Norfolk marks World Mental Health Day 2020
Take care of yourself
Norfolk County Council is marking this year’s World Mental Health day by encouraging residents to learn more about the signs of mental ill health in themselves and others.
The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10 October every year. This year's theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is 'mental health for all'.
In Norfolk and Waveney around 10% of the adult population is recorded as having depression every year, a figure that is reflected across the rest of England.
Norfolk County Council Assistant Director Public Health Prevention and Policy Chris Butwright, said:
"Someone you know, family, friends, work colleagues or neighbours, will be having difficulties with their mental health right now. It can happen to us all in the same way that we will all experience physical illness at some point. Just like helping those around us when they are physically unwell or in pain, it is vitally important that we all take steps to learn how to listen and support when someone we know is struggling with their mental health."
Training and courses on this and much more are available to help people recognise how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue.
Bill Borrett Cabinet member for Public Health at Norfolk County Council said:
"I would strongly encourage everyone in Norfolk to learn how to spot the signs of mental ill health in ourselves and those around us. The pandemic has shown us the importance of neighbours, colleagues and friends looking out for each other. If we step in early, we can help to prevent a situation from reaching a point of crisis."
Organisations such as The Outsiders runs The 12th Man campaign which supports men to talk openly about mental health and to see it as a sign of strength. The campaign offers mental health first aid training to anyone whose work, hobby or sporting activity gives them the opportunity to have a conversation with men such as barbers, tattooists, taxi drivers, people who work in pubs, cycling and football clubs. See below for a case study from somebody who took park in this training.
In addition to this Norfolk and Waveney Mind runs mental health first aid training through Zoom and also has online resources suitable for anybody wanting to learn more about mental health and wellbeing.
Since its launch last year Norfolk County Council has supported the national Every Mind Matters campaign which aims to help people take simple steps to look after their mental health, improve their mental wellbeing and support others.
It offers a range of useful resources to help you spot the signs of common mental health concerns, provides practical self-care tips and guidance and explains when to seek further support.
By visiting the mental wellbeing page on the Norfolk County Council website users will be able to generate a tailored self-care action plan to support their mental health and wellbeing, as well as getting access to a range of other resources to learn more about common mental health concerns.
During the coronavirus pandemic Norfolk County Council has been reminding people of the importance of the five ways to wellbeing which is a set of evidence-based actions that promote people’s wellbeing.
The five ways include:
Talk about your worries
During this pandemic, it’s normal to feel worried, scared or helpless. Norfolk County Council’s website has information on its wellbeing page.
Look after your body
Looking after your body is also important and people are being signposted to the county council’s Active Norfolk for ideas on how to stay physically fit: www.activenorfolk.org
Have a regular routine and goals
Setting goals and having a plan for the week can give you a sense of control and purpose.