Mental Health and the Importance of Early Engagement

Today, on World Mental Health Day, let’s take time to recognise the rising issue of mental health and consider the important role each of us can play to provide support to those suffering from – or who are at risk of developing – mental health conditions. 

Each year, according Mental Health UK, one in four of us will be affected by a mental health problem. The numbers are so great that around the country more individuals suffer from mental health illnesses than from cancer or heart disease.  

However, mental issues are not isolated to adults.  According to Action for Children, “on average, every classroom in Britain has three students suffering from mental illness”. Moreover, while mental health conditions can go unnoticed, they can impact all aspects of one’s daily life, from physical engagements to managing time, money and relationships.

Numerous organisations around the country are engaged to help those suffering from mental illness and today they are calling for more advocacy and earlier intervention. One in particular, Action for Children, is working to embed a program in schools to help children address issues of depression and anxiety before they turn into longer-term mental health issues.

The Blues Programme is a preventative mental health plan delivered in schools, colleges and sixth forms across the UK to assist young people aged 13-19 years old. It aims to support school-aged children by equipping them with tools to address depressive symptoms and by providing intervention support. The Blues Programme is one way to help students build emotional resilience, gain self-confidence and learn to thrive.

This Sunday, my colleagues are running the Royal Parks Half Marathon in support of Action for Children. What’s more, for every pound raised, Royal Mail will match the funds. So, please consider supporting Action for Children and my team as they race through central London raising funds to make a positive impact on the mental health of children and young people in the UK https://www.sponsorme.co.uk/rheahorlock/cr-team-runs-the-royal-parks-half.aspx

Mental health is a serious issue that affects each of us in one way or another. In addition to supporting organisations like Action for Children, keep in mind your friends and family, colleagues and classmates who could use support today – World Mental Health Day – and every day. #healthymindsmatter #worldmentalhealthday #bluesprogramme @actnforchildren