Mental Health Awareness Week focus on anxiety

Issued in partnership with the Highland Community Planning Partnership

The Highland Council in collaboration with the Highland Community Planning Partnership are supporting Mental Health Awareness Week which begins Monday 15 May 2023. Each year Mental Health Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of mental health and encourage people to reach out for help and to also support others.

The awareness theme this year focuses on ‘Anxiety’, to kickstart a nationwide conversation, to encourage people to share their own experiences and any helpful ideas on how to manage anxiety.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety can affect us physically and mentally. If you are feeling anxious, you might notice your heart rate increasing, headaches, loss of appetite, breathlessness, or chest pain. (If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should see a healthcare professional to rule out another physical cause). Anxiety might make you feel tense or nervous, find it hard to relax, feel tearful or have problems sleeping and concentrating. Friends or family might notice you are more irritable than usual, or more withdrawn. Or perhaps you seem fine on the outside but feel panicky inside.

Help is at hand. There are things that we can all do to protect our mental health and manage anxiety.

What works will be different from person to person. Things that might be helpful include being active, getting out in nature, practising breathing techniques, getting support to tackle money worries, and eating well. Talking to a friend, or spending time with loved ones, is often a good first step.

We all feel anxious from time to time. Anxiety is a natural response to the uncertain world around us. For example, in the current cost-of-living crisis, more than a third of adults feel anxious about their financial situation. But it’s important that we recognise and respond when we feel anxious, so that our anxiety doesn’t become overwhelming.

Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee Chair, Cllr David Fraser said: “By supporting and recognising Mental Health Awareness Week, we can increase our understanding of Mental Health and its impact on our lives. We are all experiencing additional stresses and uncertainty because of global factors, COVID-19 pandemic recovery and the cost of living crisis. This means many of us across Highland are likely to be feeling the effects of reduced Mental Health. Help lessen the stigma around mental health and anxiety by reaching out to family and friends, often by making people aware that you are there for them can be a welcome relief to those struggling.

“There are local mental health support groups across Highland, many of whom share lived experience of mental health issues. They offer a confidential, friendly listening service and can help direct you to local groups/support in your area.”

For information on Highland Mental Wellbeing and to locate groups in your area go to: Highland Mental Wellbeing – A collection of resources to support mental wellbeing (scot.nhs.uk)

Taking care of our mental health is as important as looking after our physical health and there are many resources available to the public which can help manage emotional wellbeing and which address dealing with issues such as anxiety, isolation, and sleep disturbance; they also provide short and valuable techniques to help everyone take care of their mental health, in addition to staying physically fit.

If your mental or emotional state quickly gets worse, or you're worried about someone you know - help is available.

You're not alone; across Highland there are mental health groups and charities there to help support anyone experiencing poor mental health or for those worried about friends, family, or colleagues. Sharing a problem is often the first step to recovery.

Prevent Suicide Highland Smartphone App: The app provides guidance for members of the public as to what they can do to help someone experiencing mental distress and perhaps contemplating suicide and it can be downloaded for free here

If you, or someone you care for, is in immediate danger call 999. If the crisis is not life threatening, call NHS 24 on 111 or speak to your GP. There are other services you can contact 24 hours a day for support, as per the following:

• Samaritans - 116 123 (calls are free and do not show on a phone bill)

• Breathing Space - 0800 83 85 87.

The Scottish Government have also developed a site clearyourhead.scot to help us get through these times.

The Mental Health Foundation website also has useful resources and ways in which you can support Mental Health Awareness Week. Share your experiences and support on social media using the hashtag #ToHelpMyAnxiety.