As you may well be aware, this week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and a welcome time to shine a light on our collective wellness. As the week marches on it feels worthwhile to showcase the significance of mental health every day. 

Under the potent concept Surviving or Thriving, the goal is to look at mental health from a new angle; rather than asking why people are struggling with mental health problems, the campaign looks at why too few of us are thriving with good mental health. 

Of course this week is a chance to look at, and engage in the work of many amazing organisations are part of a significant shift in our perception of mental health in ourselves and others. 

Vitally important is banishing the irrational, damaging stigma which has lingered for too many years, and is rooted in a lack of understanding which can be rendered a thing of the past. 

The more we can approach mental heath in a holistic manner the more we can empower all of us to get help which can impact massively on our quality of life. Often simply offering to listen or support a friend or family member without judgement can be the catalyst for significant change, enabling steps to transform lives for the better. 

Offering greater understanding, empathy and kindness to those suffering can help us reconfigure this topic in a fundamental way, and lead all of us to find ways to thrive, whatever our age or circumstance. 

Mental Health Awareness Week, May 8th-14th