Celebrating World Mental Health Day

One in four people will experience some form of mental distress during their lives – whether that’s depression, anxiety, stress or a more complex condition.

NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale is marking World Mental Health Day on 6 October by raising awareness of mental health issues with a free event at The Butts in Rochdale.

Dr Bob Wood, NHS HMR Clinical Commissioning Group lead for mental health, explained:
“The well being of our population is imperative. Raising the profile of mental health issues – from depression to dementia – helps take the stigma from the condition and supports those with mental health conditions, and their families.

“High unemployment and the continuing recession are reflected in increased mental health problems. But adopting simple steps to improve your wellbeing such as being physically active or meeting new people, can improve pay dividends and increase your life expectancy.”

Businessman Phil Emmott says he became socially isolated and gradually overweight as his stressful job dominated his life.

Phil decided to sign up to the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ programme to redress the balance: “My life has changed. I’ve joined a gym and swim regularly and I’ve more energy, am more alert, have lost weight and I’m meeting other people. I feel 100% better. It’s so easy to sit at a desk, interact by computer, go home alone to eat and sleep but you gradually realise you need human interaction. Everyone needs a little push sometimes in the right direction. The simple five step programme worked for me and it’s been life changing.”

Shabnam Sardar, Public Health Manager for Wellbeing at NHS HMR, organising the free World Mental Health Day event, said: “Whether it’s stress, anxiety or something more serious, mental health issues can affect anyone.

“Our event which runs from 10am to 3pm will provide advice and support for anyone concerned about mental health and there’s also activities including face-painting and balloon-modelling for children on the day. The mental health team, health trainers and Rochdale’s Mind will be on hand and we will be promoting the successful ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ programme detailed on www.5w2w.org”