Mental Health Awareness Week, 13th-19th May 2013

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 13-19 May and is themed around physical activity and wellbeing. Physical activity is often described as something we ‘ought to do’ to avoid developing health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. What's less often explained is the huge potential it has to enhance our happiness and quality of life and reduce mental illness. This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week aims to shift our motivation for physical activity to something we choose to do to increase our wellbeing.

At a very basic level, physical activity just means any movement of your body that uses your muscles and expends energy. One of the great things about physical activity is that there are endless possibilities and there will be an activity to suit almost everyone!

What is wellbeing?

The government recently defined wellbeing as ‘a positive physical, social and mental state.’ For our purposes we are focusing on mental wellbeing. Mental wellbeing does not have a single universal definition, but it does encompass factors such as:

—The sense of feeling good about ourselves and being able to function well individually or in relationships
—The ability to deal with the ups and downs of life such as coping with challenges and making the most of opportunities
—The feeling of connection to our community and surroundings
—Having control and freedom over our lives
—Having a sense of purpose and feeling valued

Of course, psychological wellbeing does not mean being happy all the time and it does not mean you won’t experience negative or painful emotions such as grief, loss, or failure, which are a part of normal life. However, whatever your age, there is good scientific evidence showing that being physically active can help you lead a mentally healthier life.

What impact does physical activity have on wellbeing?

Physical activity has a huge potential to enhance our wellbeing. Even a short burst of 10 minutes brisk walking increases our mental alertness, energy and positive mood. Participation in regular physical activity can increase our self-esteem and reduce stress and anxiety. It also plays a role in preventing mental health problems and improving the quality of life of people experiencing these.

How much physical activity should I be doing?

We know all too well that the majority of people in the UK do not meet current physical activity guidelines. With only 40% of men and 28% of women meeting recommended physical activity levels in the 2008 Health Survey for England, it is important that people are given the knowledge and support they need to make physical activity a healthy yet enjoyable part of life.

The Mental Health Foundation is organizing a series of events during this week. Members of the public are welcome to join any of the following:

·       Event title: South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Information and activity stall

Date: 13/05/2013

Time: 10am - 4pm

Place: Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre, Next to the Sundial Restaurant, lower level, London SE1 6TE

Description: Our team of staff and service users will be promoting awareness of mental health through information, activities, freebies and conversations. Come and talk to us and have a go with our hula hoops! 

Contact: Roslyn Byfield

Contact email: roslyn.byfield@slam.nhs.uk

·       Event title: British 10K London Run 
Date: 14/07/2013
Time: 9.30am
Place: London, United Kingdom
Description: Sophia Smith, Andrew McCollough and Matt Cooper (Trustee) of the Mental Health Foundation are running the British 10k run in support of the Mental Health Foundation. They aim to complete the race within 50 minutes, a personal best for all of them. The serious business of training coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week. As the theme is physical activity and exercise we hope we can inspire some of our supporters to set a goal and get active for their well-being by leading by example! So support the Mental Health team today! 
Contact: Sophie Smith
Contact email: http://www.justgiving.com/TeamMHF

·       Event title: I Don't Mind: an exhibition for Mental Health Awareness Week 
Date: 18/05/2013
Time: 11am-6pm
Place: 3Space Blackfriars, 58 Victoria Embankment, Blackfriars, London EC4Y 0DS
Description: A journey into the inner workings of the mind: A collection of illustration, performance and video centred around the mind and
mental health issues. To bring dialogue on the topic and de-stigmatize mental suffering. A private view on the 17th May with talks, Live-Art and discussion that brings together people with an interest in art and/or mental health.
Contact: Howard Sivills 
Contact email: howardsivills@yahoo.co.uk