This week is Mental Health Awareness Week!

This week (15th to 21st May) is mental Health Awareness Week. Many people in Waltham Forest are struggling with their mental health. More than ever, this could be anxiety around money but  support is available and you’re not alone.

Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem. Anxiety can happen for a variety of reasons, including things to do with money and not being able to meet basic needs, like heating our home or buying food.

In the UK, 60% of adults say that at least some of the time, they feel so anxious that it stops them from doing the things they want to do.

But anxiety can be helped. There are simple, quick things you can do to support yourself, like using Good Thinking’s digital resource for reducing anxiety (including six NHS-approved apps) or following the  ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’.

You can also apply for talking therapy, either through your GP or by referring yourself. For young people aged 11 to 25, whose anxiety levels have recently been rising, Waltham Forest Council provides access to Kooth, a free online mental health portal. It provides access to online counselling every day of the year.

This week, the Council is hosting two events at Fellowship Square: Yoga and Sound Meditation (£3; Tue 16 May, 6.30pm-7.45pm) and the Wellbeing Fair (Thu 18 May, 11am-5pm).

Check out the Council’s website for a full list of support offered.