Monday 10th October is World Mental Health Day, which has the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts of support.

With everything that is happening around us right now, it can be easy to feel powerless, but there are aspects of our life we can manage and control.

Look after Number 1

Try to embrace what is in your power to start doing, stop doing or change – something that will support your mental health.

This World Mental Health Day, ask yourself… what can you do to make mental health your Number 1 priority?

What’s in your circle of control?

When thinking about how to look after Number 1, a great place to start is visualising what’s in your ‘circle of control’. What aspects of your life can you make a priority? What brings meaning and comfort in your life? Are they within your control?

You’re sure to find something that’s within your circle of control that can bring about a positive impact on your mental health.

Ways to get started

Why not share what you’re doing to make mental health a priority with others – whether you’re doing something solo, with family, in lodge, at work or with your local community.

Information and support

There are some superb support networks and tools available to help with all forms of Mental Health. The first step is making the decision to look for the best one that suits your needs. But this could bring some of its own challenges.

Anxiety, fear and panic

Most people feel anxious or scared sometimes. But if it’s affecting your life, there are things you can try that may help.

Anxiety can cause many different symptoms. It might affect how you feel physically, mentally and how you behave.

It’s not always easy to recognise when anxiety is the reason you’re feeling or acting differently.

Last year we hosted a Zoom conference titled “Of My Own Free Will & Accord – A discussion around identifying & helping with anxiety”, by Bro. David Wynn. The recording of the session can be found below.

David referred to some additional tools during his talk that he recommends. The link to these are below.

Don’t forget that everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. For example, you may feel worried and anxious about learning some ritual, or having a medical test or job interview.

Recognising it, seeking either self help or talking about it is the first step.