This month saw the fifth annual Mind Your Head campaign which raises awareness of mental health and how we can look after our own and each other’s.
Again, the campaign happened across multiple channels including TV, radio, in the printed press and online. Was it a success? Yes. A reported 50% more radio mentions and a 32% increase in the number of press clippings about mental health this year, show that support for this awareness-raising is growing.
The up’s and down’s of mental health
Mental health is a subject we often hear about. It is the reason YANA exists. But mental health can be good, just like physical health, and it can change over the course of a week, a day or even in an hour.
Learning to be aware of how one’s mental health feels is important. To check in with ourselves regularly, just like other daily routine action you might do, can help prevent worsening mental health, especially if we know what to do to help ourselves get back on track and, if we need it, where to get support.
Key points from this year’s Mind Your Head campaign
We picked up a whole bunch of useful tips including:
- Talk openly with people you trust. Talking about how you are doing can really make a difference. We learnt to either #AskTwice or ask ‘on a scale of 1-10 how are you today?’
- Our diet affects our physical and mental health, here are a few tips on how to manage your mood with food.
- Exercise isn’t just good for you body – it’s good for your mind too! It may feel hard to find the time, but finding regular time to exercise can actually give you more energy – read more about this and get some pointers here.
- Real people, sharing their stories of how they have struggled and survived were available to watch or listen to, here is just one. This is such an important part of reducing the stigma and normalising conversations about how we are doing.
- A life saving web browser extension called The R;pple effect intercepts when someone is searching for harmful content online relating to suicide or self harm. It provides a message of hope, suggests places to get support, and has diverted 22 people who were at crisis point. Read the story.
YANA is by your side
Our mental health is for life, not just for a week or one day. Let’s keep sharing our stories and talking to people we trust. Mental health is everybody’s business, you don’t have to be an expert, you just have to be willing to ask if someone’s ok.
If you are interested in developing your skills to support people in agriculture and rural businesses have a look at our Mental Health First Aid courses or contact admin@yanahelp.org more information.
Take a look at our merchandise available for order to help spread awareness.
Our website has information for when you are concerned about someone, and how to make a plan if you are struggling.
Our helpline supports people in East Anglia & Worcestershire who work in agriculture and rural businesses, 0300 323 0400. This can lead to free counselling with an experienced counsellor who has local knowledge and an understanding of rural issues.