Mental Health Awareness Week
People around the United Kingdom marked Mental Health Awareness week through various campaigns, sharing of personal mental health journeys and spreading on formation about mental health programs. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who are outspoken advocates on Mental Health, helped mark the week by participating in #MenntalHealthMinute sharing mental health initiatives as well as giving a sneak peek of a new BBC documentary.
They began the week in a similar fashion to what they did last year with the #MentalHealthMinute. For one minute, Radio Stations across the U.K. aired a message of support from celebrities, volunteers and professionals reminding everyone that we are all connected and to encouraged people to reach out to someone to let them know how they are feeling. This year the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were joined in the Mental Health Minute by Harry Kane, Anthony Joshua, Dua Lipa, David Tennant and Charity partners to spread this important message.
As discussed previously, the Royal Family has been sharing Zoom calls and giving fans more insight into their work via social media. There has been a particular emphasis on mental health in these calls as the COVID-19 pandemic increases the daily stress of healthcare and essential workers.
While much of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's mental health work is shared via Heads Together, the mental health initiative run through the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, they continued to share some mental health posts throughout the week.
Last year at this time, the Duchess of Cambridge had created the Back to Nature Garden with RHS Chelsea. The goal of the garden was to help children and families reconnect with nature and experience the benefits that being outdoors brings to their physical and mental health. Kensington Royal shared a previously unseen photo from that garden to help mark the first ever Virtual Chelsea Flower Show.
The photo also stood as a reminder of the important role that nature and the outdoors play in mental health. While many people are unable to spend as much time outside now as lock down continues, there are still ways to get outside and reconnect with nature. Taking your dog for a walk, going for a bike ride or creating a window garden are all wonderful ways to maintain social distance while also getting outside.
During this pandemic, Mental Health has been a massive focus for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Between launch Our Front line, a new Mental Health Charity for front line workers, and celebrating the one year anniversary of the crisis text line SHOUT (98258) there are more ways than ever to look after and prioritize your mental health. Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge did their first ever account takeover with a volunteer from SHOUT, who answered questions about the crisis text line as well as sharing information on how to get involved.
The BBC has also shared some new clips from their upcoming documentary, Football, Prince William and Our Mental Health. The program will air on Thursday 28th May and it aims to break the stigma on male mental health. As shared in some videos from the special, men can have a particularly difficult time discussing their mental health and being vulnerable about their struggles. Prince William shares some of the struggles he has had with his mental health which include conversations on his mothers tragic death as well as how scary parenthood can be for men.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or mental illness, you are not alone. Please reach out to friends, family or professionals via the numbers below. xx
