Mental Health Awareness Week

 

May 13th to May 19th 2024 is globally recognised as Mental Health Awareness Week, with the aim of such an event to help discussions surrounding mental wellbeing and mental support gain popular mainstream traction. We’ve come a long way in regard to mental health awareness and it’s thanks to events like these that we take time aside and focus on one of the most important aspects of being alive.

Here at Pegasus Publishers, we would like to celebrate this week by reaching out to some of our authors and discussing their experiences with their mental health and the importance of discussing it…

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What first step would you recommend to those who are apprehensive at addressing any of their mental health concerns?

Suzi Sung, author of 100 Days of Positivity, Hope and Growth - It can always feel challenging to take the first step in addressing any concerns regarding mental health because it relies on the acceptance that things in life may not be so well and something needs to change. This can feel difficult to face, however, once you do, you can begin to understand what affects your mental health and begin to learn how to heal.

Bella Cohen, author of Soulful - The first step is to accept the fact that you have mental health concerns, and identify the triggers that may aggravate your mental state. Then you can start looking for strategies and solutions that will ease your mental challenges . Recognition and admission are the first steps to a solution. 

Chanell Skye Mendez, author of All Gardens Tell a Story - Addressing mental health can be uncomfortable and scary due to judgement. The first step is to think about what mental health looks like for you and what goals you would like to achieve. Do you like going for walks? Do you like to journal or read to help cope? The next step is to seek a mental health therapist who can help identify areas that you could work on, or recommend medications if necessary. We are all here to help! Take time for yourself and your mental health.

Tom Wilkins, author of Compression of Depression and Make the Chance - The first step that I would recommend to anyone who feels apprehensive about addressing their mental health concerns is to ask themselves, why do they feel like that? Make themselves think about that if you already have concerns, then surely addressing them can't cause any more concerns. With this first step it would also be a subtle step to begin addressing your concerns and set you on your way to hopefully helping your mental health. 

Nikki J McFarlane, author of It’s A No From Me Hun - Speak to someone. Anyone. It doesn't have to be a professional. Just someone you feel you can share your struggles with. You'll be amazed how hard it was on your body to carry it alone. As soon as I shared my struggles, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted. Saying it out loud that you're struggling is so scary and tough, but it's so brave and a huge step. 

Marzena Doran, author of How to Lose Weight… In Your Head - First of all, we need to understand that mental health is as important as our physical health. If we have a sore tooth, back pain, a bad cough or other bodily symptoms, we go to the doctor for help. If you’re suffering with your mental health, you should take it seriously, just like you do with your physical health. Like physical health issues, treatment may involve lifestyle changes, therapy, or medication. But, prioritising specialist support is vital.

What is the biggest benefit you have experienced in your journey?

Suzi Sung - True confidence that comes from within. Being comfortable with who I am, having self-love and self awareness.

Bella Cohen - I think that life is really a journey of self discovery. Every hurt, pain, challenge results in us getting wiser and stronger, if you see these things as life lessons and not as a punishment or a misfortune.

Chanell Skye Mendez - In my personal journey, being a provider for others has helped me look back on the areas that I could benefit from, such as coping skills or my own mental health care. I talk to a therapist, and it helps to work through some of the more challenging areas of my life.

Tom Wilkins - I think the biggest benefit that I have experienced in my journey is that you're not the only person who has experiences like this. A common phrase is you are not alone but I think the biggest thing I learnt was that lots of people from all walks of life will have had very similar mental health issues to your own. These people can be massive sources of motivation and inspiration. They show you that anything can be possible no matter what the situation. 

Nikki J McFarlane - The amount of support I have had. People who relate to what I'm going through and have found me sharing my story easier for them to get help.

Marzena Doran - Exploring self-development has been transformative for me. It has significantly impacted my ability to navigate challenging situations and has genuinely changed my life for the better.

What daily actions do you take to maintain a healthy mental wellbeing?

Suzi Sung - Assessing how I feel everyday and what I need in order to feel good. Whether it’s exercising, socialising or spending a day doing nothing, I have learned to accept that every day is going to look and feel different - and that’s ok!

Bella Cohen - I learn from other people's wisdom and experience. I started reading a wonderful book by Eckhart Tolle called The Power of Now. This book talks about living in the present moment in order to get rid of an overactive mind and anxiety, which many people struggle with nowadays. I also meditate, and try to make each day special by doing things I love. I work hard on myself to stay in the present moment, let go and let God, and accept what is. 

Chanell Skye Mendez - I work out most days, at least for an hour, to take time for myself and reflect on areas that I might be struggling with. I also make sure to have regular spa days for relaxation.

Tom Wilkins - The daily actions I take are to do the hobbies and activities that keep me happy. I enjoy weight training and the gym is my happy place. Talking to friends is brilliant for me because it keeps any negatives at bay. If I can keep hobbies going, they can make the bad times less likely to happen.

Nikki J McFarlane - Remember how far you've come even on your lowest days. A low day doesn't mean you've undone all of your progress. I avoid certain things on social media that I know will affect my mental health. I try to talk to someone every day about how I'm feeling and why I'm acting the way I am at that moment. Recognising that you're not crazy and it's okay to feel sad or angry for no reason. Doing small things that bring me joy is so important. Watching my fave tv show or making a hot chocolate brings me a little joy on days where it doesn't exist anywhere else.

Marzena Doran - Having loving and caring people around me has helped me a lot. I know I can always lean on them whenever I feel down. Sharing my thoughts with my family or friends provides connection and support. Physical activity is also very important. Long walks are part of my daily routine and are crucial for my mental well-being. However, the main action I take is daily gratitude. There are so many things I am thankful for, and reminding myself daily always puts a smile on my face.

Why do you think it is important to recognise mental health and have a Mental Health Awareness Week?

Suzi Sung - I think it’s important because it reminds us that we’re not alone and that’s okay if we need a little help to get into a good headspace. I remember a time when mental health was a bit of a stigma and I felt afraid to address my own mental health as a result, so it’s great to see how much this has changed over the years.

Bella Cohen - I feel that, especially these days, there are so many reasons to feel depressed or anxious. Therefore it is very important for our society to recognise and effectively address mental health concerns.My poetry book Soulful addresses many issues people deal with in their lives, regardless of age, gender or culture, such as love, loneliness, longing, ageing, and more.

Chanell Skye Mendez - Mental health has not always been talked about or addressed in our communities. Many times mental health was looked down upon, and because of that, there have been issues with people finding the help and care they need. Making May Mental Health Month can help people find the care they need and provide more education to those in our communities or schools.

Tom Wilkins - The importance of recognising mental health is huge because by doing this we can help so many people in so many different aspects of life. We can show people just how far they can go and what amazing things they can achieve. Aiding people's mental health can improve the quality of human life so much and can lead to so many future prospects. 

Nikki J McFarlane - Mental health struggles are still seen as a taboo topic. So many people are still unaware of how it affects your life every single day. The government trying to take away money from mental health services when we didn't have enough to begin with is why we need these talks.

Marzena Doran - Mental health often doesn't receive the attention it needs. Normalising seeking help for mental well-being is essential and should be on par with physical health care. Discussing mental health and sharing personal journeys can support others and encourage them to seek help. Moreover, raising awareness during Mental Health Awareness Week helps destigmatize mental health issues and creates a more supportive environment for those struggling.

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Thank you to Suzi, Bella, Chanell, Tom, Nikki and Marzena for speaking with us this week and thank you all for reading this article.

You can find all of their books, alongside several more, in our Mental Health Awareness Collection on the Pegasus website: https://pegasuspublishers.com/books/mental-health-awareness-collection

For more on Mental Health Awareness Week, please visit the Mental Health Foundation website: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week