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Mental Health Awareness Week 2023

Category
Mental Health
Date
-
Date
Monday 15 - Sunday 21 May, 2023

Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from Monday 15th – Sunday 21th May 2023 and the theme this year is ‘anxiety’.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems we can face. Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but it’s important that we recognise and respond when we feel anxious, so that our anxiety doesn’t become overwhelming. On a positive note, anxiety can be made easier to manage. This year's Mental Health Awareness Week will increase people's awareness and understanding of anxiety by providing information on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem.

Coping with anxiety

Dealing with anxiety can be hard. But there are some things we can do to manage these tough feelings such as breathing techniques, exercise, talking to others and sleep hygiene. Find out more tips for coping with anxiety (Mental Health Foundation).

You can get involved on social media by sharing your coping strategies and raise awareness with the hashtag #ToHelpMyAnxiety.  

Talking about our experiences of anxiety can help us to normalise conversations about anxiety and mental health.  This can help people feel more confident talking about anxiety and how it affects them.  Most importantly, these conversations can help people understand more about what they can do to manage anxiety and the support available.

  • For practical advice, tools, helplines and support groups visit the NHS Live Well website.  
  • For expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing try the NHS Every Mind Matters website.
  • Leeds Mind is focusing on the impact that the cost of living crisis is having on our mental wellbeing. Leeds Mind can help you and people you know feel more able to cope. Call 0113 305 5800 or info@leedsmind.org.uk.
  • The Business Disability Forum (BDF) have a Mental Health Toolkit available to everyone. For full access to the BDF Knowledge Hub register with your University of Leeds email address on the BDF signup webpage.

Mental Health Support at the University of Leeds

The University offers a range of mental health support services for staff and students.

Activities and Events

At the University of Leeds

Recommended LinkedIn Learning Courses
Organisational Development and Professional Learning (OD&PL) have collated a series of LinkedIn Learning courses about anxiety. You can watch the courses with your free University of Leeds account, and explore more content about mental health and wellbeing.

Step Challenge
Heath and Wellbeing are marking Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 with a new Step Challenge which will run from Monday 15 – Sunday 21 May. The challenge can support you to get active, enjoy the outdoors and boost your wellbeing. People of all abilities are welcome and there are alternative methods to measure and track movement.

Tea and Talk with Leeds Mind, 5pm, Tues 16 May, Room 2, LUU Level 2
Leeds University Union (LUU) are hosting a session with Leeds Mind to raise awareness and reduce stigma. This is an opportunity to share your personal experiences of mental health support with professionals, in order to help improve services in the future.  Join this event to discuss what works, what doesn't and what is missing from our mental health services.

External events

Anxiety and the workplace, 11:00am, Thu 18 May
A virtual event by the Leeds Mindful Employer Network and Leeds City Council. Learn from those with lived experience and find out from local employers about support available. Book your ticket for the Anxiety in the Workplace webinar.

Wellbeing Walk for Mental Health Awareness Walk, 11am, Tues 16 May
Join Carers Leeds for this walk to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week. To book a place call 0113 380 4300 or  contact nikki.grace@carersleeds.org.uk by the 11 May.