World Mental Health Day: how can we support our loved ones?
“Mental health matters on the days when everything happens and the days when nothing happens.” – Mind
There is no health without mental health. It’s something that impacts every day of our lives in how we think, feel, and act. And yet for years, it’s been placed under a stigma, and awareness of mental health has continually been scrutinised.
But today, and every day, we will always encourage open conversations about wellbeing, and open doors for those who have always felt they were closed.
To everyone in the Birchwood community, we are here for you.
To our clients
We know it’s not always easy to ask for help, and whilst we champion independence, we know that many people think they have to handle things on their own. But that’s not the case. We tend to minimise our struggles, meaning we think it’s not necessary to speak to someone. But there is no benefit to bottling things up. Whilst it may feel safer in the short term, over long periods of time this can put strain on our mental, and even physical, health. Chronic stress has been linked to muscle pain, reduced immunity, gastrointestinal problems, and cardiovascular disease. It also strains our relationships, and when we suppress our emotions, we tend to avoid closeness in social interactions, leading to isolation.
Expressing how you feel may not come naturally, but it is something worth practicing. Small, compassionate interactions can make such a difference in your overall health, and we will always advocate for safe spaces to talk openly, personalised care plans that consider mental as well as physical health, and social connection through activities and community engagement.
To our colleagues
We know the vital role that our colleagues play in caring for others, but it’s so important that we care for ourselves as well. Whilst any job can be demanding, the healthcare sector has shown particularly high levels of stress, and we have to be aware of the emotional toll it can take.
Burnout is not something to ignore. It builds up over time, especially after prolonged exposure to stress and intense situations. If you’re starting to experience frequent physical symptoms like headaches and stomach problems, as well as constant tiredness and a lack of motivation, it may be time to take a break.
Continuing work for the sake of your clients is not actually going to help anyone. Burnout can negatively affect your clients’ care and safety, as exhaustion can cause more errors, so it’s essential we know when to step away and recharge. Under the UK’s Equality Act 2010, employers must not discriminate against employees with mental health conditions that qualify as a disability. And at Birchwood Care Services, we will always work with you to make sure you can thrive in your caring role. We care about flexibility, reasonable adjustments, self-care, and access to mental health support services.
To our community
It’s never nice to see someone you love in pain. But whilst a broken leg is easy to spot, poor mental health is easier to miss.
There are lots of ways we can support World Mental Health Day, but the main importance is talking. Whether it’s friends, family, colleagues, community groups, or helplines, there is always someone who wants to hear what you have to say.
Spark up a conversation with someone you haven’t heard from recently. Try a new self-care activity or reconnect with an old hobby. Consider local community events, and have a look online to see what resources and support are available to you. When we’re feeling our lowest, being reminded we’re not alone can make all the difference.
We stand with the global community in recognising mental health. Since we began, our priority has always been kindness, respect and compassion, and it’s not something we’d ever compromise. If you’re looking for support, or someone to talk to this World Mental Health Day, please get in touch.
