The UK government has launched a new campaign ahead of World Mental Health Day, which begins on Monday 10 October, called Better Health – Every Mind Matters.
The campaign was launched after 7 in 10 Brits reported regularly experiencing the ‘Sunday Scaries,’ feelings of stress or anxiety on a Sunday predominantly linked to work stresses, lack of sleep, and to-do-lists.
Headed up by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), the campaign calls on people to do small things which can make ‘a big difference’ to their mental wellbeing.
Every Mind Matters aims to combat ‘Sunday Scaries’
People experiencing poor mental health or the ‘Sunday Scaries’ can answer five questions through the Every Mind Matters website, which will provide them with a personalised ‘Mind Plan.’
This Mind Plan will give them tips to ‘help deal with, stress and anxiety, boost their mood, sleep better and feel more in control.’
Thérèse Coffey, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: ‘My focus is on making sure people can get the care they need, when they need it – and that includes for their mental wellbeing.’
The campaign is ‘a great way to build your mental resilience’ and can help people ‘ward off the anxiety many of us feel on a Sunday,’ Coffey explained.
Searches for anxiety have increased 170% in the last 10 years, Gov.UK says.
Anxiety on a Sunday afternoon is shown to peak after 5pm, and people aged 18-24 are most likely to scroll on social media to distract themselves from the feelings, whilst those aged 33-40 are most likely to comfort eat.
‘Do something for yourself this weekend’
Celebrities Tom Grennan and Scarlett Moffatt have gotten involved with the campaign, and encouraged people to look after their mental health.
Grennan spoke about his experiences with anxiety, saying ‘it can come out of nowhere.’ Keeping up his fitness and ‘really prioritising exercise’ has helped the singer stay focused and manage tasks more easily.
Grennan said: ‘Keeping my diet consistent has helped too, like staying away from too much caffeine and keeping everything balanced helps to ease anxiety. Do something for yourself this weekend and please be kind to your mind!’
Meanwhile, Moffatt said that she finds ‘getting outside and going for a walk with a friend’ helps to lift her mood.
‘No matter how much time you have, incorporating small actions into your routine can really help to your mental wellbeing either on a Sunday or whenever anxiety strikes,’ she said.