For 2020, Mental Health Awareness Week is all about kindness. Research has shown that kindness and mental health are closely connected.
This year the global coronavirus pandemic means that people are physically farther apart than ever before. Kindness is a way to bridge the gaps between us.
So what is happening this Mental Health Awareness Week and how can you get involved?
When is it taking place?
Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from 18-24 May 2020.
How can you get involved?
In 2020, it's clear just how important our mental health is. We need to look after each other and be kind, and Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to do that.
From raising awareness of the need for research to sharing your experience - here are a few ideas for how you can get involved this Mental Health Awareness Week:
1. Tell us about acts of kindness to yourself and others - and tag your friends
We want to know how you're being kind to others in this challenging time - and about how other people are being kind to you.
We've put together two Instagram templates you can use to be kind to yourself and others.
- Get the nomination template - you'll pick one kindness challenge everyday and nominate friends to do the same. Inspired by the 26-day mental fitness challenge by Charlotte Wiseman
- Get the kindness tagging template - tag your friends and people who inspire you
Share your acts of kindness on social media and tag us in on Facebook, on Instagram at @mqmentalhealth or on Twitter at @mqmentalhealth.
2. Fundraise for life-changing research
We need urgently need research into the mental health effects of the coronavirus. You could raise money to fund this important work.
Whether you're doing laps around your garden, an online hula-hooping marathon, or baking cakes for your housemates, here are some ways you can get involved.
You can also donate directly to our coronavirus appeal - we're grateful for every penny.
3. Take part in online research
Scientists are still conducting important research online via surveys and interviews. You can find a study to take part in using our platform Participate, where researchers post studies that need participants.
Find a study to take part in now
The facts about mental health today
- 1 in 4 of us experience a mental health issue each year
- It takes on average a decade for people to get help after developing a mental illness
- Despite affecting 23% of the population, less that 6% of UK health research funding is spent on mental health.
If you, or someone you know, are struggling with mental health during this time
There are resources and organisations that can help.
See our information on getting help with your mental health during the coronavirus.
