stress can make you do unusual things, such as biting your nails, eating too much or too little, being restless, and withdrawing from people around you.

Various factors can cause stress. One significant circumstance or incident in your life may be the source of it. Or it could be a culmination of numerous smaller issues.