Every life is valuable

Today, I received my badge as a Mental Health First Aider. I completed a two-day programme. And it is one of the most challenging training programmes I have attended. And it is also one of the most rewarding ones I have completed. Helping someone in a mental health emergency requires empathy of what the person may be encountering. We may all have lived experiences of a mental health crisis - oneself, a family member, a colleague, a stranger. But learning about what may be going on inside someone's head, in the training sessions, gave me a profound appreciation for how important mental wellbeing is. It could save a life.

According to the Office for National Statistics, suicide rates in the UK were some of the highest recorded in 2018. Of these a larger proportion of men suicided than women, and those from the LGBT+ community made a high proportion of that. For me it raises the question about what are we doing about this? How can we leverage the discussions around inclusion to support mental health wellbeing?

On a societal level, we need to nurture open cultures where people can express themselves in healthy and constructive ways. Take out the judgment and comparison when you meet someone. Smile to people, in the tube, at work - for no reason. Really no reason. Don't assume, give people space. Use your time and space to do more of what you love - sing, dance, draw, craft, walk in nature, watch a film- for fun. Take half an hour a day and dedicate it to an activity that brings YOU joy, not for the kids, your boss or your mum. In fact, encourage the people around you to do more of what they like to do.

Look after yourself. Self-care is not a luxury. Love for the self and nurturing your self-esteem are not nice-to-haves. They are so very crucial when it comes to nurturing and maintaining a happy, healthy mind. There is some great research out there, such as from the Center for Healthy Minds, which evidences that it is possible to develop habits for a healthy mind. But why bother? Because every life is valuable, mine and yours included. If you can today, reach out to someone and let them know they are precious.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I value you, your time and contribution.