World Mental Health Day is a chance to talk
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October 10 is World Mental Health Day, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, writes Draeyk Van Der Horn.
This year’s theme is 'Make mental health and wellbeing for all, a global priority’.
World Mental Health Day is a chance to talk about mental health in general, how we need to look after it and get help if we are struggling.
This is also an opportunity to look at how to reduce the factors known to pose a risk to people’s mental health, and create the conditions needed for people to thrive.
All of us will experience mental health issues; feel stressed or unable to cope at some point in our lives, and indeed inequalities due to housing, poverty, family conflict and so on may exacerbate mental well-being.
Not to mention that stigma can often be a stop to reaching out for help early, acting appropriately and with dignity.
Mental health issues have been heightened through the pandemic and magnified by seemingly endless crises impacting us.
As a Councillor and fellow human being I recognise that working with partners and community is how we make a difference.
Moray Wellbeing Hub is one of the many ways to do this, as is speaking out and sharing, for we all have “mental health,” yet we rarely talk about it.
What I can say is best said though a story of nature connection from many years ago, one of embracing the outdoors as a healing environment.
To be in the wild, by the sea or to walk in a forest has a feel good quality to it.
A way to connect to this is through exploring the experience of being quiet, listening, and allowing the subtle healing of the wild to do its work.
My first step was to find a special place, and that was the river, it called to me as an exemplifier of eternal connection from land to sea where the wise salmon swim.
The second step was a commitment to a daily 15 minute walk to this river, even though this sometimes seemed impossible.
Third, I sat on the shore, listening to river sounds and watching the activities of creatures that call this place their home.
Slowly nature worked its miracle.
What I gained surprised me, a gift of strength.
So what’s your story, what do you see for yourself, how about sharing that?
Maybe we could surprise each other with our hidden strengths and learn to live more mentally healthy lives.
