A SCHEME to encourage more people to think of their mental health as being just as important as their physical health has been launched across the West Midlands by Public Health England, writes Lauren Tiller.
The ‘Every Mind Matters’ campaign got under way today on World Mental Health Day and offers a free NHS-approved guide.
Available online it offers expert advice, practical tips, a create-your-own action plan and others’ stories from people who discuss their own mental health issues.
Director of Health and Well-being with Public Health England West Midlands, Dr Lola Abudu, said: “It’s just as important to take action to look after your mental health, as you would your physical health.
“Our campaign helps you take your mental health into your own hands, so you can protect and improve your own mental health and that of others.”
The resource comes after research found one in four people each year in England experienced mental health problems and 70 per cent of Midlands residents reported experiencing low mood, stress, anxiety and/or trouble sleeping occasionally or frequently.
Dr Carl Ellson, Strategic Clinical Lead for the three Worcestershire CCGs, said: “It’s just as important that we all look after our mental health as we do our physical health.
“Every year 1 in 4 people in the UK experience a mental health problem, so it’s important to have help available to tackle these issues as early as possible and stop them from escalating.
“The comprehensive online guide can help anyone who may be struggling with things like low mood, stress or anxiety to improve their mental health.”
The resource can be found online at www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters
