Mental health awareness week is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation and takes place between 18th May- 24th May. This year’s theme is kindness.
Research shows that protecting our own mental health is going to be central to us coping with and recovering from the coronavirus pandemic, with the psychological and social impacts likely to outlast the physical symptoms of the virus.
The Mental Health Foundation have chosen kindness because of its singular ability to unlock our shared humanity. Kindness is important for strengthening relationships, developing community and deepening solidarity. Every culture’s wisdom across history has recognised that kindness is something that all human beings need to experience and practise to be fully alive.
Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Research suggests that kindness and mental health are deeply connected, showing that kindness is an antidote to isolation and creates a sense of belonging.
During the current pandemic, kindness and mental health are more important than ever. Think back over the time we have been in lock-down. What act of kindness have you witnessed/ taken part in? What can you do to be kind?