Monday 13th May was the start of Mental Health Week 2024 and the theme set by the Mental Health Foundation this year is ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health.’
1 in 4 people will experience a mental health issue of some kind every year in England, yet despite the progress on public understanding there is still stigma attached to many conditions which can prevent people from seeking help.
Margaret Mullane, Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Dagenham & Rainham has long supported campaigns which seek to break down barriers and get people the help they need, such as the Time to Talk movement.
Margaret said: “Over the years managing the MP’s Office I have sadly seen an increase in casework with an element of mental ill health. We work with some excellent partners in the local area such as Talking Therapies, Havering Mind, and others, to ensure that constituents who are struggling or feeling suicidal are supported through their personal crises.
“If elected later this year I will be doing everything I can to fight for increased funding to mental health services, many of which desperately need further support from the government to continue providing care and support to local people.”
There are many factors which can have a negative impact on mental health, such as social and economic pressures which can lead to higher rates of mental ill health in more deprived areas of the country. However, there are things everyone can do to combat feelings of depression and anxiety, along with many other conditions.
Margaret Mullane commented: “Normally the focus of Mental Health Awareness Week is to get people talking, but this year I am encouraging people in Dagenham and Rainham, who may be struggling, to get moving. Exercise and physical activity are a great way to de-stress but with our busy lives it can often be hard to find the time. This week, whether it’s opting to walk a short journey, take a stroll on your lunch break, or hit the gym – find time to move for your mental health.”
There are some fantastic resources available online, with lots of suggestions to get people started on their journey to better mental health. You can find them using the links below.
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