With many people feeling lonely, isolated, stressed and anxious due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this Mental Health Awareness Week, (May 18th-24th) Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies is urging people to keep in touch with friends and family throughout this difficult period.
Mental Health Awareness Week is the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health. Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, it is in its 20th year.
This year, the theme for the week is kindness and while James has been impressed by the many acts of kindness reported within his constituency amid the pandemic, he is calling on people to ensure they continue being there for one another as we continue to deal with Covid-19.
He said:
"There have been some truly heart warming stories in recent weeks of people supporting the vulnerable and elderly, and generally of people helping each other through these troubled times.
"However, there is no doubt that this pandemic and lockdown has been very challenging and people's mental health will have been affected in various ways. Whilst we can't be there in person at the moment to give people we care about a hug to help them through, we can still provide a listening ear and a virtual smile.
“It is absolutely vital that we keep in touch with those we care about, particularly those who are living alone, whether it be by phone call, Zoom chat, or text message. Just knowing someone cares and is thinking about you can make a huge difference to a person's state of mind.
"Even within our own households we need to be keeping a close eye on family members. We have never before been cut off from the outside world in the way that we are right now. Observe those around you - has their mood changed? Are they quieter than normal? Speak to them about how they are feeling.
"This Mental Health Awareness Week we must do all we can to reduce the psychological and social impacts of the pandemic which are likely to last far longer than its physical effects."
If you are experiencing mental health problems or need urgent support, there are a number of options for support:
Use the campaign resources from the Mental Health Foundation website at mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week/resources
Samaritans: Telephone: 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours a day) Email [email protected] Website www.samaritans.org
CALL (Community Advice and Listening Line):Telephone 0800 132 737 Website www.callhelpline.org.uk
NHS Direct Wales: Telephone 0845 4647 Website www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk
Meic Cymru: Telephone: 0808 80 23456 (8am – midnight, seven days a week) Text: 84001 Website: www.meiccymru.org
Meic is a confidential, free helpline service for children and young people up to the age of 25 in Wales.
Mind Infoline: Telephone: 0300 123 3393 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday) Email [email protected] Website www.mind.org.uk
Saneline: Telephone 0845 767 8000 (6pm-11pm) Website www.sane.org.uk
Childline: Telephone: 0800 1111Website: www.childline.org.uk
