Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental health is an issue that affects everyone, whether directly or indirectly. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Mental health issues can have a profound impact on someone’s quality of life, and it is important to raise awareness about this issue so that people can get the help and support they need. Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event, this year it is from the 15^th –21^st May. The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 is ‘anxiety’

Anxiety:

Anxiety is a common emotion that we all experience, but at times, it can escalate and develop into a mental health disorder. According to the Mental Health Foundation’s recent mental health survey on stress, anxiety, and financial despair, a quarter of adults reported that anxiety interfered with their ability to pursue their desired activities some or all the time. At least some of the time, six in ten adults experience this. However, there is hope as anxiety can be effectively managed.

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week will concentrate on anxiety to raise awareness and understanding of the condition, providing information on the measures that can be taken to prevent it from escalating into a severe problem. Additionally, the Mental Health Foundation will continue to advocate for change, ensuring that mental health improvement is a top priority for the government and society.

Here are some good apps for managing anxiety:

1. Headspace: Headspace is a meditation app that offers guided meditation and mindfulness exercises to help reduce stress and anxiety.
2. Calm: Calm is a meditation and relaxation app that provides guided meditations, breathing exercises, and sleep stories to help you relax and manage anxiety.
3. Pacifica: Pacifica is an app that provides tools and techniques for managing anxiety, including mood tracking, relaxation exercises, and guided self-help sessions.
4. Happify: Happify is an app that uses evidence-based techniques to help users manage stress, anxiety, and depression. The app provides interactive activities and games designed to boost mood and reduce negative thinking patterns.
5. Worry Watch: Worry Watch is an app that helps you track and manage your worries. The app allows you to record and analyse your worries, providing insight into patterns and triggers.
6. MindShift: MindShift is an app that provides tools and strategies for managing anxiety, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques, relaxation exercises, and goal setting.

Remember, while these apps can be helpful in managing anxiety, what works best for managing anxiety varies from person to person. Apps are not a substitute for professional treatment. If your anxiety is interfering with your daily life, consider seeking professional help.