As many of you know, today is World Mental Health Day. Such as important topic. If you would like to read more about why it’s important, click here for a WHO overview.
"Depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. More than 300 million people are now living with depression, an increase of more than 18% between 2005 and 2015." Not only that, one person dies from suicide every 40 seconds. The suicide rate is highest in high-income countries and is the second leading cause of death among young people 15-29. (WHO)
We need to do whatever is in our power to help turn this around.
Sometimes, big topics like this can feel overwhelming. It’s hard to know what we can do to make a difference. One way we can make a difference is through kindness. It seems small, but it’s impact can be big.
Be Kind – Its Changes Lives
Our social post today, Be Kind – It Changes Lives – has so many meanings attached to it. For us it means:
- Be kind to others, you never know what is happening in their world. Your kindness could save a life.
- Do kind things, look to see what kindness you can share with others, you never know, you might turn someone’s day around. You might show someone who is looking for hope, that hope exists.
- Be kind to yourself, if you aren’t kind to yourself, if your cup isn’t full, it can be hard for you to drink from, let alone share it with others. Self-compassion and self-care is vitally important to our well-being.
Kindness is being compassionate, empathetic, showing generosity, gratitude, being nice and altruistic. It promotes a sense of community. These things all help combat mental health.
Practicing kindness can boost our "feel good/happy" hormones in the brain and emotions are contagious! How we feel can affect how others feel too.
We want to help the mum's, the teachers, anyone who needs to practice kindness towards themselves. So alongside this weeks freebie for our kids, is a freebie for you too, click here. I urge you to look within and build a habit of self-kindness. Do it because you deserve it, do it because through practicing it yourself, you’re teaching your child it’s important.
Also, on social, we've posted a loving kindness meditation. This is a beautiful meditation that promotes love both within and towards others.
Most importantly, if you are concerned about your mental health, please go and speak with a practitioner who can help. If you think someone you know is suffering in silence, let them know you care, listen and offer to support them in getting the help they need.
- Be kind to yourself, if you aren’t kind to yourself, if your cup isn’t full, it can be hard for you to drink from, let alone share it with others. Self-compassion and self-care is vitally important to our well-being.