Reconnect with nature this Mental Health Awareness Week

People are being encouraged to reconnect with nature and the environment to help improve their mental health and wellbeing.

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week – taking place between 10 and 16 May – is ‘nature’, somewhat fitting after a year when many people will have seen more of their own four walls than the four seasons.

As the nation eases out of the Covid-19 lockdown, people are being urged to take time to look after their own mental health and wellbeing by getting out and about and enjoying the natural world.

John Denley, Wolverhampton's Director of Public Health, said: "This year's Mental Health Awareness Week is arguably even more important than usual.

"Covid-19 has impacted the whole country; for almost everyone, life has had to change fundamentally. Since the start of the pandemic there has been an increase in a range of mental health conditions for adults, from low wellbeing and sleep problems to anxiety and depression.

“Research shows that spending quality time with nature can reduce stress, balance your mood and help you feel more positive. The important thing is to switch on your senses and really connect – whether that’s noticing nature when you are out on a run, or listening to the birds on a woodland walk.
“We are lucky in Wolverhampton to have so many fantastic parks and green spaces where we can get closer to nature and so, as we come out of lockdown and the days get longer, please take time to look after your mental health and wellbeing this Mental Health Awareness Week.

“You can now meet up with five other people, or one other household, outdoors, but please remember to practice social distancing and stay two metres away from anyone you don't live with to help stop the spread of Covid-19.”

The Mental Health Foundation, which launched Mental Health Awareness Week 21 years ago, is calling on people to do three things: Experience Nature by getting out and about; Share Nature by taking a photo or video and posting on social media using the hashtags #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek; and Talk About Nature with family and friends. For more information about Mental Health Awareness Week, please visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk.

If you are experiencing stress, feelings of anxiety or low mood, can visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression for self-assessment, audio guides and other practical tools.

The Every Mind Matters campaign, www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters,  provides simple tips and advice to start taking better care of your mental health.

The City of Wolverhampton Council's #StaySafeBeKind campaign includes a range of health and wellbeing resources – visit  www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/staysafebekind.

The Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's mental health helpline provides advice, support and signposting 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to people of all ages. Call 0800 008 6516.

You can self-refer to Wolverhampton Healthy Minds via www.wolverhamptonhealthyminds.nhs.uk or by calling 0800 923 0222 or 01902 441856, or alternatively speak to your GP.

If you are having a difficult time or if you are worried about someone else, The Samaritans are there to listen. Visit www.samaritans.org, call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org for support.