“Mental Health Awareness Week (MHA) this year is raising awareness of the impact of loneliness on our mental health and the practical steps we can take to address it”, said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North & West), commenting on Mental Health Awareness Week which runs from Monday 9th May 2022 until Sunday 15th May 2022.
One in four adults feel lonely some or all of the time. There’s no single cause and there’s no one solution because after all, everyone is different. However, the longer we feel lonely, the more we are at risk of mental health problems. Some people are also at higher risk of feeling lonely than others. For Mental Health Awareness Week this year, campaigners are raising awareness of the impact of loneliness on our mental health and the practical steps we can take to address it.
Also running throughout this period (from 4th May to 24th May) is the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) which this year is exploring the theme of ‘Gather’. This reflects the Mental Health Awareness Week theme of ‘Loneliness’. SMHAF 2022 is a hybrid festival, combining live events and online programming to enhance connections and strive toward being accessible for all. Artists, communities, and organisations working in the arts and mental health across Scotland have contributed to developing the programme. The theme of ‘Gather’ was chosen to recognise that bringing people together has always been vital in the work of the SMHAF who use the arts to connect communities, reduce social isolation, and challenge mental health stigma.
Natalie Don MSP
Natalie Don MSP added:
“The Covid pandemic and the rules about visiting family and friends highlighted the impact that loneliness can have on most people. However, some people feel lonely even outwith the pandemic and it can have a serious impact on their mental health.
“Mental Health Awareness Week is a chance to highlight the impact that loneliness can have on your mental health and some ways to try to deal with this.
“The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival also looks at how we can bring people together, through in-person and even virtual events. There is a wide range of events happening across Renfrewshire including a Music Café, a Wellbeing Café and even a walk around Fountain Gardens in support of Renfrewshire Anti-Stigma Alliance.
“I don’t want anyone to suffer in silence. I would encourage everyone to look at the resources available including the events in the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, to help combat loneliness and encourage people to open up about their mental health.”
Further Information available at:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week