With #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek2024 taking place from the 13th May to 19th May it feels important to recognise that despite the UK's strides in areas of healthcare, the reluctance to openly embrace therapy, still persists. There remains a need for the winds of change to blow harder, to usher in a new era where mental health is given the attention and respect it deserves.

Therapy, once shrouded in secrecy and whispered about in hushed tones, is now stepping into the limelight. People are starting to acknowledge that just as our bodies require maintenance and care, so too do our minds. But how did therapy become so stigmatised in the first place?

Historically, mental health has been surrounded by myths, misconceptions, and fear. Society has long perpetuated the notion that seeking therapy is a sign of weakness or failure, that it's reserved only for those who are "crazy" or "broken." This stigma has been deeply ingrained, discouraging individuals from seeking the support they desperately need.

However, as awareness grows and conversations around mental health become more commonplace, the walls of stigma are beginning to crumble. Celebrities, influencers, and public figures are using their platforms to share their own mental health journeys, helping to normalise the idea of seeking therapy. Social media, once a breeding ground for unrealistic expectations and comparison, could be argued is now also becoming a hub for support and understanding. Therapy is not just appropriate at a time of crisis but can also provide preventative support, providing a safe environment to talk through issues before they adversely affect our mental health.

Moreover, initiatives like #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek and #WorldMentalHealthDay are shining a spotlight on the importance of mental well-being, prompting discussions at the dinner table and in the workplace. Companies are implementing mental health programs, and schools are integrating mental health education into their curricula, aiming to equip individuals with the tools they need to navigate life's challenges.

In the UK, the NHS offers therapy services through the Talking Therapies program, providing free or low-cost counselling and therapy sessions to those in need. While this is a significant step forward, there's still a huge amount of work to be done in reducing waiting times and increasing accessibility to mental health services, particularly in underserved communities.

Destigmatising therapy isn't just about changing perceptions; it's about saving lives. It's about empowering individuals to seek help without fear of judgment or shame and for access to those services to be easily accessible. It's about recognising that mental health is just as important as physical health and deserves the same level of prioritisation, care and attention.

So, how can we continue to break the silence and destigmatise therapy in the UK?

1.      Education: By providing accurate information about mental health and therapy, we can debunk myths and combat misinformation. This includes educating individuals from a young age about the importance of mental well-being and normalising conversations around emotions and struggles.

2.      Open Dialogue: Encouraging open and honest conversations about mental health helps create a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help. By sharing our own experiences and listening without judgment, we can create a culture of acceptance and understanding.

3.      Accessibility: Improving access to mental health services, particularly in marginalised communities, is crucial. This involves reducing waiting times, increasing funding for mental health programs, and integrating mental health care into primary healthcare settings.

4.      Advocacy: Advocating for policy changes and challenging discriminatory practices can help address systemic barriers to mental health care. By amplifying the voices of those with lived experience and advocating for their rights, we can create a more inclusive and equitable mental health system.

5.      Empowerment: Empowering individuals to take control of their mental health journey is essential. This involves providing resources and support networks, promoting self-care practices, and fostering resilience and coping skills.

As we continue to strive for a society where mental health is prioritised and destigmatised, let us remember that seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness, but rather a courageous step towards healing and growth. Together, we can break the silence, challenge stigma, and build a future where everyone has access to the support they need to thrive.

If you struggle with the stigma of traditional therapy and with this years’ #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek focused on movement, why not get in touch and find out more about 'walk and talk' therapy. I offer this type of therapy (where appropriate) as it combines the benefits of a traditional therapy session with the undeniable benefits of movement (walking) outside in nature.