Mental Health Awareness Week 2023

As Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 approaches, we want to share our insights with you on how to engage with this year’s theme of anxiety. Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 runs from Monday 15th May – Sun May 21st 2023. To book a short talk during Mental Health Awareness week click here to get in touch.  Soul Focus is a small mental health training company. But! Small can be mighty! We train Mental Health First Aiders to know one person can make a BIG difference. You could be that person.

 

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a common experience that affects many people at some point in their lives. It can manifest as a sense of unease, worry, or fear that can be triggered by different situations. This could include social interactions, work demands, or personal relationships. In some cases, anxiety can become so overwhelming that it interferes with daily activities and impacts mental and physical health. Anxiety could strike at any time. It doesn’t judge, or discriminate against who it affects. It can present differently in different people.
At Soul Focus, we believe that understanding anxiety is the first step towards managing it effectively. That’s why we offer a range of training courses for individuals and organizations to learn about mental health, including anxiety, and develop practical skills to support themselves and others.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, take some time to reflect on your mental health and explore ways to alleviate anxiety.

5 things to get you started:

  1. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a technique that involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help reduce anxiety by calming the mind and grounding you in the present. You can try mindfulness by taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breathing, or by using an app that guides you through meditation exercises.
  2. Exercise regularly: Exercise is a natural stress reliever that can boost your mood and energy levels. It can also help reduce anxiety by releasing endorphins, which are chemicals that promote feelings of happiness and well-being. You don’t have to join a gym or run a marathon – even a short walk or a gentle yoga class can make a difference.
  3. Connect with others: Social support is a powerful tool for managing anxiety. Talking to someone you trust about your feelings can help you gain perspective and feel less alone. You can also join a support group or a community organization that shares your interests and values.
  4. Challenge your thoughts: Anxiety often stems from negative thoughts and beliefs that may not be based on reality. By identifying and questioning these thoughts, you can challenge their validity and reduce their impact on your mood. For example, if you’re anxious about a work presentation, you can ask yourself: “What evidence do I have that I will fail?” or “What’s the worst that could happen?”
  5. Seek professional help: If your anxiety is persistent or severe, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional. They can provide you with a diagnosis, offer evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioural therapy or medication, and help you develop a self-care plan that fits your needs and preferences.

Mental Health Training Can Help

Soul Focus offers a range of training courses that cover anxiety and much more. All of our courses are designed to be practical, engaging, and evidence-based, and are delivered by a qualified trainer who is experienced and passionate about mental health. We offer both in-person and online courses, so you can choose the format that works best for you.

Some of our most popular courses include:

  • First Aid for Mental Health: This course can be delivered in 1 or 2 days, and teaches participants how to recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions. Including anxiety, depression, and psychosis, and how you can provide initial support to someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
  • First Aid for Youth Mental Health: This course is designed to teach people how to recognize and respond to mental health crises in young people. Book on to gain knowledge and skills to support young people who may be experiencing mental health challenges. As well as promoting mental health awareness and education in your community.
  • Mindful Moments: This 5-week course introduces participants to basic principles and practices of mindfulness, and shows how they can be applied to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance well-being.
  • Wellbeing & You: This short workshop is designed for parents of teens and preteens who want to learn more about mental health and well-being. It covers topics such as anxiety, exam stress, eating disorders and maintaining good boundaries with technology to look after your well-being.
We are committed to making our training courses accessible and affordable. Knowledge is power. Because of this, we offer a range of discounts and subsidies for individuals and organizations that may face financial or other barriers to accessing mental health training. We also provide free and low-cost resources such as webinars, podcasts, and articles on our website, so you can learn more about mental health at your own pace. Our resources are always being added to, sign up for weekly emails for regular updates.

This Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 approaches, take action to promote positive mental health in your workplace and community. Why not…

  • Book one of our training courses or recommend them to your colleagues or friends – Book Here
  • Share our free resources on social media or with your network!
  • Start a conversation about mental health with someone you trust, and listen to their experiences with empathy and respect
  • Advocate for mental health policies and practices in your workplace or community, such as flexible working hours, mental health days, or employee assistance programs. There are signposting packs you can share on the resources page. Click here to find them
  • Sign up for weekly well-being emails by clicking here.

Make a difference in the lives of people who may be struggling with anxiety and other mental health conditions by learning more. You may be one person, but nevertheless, the difference you make can change many lives. We’re here to support you and create a world where mental health is valued and prioritized. Thanks for joining us on this journey.   Get more information on mental health awareness week check out the Mental Health Foundation