A few days ago, I received an email from someone, who said that as a direct result of the cost of living crisis and high inflation, she will have to find a second job. She was feeling down and quite overwhelmed with the whole situation. She is not the only person who is desperately worried about her finances.
Nowadays, the world is facing many difficulties; war in Ukraine, famine in Africa, climate emergency, divisions and political polarization. It is often hard to see the light in a dark tunnel. Local, national and global news are not always too heartening. It is actually quite the opposite; bad news sells and spreads very quickly. Each of these challenges that I mentioned above affect us differently; some are happening on our doorstep, others might be taking place far away, however each one of them have a profound impact on our emotional wellbeing.
Today (10th October) marks the World Mental Health Day. In my view, it has never been more important to look after our mental health. Sometimes the simplest step can make the biggest impact; a walk in the park, a meditation or a phone call to a friend. We all must ensure that in order to help others, we need to look after our own wellbeing; I know that I don’t do it often enough.
Let’s remember, always, that we are never alone and there is always someone who is willing to help. We just need to reach out. Let’s look after one and another a bit better and let’s try to be more tolerant and less judgmental. Let’s try to accept our weaknesses and limitations to build a slightly better world, at least better than the one yesterday. Each day gives us an opportunity to start again; let’s not waste it.
* Michal Siewniak is a Lib Dem activist and councillor for Handside ward, Welwyn Hatfield.
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4 Comments
Excellent article Michal and so true!!
Your article while obviously well intentioned ignores the reality for many.
I have suffered with my Mental Health over the last 15 years which has had a massive negative impact on my life. In that time I have reached out plenty of times without getting the support I need. The only people who have really helped on an ongoing basis are my family and loved ones.
I recognise I am not alone and whilst having a Mental Health day is overall a positive what we really need is action. Counselling is hard to get, ongoing support doesn’t exist and financial assistance if you can get it means jumping through hoops.
The UK is failing those of us with a Mental Health problem and it’s a scandal.
@david – mental health has been a bit of a cinderella field, suffering from an image problem – in part due to historical association in people’s minds with the extremes associated with mental health hospitals/asylums. So it is a good sign that it is gaining a better public profile.
This Cinderella status, has also impacted the funding and thus availability of appropriate services. In recent years, I know in Northants big strides have been made in their provision. However, local third-sector organisations offering free/subsidised mental health and wellbeing counselling are having problems retaining staff. In part due to the expansion of the sector following lockdown, with many deciding to go private.
A big problem counselling services have, is that they are fundamentally loss-making – at the prices those without health insurance are prepared and able to pay. A second problem is funding, I know one provider is going through deep reflection about their counselling service; without it they are classed as an educational charity and thus able to apply for (more plentiful) funding for these services, with it, many funders regard them as a health/medical charity, resulting in them being ineligible for non-health related funding. However, many users of the service, prefer to use a non-medical service because they are treated more as a person than a patient…
So I appreciate not a solution to the problems you have articulated, but steps – albeit small ones are being made.
@roland
Thanks. One of the problems I had with accessing counselling living in a rural area at the time was physically getting to the appointment. When it was finished that was it, no checking back to see how I was doing.
Someone with a serious physical illness i.e. cancer would normally be invited back for check ups. That doesn’t happen with those of us suffering from a mental illness.