National Mental Health Week runs from Monday 13^th to Sunday 19^th of May. The Mental Health Foundation started this campaign back in 2001 to raise awareness of mental health issues. The campaign’s focus this year is on Body Image and raising the profile of the variety of body image issues across genders, sexualities and ethnicities.

Body image is an issue that most of us struggle with at one time or another. Mental Health Foundation research found that “Last year 30% of all adults were so stressed by body image and appearance that they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. That’s almost 1 in every 3 people.” The campaign focuses on educating people on the issues, and challenging the way we think and feel about our bodies. The way we talk about peoples bodies has an impact on the way we think. If we talk positively, we tend to think more positively too! Rather than focusing on the parts of our body we don’t like, focusing on the things we do like about ourselves can go a long way.

The Mental Health Foundation have a list of organisations you can contact if you need immediate help available here.

What we can do to help

If you are struggling with your body image or any other mental health issues, we have a number of resources that may help, ranging from our wellbeing focused fact sheets, covering Anxiety, Bullying, Eating Disorders, Mindfulness, Sleep and Stress through to wellbeing workshops and webinars. Our workshops cover; an Introduction to Wellbeing, Assertiveness, Building Resilience and Time Management.  Workshops are delivered free of charge to a minimum of 20 people. If you would like to arrange for a wellbeing workshop in your area you can find further details here. You can also download or request one our our wellbeing poster packs for display in your work space.

If you need to talk to someone about an issue at home or in your work life our Listening Friends service can help. Our Listening Friends are trained volunteers who can provide a listening ear to pharmacists in times of need and the service is entirely confidential.

Mental health issues can often be linked to money too. If you are struggling with your finances and need a helping hand, we may be able to help. Our financial assistance service can offer you either short or long-term support depending upon your circumstances. We also offer specialist advice with debt management and benefit entitlement through our partnership with the Manchester Citizens Advice Bureau and an addiction support service for those experiencing dependency issues.

Join in the social media conversation this week using the hashtag #BeBodyKind.