Mental Health Awareness Week 2022: How getting outdoors can benefit your mental health
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week- an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues and discover ways we can positively impact our mental state.
The Mental Health Foundation founded Mental Health Awareness Week 21 years ago and is celebrated annually every May, with this year beginning 9 May until
15 May. Each year, the week follows a different theme, with this year raising awareness of loneliness.
The Mental Health Foundation says: “One in four adults feel lonely some or all of the time. There’s no single cause and there’s no one solution. After all, we’re all different! But, 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, we’re raising awareness of the impact of loneliness on our mental health and the practical steps we can take to address it.”
Mark Rowland Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said: “We hope this year’s theme of loneliness will strike a chord with many of us who felt lonely and struggled throughout the Covid pandemic.
“Millions of us experience loneliness from time to time. We know that some people are at higher risk of experiencing loneliness and the evidence shows the longer we feel lonely, the more we are at risk of mental health problems.
“Loneliness deserves more attention and we’re calling on everyone who has struggled as a result of being lonely to share their experiences. We must work together as individuals, as a society and through government policy-to reduce loneliness and prevent mental health problems by investing in welcoming, social spaces and new community initiatives.”
Mental Health & Nature
Being outdoors has been proven to benefit our mental and physical health positively. For many of us, the outdoors has become a critical part of maintaining a positive well-being, so it’s no surprise in the last five years that doctors have began prescribing ‘nature’ as a treatment for mental health conditions. The first nature prescriptions were initiated by NHS Scotland together with RSPB Scotland and included activities such as taking a walk, visiting the beach and listening to birdsong. Being amongst nature in beauty spots such as the Lake District can reduce the risk of depression, stress and anxiety.
Statistics from the mental health charity Mind state ‘one in four people in Britain experience mental health problems each year, but spending time outdoors can reduce the risk by 30%.’
How to deal with loneliness
Keep yourself busy- try to do a physical activity or go on a hike
When you feel lonely, try to get out and do something you enjoy. Even if it’s just a short hike, getting outside amongst nature and the fresh air may leave you feeling refreshed. Try some of our (Top 5 Short Hikes) or (Wainwright Memory Walks)
Join a hiking group
You don’t always have to go outside alone. It may seem daunting joining a group with people you don’t know, but a lot of the time everyone is in the same boat and are joining to meet new people. Group members and leaders are often very friendly and will make you feel welcome. We put together a list of (10 hiking groups to join- blog post link) in the Lake District. You don’t have to be from Cumbria to join, everyone is welcome. If you feel more comfortable doing so, there are also hiking groups for specific genders and religions to create a safe space for minority groups.
Use Social Media in a positive way
Social media is often associated with causing negative impacts on mental health and unfortunately, it often can. However, if used in a positive way, social media can be a great way to connect with likeminded people. Finding communities who share common interests and passions can be helpful in tackling loneliness.
Get involved with a mental health charity
The Lake District is home to a group of amazing mental health charities dedicated to improving the lives of people through the benefits of the outdoors. Whether you want to talk to a councillor, or get involved with events, there is a range of charities available to access across the Lake District and Cumbria.
- Mind Over Mountains
Co-founded by local adventurer and mental health advocate Alex Staniforth, Mind Over Mountains is a charity dedicated to restoring mental health naturally. The charity offers immediate help and support, hosting walks with experienced and trained coaches, councillors and mountain leaders. Understandably, it may be hard for some people in urban areas to access green spaces leaving city residents feeling isolated from nature. Mind Over Mountains offer bursaries making the outdoors more accessible to those who are experiencing financial issues, illness, abusive circumstances and other factors. To keep updated with upcoming walks, visit the Mind Over Mountains website (https://mindovermountains.org.uk/) or follow the charity on Instagram (@mind_o_mountains
- Wave Forward
Wave Forward is a charity working to help young people across the South Lakes of Cumbria with mental illness. The group host regular wellbeing walks and provide therapeutic programmes and counselling sessions. To get involved with the charity or to donate, visit (https://www.waveforward.org.uk/
- Mind in Cumbria
Mental health charity Mind has five regional branches throughout Cumbria including Carlisle Eden Mind, Mind in West Cumbria, South Lakeland Mind, Ulverston Mind and Mind in Furness. These branches are available to contact for counselling and advice as well as hosting regular events and community projects to get involved with. Visit (mindincumbria.org.uk) for more information.
How to get involved
This year, The Mental Health Foundation are encouraging everyone to get involved on social media by sharing their experience with loneliness using the hashtags #IveBeenThere and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek and to tag @mentalhealth on Twitter and @mentalhealthfoundation on Instagram and Facebook.
The foundation is also urging people to get outdoors more by running, jogging or walking the ’80 Miles in May’ challenge and share their photos on social media using #80milesinmay. It’s free to take part with the charity recommending a fundraising goal of £150 and tracking progress on an app such as Strava. To join the challenge and receive a free water bottle, join the 80 Miles in May Facebook group at: (https://www.facebook.com/groups/366729275325614)