Mind in Harrogate Speaks Out About Mental Health
Mental Health Awareness Week, now in its 23rd year, runs from 15-21 May and this year’s theme is ‘anxiety’.
Local independent mental health charity, Mind in Harrogate District, says it is seeing an increase in its need to support those with anxiety, and a rise in demand for counselling services in the community.
The charity launched a cost-of-living service earlier this year to help people who need support to have access to hot meals, cooking & meal demonstrations, budgeting sessions and advice focused on benefits, housing or paying bills.
Tina Chamberlain, CEO of Mind in Harrogate District says: “Anxiety is something, I am sure, that we have all experienced at some time in our lives, it is what we feel when we are worried, tense or afraid – particularly about things that are about to happen, or which we think could happen in the future.
“It’s a natural human response when we feel that we are under threat, and it can be experienced through our thoughts, feelings and physical sensations. It may become a problem if it impacts on your ability to live your life as fully as you want to.
"Following Covid-19 we saw a huge increase in people seeking counselling after months of isolation. More recently we are seeing an increasing number of people coming to us for support with anxiety over cost-of-living pressures which are affecting their wellbeing.”
Mind in Harrogate District covers service users across the Harrogate District and the Dales, including Ripon, Pateley Bridge, Boroughbridge and Masham.
The charity recommends the Five Ways to Wellbeing as a tool to help people manage their anxiety, this outlines five simple steps that can provide people with practical steps they can do every day to improve their wellbeing.
If your feelings of stress or anxiety are starting to take over your life and you think you need some support, contact Mind in Harrogate District on 01423 503335 or visit the website https://mindinharrogate.org.uk/ to find out more about their counselling services.