Recap of World Mental Health Day 2020

By Breathe Therapies

20 Oct 2020

recap-of-world-mental-health-day-2020.png

World Mental Health Day (WMHD) is celebrated on the 10th of October every year, with the overall goal of raising awareness and breaking down the stigma of mental health. This year, WMHD focused its campaign on ‘mental health for all’.

Why do we need World Mental Health Day?

***Trigger warning! The following section will mention recent statistics relating to suicide and self-harm***

1 in 4 people experience mental health-related issues each year, and mental illness is the second-largest source of burden of disease in England. This is because mental health-related issues are likely to be long-lasting compared to other health conditions1. In England, mental health presents a significant ecological burden, with approximately £105 billion spent on supporting mental health services each year1.  In 2019, 5,691 suicides were registered in England and Wales, with men accounting for ¾ of the suicide rates during this time2.  In 2016-18, 371 deaths identified as suicide occurred in the Lancashire area, which was significantly higher when compared to suicide rates in England during this time3.  Statistics from 2014 reported that approximately 6.4% of adults participate in non-suicidal self-harm4 (however, it should be noted that the real numbers relating to the rates of self-harm are likely to be largely underestimated). Statistics have shown that over one third of the public reportedly perceived people with a mental illness as dangerous and violent. However, those who have a mental illness are more likely to present a risk to themselves than they are to another person. Moreover, those with a severe mental illness are more likely to be victims rather than perpetrators of violent crime1.

These statistics highlight the importance of WMHD. Mental health can affect individuals at any and every stage of life, so it’s important to share the voices of those living with a mental illness to further break down social barriers for support. 

What did Breathe Therapies do?

Breathe Therapies’ aim this year was to promote recovery, support, and to destigmatise mental health. 

“Remember, recovery is possible”

“Our goal has been to help more people see that mental health isn’t always black and white”

“You should never feel ashamed or nervous to seek help”

- Breathe Therapies' messages from World Mental Health Day 2020

The Friday before WMHD, staff members wore green to show their love and support for those who are experiencing mental health-related difficulties. The green ribbon is an international symbol for mental health awareness, and it represents strength, hope, support, and encouragement. 

Breathe also teamed up with Olympic gymnast, Nile Wilson, who helped to spread Breathe’s message of support for mental illness to a wider audience. In his video posted to Instagram stories, Wilson made reference to his own fight against depression, anxiety, eating disorders and addiction which he faced during his athletic career. 

“As a human, this is still something that I struggle with every single day”

Wilson also spoke of his experiences of low-mood during the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has presented us with many challenges, and those with mental health issues may be experiencing even greater social isolation than before. However, Wilson also shared his experiences of receiving monthly support from his therapist.

“Thankfully at the right time I asked for help”

Both Wilson and Breathe Therapies have a shared vision of breaking the stigma of mental illness, especially in males. Men’s mental health is a significant concern because men account for up to 18.2% of the suicide rates in the Lancashire area, and ¾ of the suicide rates across England.

“Sometimes you feel less of a man if you talk about your feelings or emotions and that is not the case”

It is hoped that Wilson’s story will encourage others who are struggling with their own mental health to do the same. 

Sources

1.      https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/research-and-evaluation/mental-health-statistics/

2.     https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/suicidesintheunitedkingdom/2019registrations

3.      https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/lancashire-insight/health-and-care/health/mental-health-and-wellbeing/suicide-and-self-harm/

4.      https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/s/self-harm

If you believe you are suffering from mental health issues, reach out. For more information on our mental health programmes and how we can help, please click here. We are here to help and we truly do believe that recovery is possible.

This article was written by Ellie Tkocz who is one of our volunteers.

Latest news

1

CMAC Group appoints Matthew Ratcliffe as chief operating officer Matthew Ratcliffe CMAC

CMAC Group appoints Matthew Ratcliffe as chief operating officer

03 Apr 2025

2

For sale signs at The Villa Villa Wrea Green has been brought to market (Image credit: The Villa Wrea Green)

For sale signs at The Villa

02 Apr 2025

3

Montane group expands with new Lancashire hub Anthony Rae Scott Murcott And Adam Lee

Montane group expands with new Lancashire hub

02 Apr 2025

4

Trio of wins for Lancaster brand and digital consultancy Tom Grattan MD and Daniel Wallace

Trio of wins for Lancaster brand and digital consultancy

02 Apr 2025

5

College excellence highlighted in Ofsted report Fazal Dad

College excellence highlighted in Ofsted report

02 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

WHN Charity Quiz Night
Evenbrite Quiz 2025.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
03 Apr 2025 - 03 Apr 2025

WHN Charity Quiz Night

The Stables Country Club, Bury , BL9 1PU

18:00 - 22:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – April
Chamber logo - new-02.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
03 Apr 2025 - 03 Apr 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – April

The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, LA1 1QE

08:00 - 10:00

Lancashire Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880395853-4862066883-1-original.20241022-091152-2.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
04 Apr 2025 - 04 Apr 2025

Lancashire Business Expo 2025

Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre, Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
24 Apr 2025 - 24 Apr 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

People Power: Exclusive Event Series
Stay ahead in 2025.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
29 Apr 2025 - 29 Apr 2025

People Power: Exclusive Event Series

People's History Museum, Manchester, M3 3ER

17:00 - 21:00

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar
LBV Hub Seminars
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar

Cottons Hotel & Spa , Knutsford, WA16 0SU

16:00 - 18:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin