The 12th to 18th May is Mental Health Awareness Week, led by the Mental Health Foundation. The focus this year is on the power of connection with communities and people, whether in person or online.
Connections, belonging, can provide a safe place to be, a sense of purpose. We become isolated for many different reasons. Examples include the death of someone close, loss of health / mobility, moving home, changing jobs, becoming a mother for the first time.
Reflecting on my own experiences I recall as a very young mum in the 1970’s feeling very isolated, moving home after the birth of my baby. I knew no one. I couldn’t drive, or even afford bus fares. My school friends had gone on to university, or jobs. My husband was working long hours to make ends meet. There was no internet in those days, nor could I afford a telephone. I felt so lonely, and on my own. Eventually my little girl went to nursery, and it was there that I plucked up the courage to talk to another mum. It was life changing for me, enabling me to meet other mothers with young children, providing a sense of community.
Today communities come in many different forms, from local in person groups where people share a common hobby, to larger online forums, including Mental Health forums.
If you are feeling isolated, lonely, I encourage you to seek support. It may be hard to do on your own. Sometimes talking to your GP can help, their practice should be able to put you in touch with local support services.
The Mental Health Foundation has some top tips on how to find a community benefits your mental health, and some pointers on how to find a group near you.
How community benefits your mental health | Mental Health Foundation
Counselling can also help. Talking with the right counsellor, in a safe, confidential non-judgemental space, can enable you to move forward.
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