Founded by The World Health Organisation, World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10th every year in 150 countries. It aims to raise awareness of Mental Health issues and to promote access to Mental Health Education and Services.
In Northern Ireland it is estimated that 1 in 4 people will encounter mental ill health in their lifetime, yet we remain reluctant to discuss our mental health and emotional well being.
As part of their World Mental Health Day celebrations Action Mental Health NI are asking all post primary schools to take part in their ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing Challenge’ in order to get pupils (and staff!) thinking and talking about their mental health.
Go on – take the challenge yourself:
1. Take notice: of the world around you, smell the coffee, notice the colours of the autumn leaves, feel the wind on your face.
2. Give: do a good deed, thank someone, smile at a stranger, volunteer.
3. Be active: get your body moving and if you can, get outdoors.
4. Keep learning: read a book, research something the interests you, practice a hobby
5. Connect: instead of texting and chatting online give someone a call, visit a relative, spend real time with friends and family
