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There's no shame in talking about mental health

Mental health is a topic we talk about frequently at Identity Withheld. Mainly because it’s so important, but also because many people are still too afraid, or embarrassed, to talk about their own mental health. We figure, the more we talk about it - the good days and the bad - the more likely it is that it'll be viewed as a 'normal' topic of conversation. Because it absolutely and completely is. 

This week, we are wholeheartedly supporting Mental Health Awareness Week (08-14 May), a national campaign led by the Mental Health Foundation, which aims to find and address the sources of mental health problems.           
        
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The theme of this year's awareness week is 'surviving or thriving'. It aims to raise awareness of the difference between the two and also offer practical advice about what individuals and businesses can do to support and encourage people to thrive.

Today the Mental Health Foundation published its report on the state of the UK's mental health. It made for interesting, but worrying, reading. You should download and read the full report, but here are some key findings from it:

  • Only a small minority of people (13%) report living with high levels of good mental health
  • More than 4 in 10 people say they have experienced depression
  • Over a quarter of people say they have experienced panic attacks
  • Nearly two-thirds of people say that they have experienced a mental health problem. This rises to 7 in every 10 women, young adults aged 18-34 and people living alone

The report concludes by stating that current levels of good mental health in the UK are 'disturbingly low' and that our collective mental health is deteriorating.

The report includes 10 ways to look after your mental health and one of the points is take a break'. Whether it's a five-minute meditation break before breakfast, a half-hour walk during your lunch break or a weekend away exploring somewhere new, taking time out is vital for better mental health. 

Mindfulness is a great opportunity to give yourself some time away from hectic daily life. Our journal 'That Was Now' can help you to make great strides towards a happier life, while our mindful travel journal 'You Are Here' will help you to develop a more peaceful mind while you're on holiday. 

Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, get into the habit of taking a break. During those precious moments of reflection, the rest of the world can wait (honestly). There's no shame in talking about mental health. In fact, we should be talking about it much, much more. 
See Books on Mindfulness
Related posts: 

4 reasons why travel is better with mindfulness

4 mindful ways to manage stress

Date: 08/05/2017
​Author: Katy Ratican
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