Instructions
Do the preparation task first. Then read the article and do the exercises to check your understanding.
If your arm or leg hurts, you see a doctor. Simple. But if your mind is where the pain is, what do you do? People rarely talk about mental health problems because there is still a lot of stigma around it. However, mental health problems are actually very common, affecting about 13 per cent of people aged between 10 and 19 around the world. In a class of 30 students, that's about four people.
The day
World Mental Health (WMH) Day is on 10 October. It was created to raise awareness of mental health issues, fight against stigma and support people with mental health problems. Each year has a different theme – for example, mental health at work, young people's mental health, and mental health and older people.
Mental health at school
School life isn't always easy. Exams are stressful, lessons can be hard and it's also hard to make good friends sometimes. Schools can help, though – for example, by giving you extra help with your learning or by planning social activities where students can meet others and make new friends. If you don't feel good at school, talk to a teacher you trust.
Get some exercise
Most people know that exercise is good for your body, but did you know it's good for your mental health too? Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety and depression. Why not exercise by going for a walk in the park or countryside? Spending time in nature also makes people relaxed and reduces stress.
Eat well
Your diet can also change how you feel. If you eat a lot of crisps, cake, chocolate, etc., your blood sugar will rise and fall, which could make you feel angry or tired. You should eat enough vegetables and fruit, or you may miss nutrients that your body and brain need to make you feel well. Drink enough water too – otherwise, it's difficult to think clearly.
Keep social media under control
Social media can be interesting and inspiring, but also annoying and stressful. Remember that people's messages and photos are only the things that they want to show you – they don't show you their bad days or worries. Always stay away from anything stressful or unpleasant, and check how long you spend online and keep it under control so that you enjoy your offline time too!
Spend time with others
Everyone needs time alone sometimes, but it's healthy to socialise. Spend time together with people you like, trust and who make you feel good. If you feel lonely, try volunteering. It's a good way of meeting new people, and you'll feel good about helping others. One survey showed that 48 per cent of people who volunteered for more than two years said they felt less depressed as a result.
What can I do on World Mental Health Day?
WMH Day encourages us to be more aware of mental health. On this day, do something that really makes you happy, such as having your favourite food or chatting with your best friend. Also, take some time to ask yourself: How do I feel right now? Is everything OK? How can I look after myself better? If you need support, talk to somebody you trust. Also, think about how you could support other people. You could try to notice how the people around you are feeling, or inform yourself about common issues such as depression so that you'll understand friends' problems better.
Anything you do on WMH Day, even just talking to people about it, will help us all to understand and support people better.
Source:
What are your tips for staying healthy and happy?
