Mental Health Awareness Week

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. An annual event organised by the Mental Health Foundation to draw attention to mental health and good practice for looking after ourselves and others. It’s previously focused on topics like Community, Body Image, and Nature and this year the theme is “Action”, acknowledging that while awareness is important, taking action is when positive change happens. We’re invited to take action in some way to improve our own mental health, the mental health of loved ones, or do more for the community.

So, and you know where I’m going with this, what small action can you commit to today that’s going to make a difference in one of those areas?

Right now there’s a hell of a lot going on impacting mental health. From squabbling about oil pushing more and more people into financial crisis, to callous billionaires pushing for changes that hurt the most vulnerable members of our society.

If you’re not sure where to start, it can be easier to ask ourselves what we need. You can also spin the wheel on the MHAW website and get inspiration for what small things you can do to give your own mental health a boost. That might be prioritising sleep, doing something creative, or making sure that we’re planning in something that we’ll enjoy. It’s all too easy to forget to look after ourselves or treat ourselves kindly. You can give the wheel a spin here.

Can we check in on a friend or family member we haven’t seen in a while? If we know they’re struggling, can we help them take action for themselves or reach out for support? If we’re not sure how we can support other people effectively, but it’s something we’d like to do, could now be the time that we commit to MH First Aid or Suicide First Aid training.

If we want to support wider action on improving mental health, perhaps we could support a campaign, donate to a local charity, or volunteer. Mental Health Charities, or other charities whose remit also encompasses mental health, depend on good people who just want to help and can provide that structure that really help you make a positive impact.

So what action, big or small, can you commit to today that will make a difference?

For more on Mental Health Awareness Week 2026  do visit the Mental Health Foundation website. 

If you’d like to work with me on your own mental health, you can get in touch with me via the website or email directly on mckellarcbt@gmail.com.

*(Pictured is my little buddy who does wonders for my own mental health).