MONDAY, 15 MAY, 2023

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Raising awareness about anxiety this Mental Health Awareness Week

People in Tayside are being urged to learn more about anxiety this Mental Health Awareness Week.

Mental Health Awareness Week is an event hosted annually by the Mental Health Foundation that seeks to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote the importance of mental health and wellbeing.

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from 15 to 21 May and is focusing on raising awareness of anxiety and the impact it can have on people.

Senior health promotion officer Dr Imran Arain said, “Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. People with anxiety can experience feelings of worry, fear and apprehension. It can also cause physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling and an increased heart rate.

“While anxiety is a normal and often healthy response to stress, chronic or excessive anxiety can be debilitating and can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. It can affect daily activities, relationships, and work or school performance.

“Effective treatments for anxiety include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), medication and mindfulness techniques. Research also shows that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress and feelings of anxiety, improve mood, help you relax and aid sleep patterns. This year’s Green Health Week is also taking place between 13 and 19 May and is an ideal time to get outdoors and re-connect with the natural environment.”

During Mental Health Awareness Week, NHS Tayside will be running mental health training sessions as part of their training programme for staff. Staff will also be sharing their coping strategies on social media during the week using #ToHelpMyAnxiety campaign.

A discussion event will also be held online on Tuesday, 16 May to encourage individuals and organisations to learn more about anxiety and treatment, and promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

The event will be open to the wider workforce, including public, private and third sector employees and volunteers in Tayside. For more information about the event, please contact tay.publicmentalhealthtraining@nhs.scot

Dr Arain added, “This virtual discussion event will be centred on sharing experiences to improve mental health services and supporting the mental health of communities and people in Tayside.”

For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138