– The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week is anxiety, a common feeling that can sometimes get out of control.

Mental Health Awareness Week, now in its 23^rd year, runs from 15-21 May and is hosted by the charity, Mental Health Foundation.  

This year, the theme is ‘anxiety’. Across the UK, people are encouraged to get involved by sharing their experience of anxiety and the things that can help with the hashtag #ToHelpMyAnxiety.  As part of the campaign, the Mental Health Foundation will be publishing guidance on how we can manage and improve feelings of anxiety and prevent them from developing into a more serious mental health problem.

We have a range of free programmes available for people to utilise. 

Head of Foundation, Kieron Campbell said: “Promoting the importance of looking after our mental health is extremely important to us as an organisation. We understand that sometimes day to day life can become overwhelming, we host a range of sessions to help people who are struggling with things such as Anxiety. Our staff members are on hand during sessions to have a chat and help find further support should people need it.” 

Alexa Charnley, Director of Fundraising and Communications at the Mental Health Foundation, said: 

“We all experience anxiety but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.  However, there are things we can do to manage feelings of anxiety and stop them becoming overwhelming.  For example, breathing exercises, physical activity, speaking to a trusted friend, or keeping a diary. You can find more information and guidance on our website mentalhealth.org.uk. 

“This Mental Health Awareness Week we’re encouraging everyone to get involved by sharing their experiences of anxiety and the things that help with the hashtag #ToHelpMyAnxiety.  We hope people all over the UK will take part and help us to normalise conversations about anxiety and mental health.  We hope the week helps people to feel more confident in talking about anxiety and how it affects them.  Most importantly, we hope people understand more about what they can do to manage anxiety and what other support is available.” 

Get involved in Mental Health Awareness Week:

• During Mental Health Awareness Week use the hashtag #ToHelpMyAnxiety to share experiences of anxiety and the things that help
• Make 2023 the year you do something amazing and take on a skydive for Mental Health Awareness Week in May! 
• It’s time to go green for Mental Health Awareness Week. Run a Wear It Green Day and raise money to help Mental Health Foundation fight for good mental health for all. 
• Use Mental Health Foundation resources in your family, school, workplace, and community to join with thousands of people who will be finding new ways to connect with Mental Health Awareness Week.
• For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw