Monday 10th December is World Mental Health Day and Springfield Financial is proud to have pledged our support for the ‘Don’t Lose It’ campaign, which focuses on the mental health of business owners and entrepreneurs.
The Don’t Lose It initiative has been produced as part of the campaign to coincide with World Mental Health Day and it is aimed to encourage everyone in the investment community to have transparent, solutions-focused discussions about mental health and wellbeing across the diverse SME community.
Research reveals that a quarter (25%) of participating founders have suffered from mental health issues. Nearly two-thirds (65%) say that, during their darkest times, knowing that others were experiencing similar challenges and were able to talk openly about their issues would have been very helpful.
These insights point to a need to educate and support founders’ mental health and wellbeing and the Don’t Lose It initiative aims to bring together both investors and entrepreneurs to promote honest discussions and define best practices within the business community.
This important year-long programme in 2019 will consist of mental health workshops and skills training that will create a healthy dialogue.
Springfield Financial has pledged to support this worthy cause and further information can be found here: https://100stories.co.uk/dontloseit/pledge/.
Mental health is an integral component of our overall well-being. Just as we take care of our physical health through exercise, a balanced diet, and regular check-ups, we must also pay attention to our mental health. In fact, the two are closely interconnected – a healthy mind supports a healthy body, and vice versa.
However, mental health often carries a stigma that can prevent people from seeking help when they need it. World Mental Health Day seeks to break down these barriers, encouraging open conversations about mental health and creating an environment where individuals feel safe and supported in discussing their mental health challenges.
Mental health issues are not limited to any particular region or demographic. They affect people of all ages, genders, races, and backgrounds.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and the prevalence of anxiety disorders is also on the rise. Yet, many individuals still suffer in silence due to fear of judgment or lack of access to appropriate care.
World Mental Health Day aims to change this by fostering a global understanding of mental health issues. It encourages individuals and communities to recognize the signs of mental distress, offer support, and promote mental well-being in their daily lives.
Each year, World Mental Health Day has a specific theme that highlights a particular aspect of mental health. These themes are carefully chosen to address current issues and challenges. Past themes have included “Mental Health in the Workplace,” “Mental Health for All,” and “Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World.”
These themes guide the activities and discussions that take place on World Mental Health Day, providing a focused approach to addressing key issues related to mental health.
So, what can you do to mark World Mental Health Day and make a difference in your community?
Start Conversations: Engage in open and non-judgmental conversations about mental health with your friends, family, and colleagues. Encourage them to share their feelings and concerns.
Educate Yourself: Learn more about mental health conditions, their symptoms, and available treatments. Understanding mental health is the first step toward reducing stigma.
Support Mental Health Organizations: Many organizations work tirelessly to promote mental health and provide support to those in need. Consider donating your time or resources to these organizations.
Practice Self-Care: Prioritize your own mental well-being. Practice self-care techniques like mindfulness, meditation, exercise, and seeking help when necessary.
Advocate for Change: Advocate for better mental health policies and resources in your community. Encourage your workplace to create a mentally healthy environment.
World Mental Health Day is a reminder that mental health matters, and that each one of us has a role to play in promoting it.
By breaking down the stigma, fostering understanding, and supporting those who are struggling, we can create a world where mental health is valued and prioritized.
Let us use this day to start conversations, educate ourselves, and take meaningful actions to improve mental well-being for ourselves and our communities. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of millions.