In support of the many struggling with their mental health at the moment, the NHS has announced some very good news. A boost of £2.3 billion a year will be given to its community mental health services, helping services such as talking therapy be more accessible to people. In a bid to increase awareness, they’ve teamed up with some well-known names in the music industry for a promotional video.
People involved include Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts, Max George of The Wanted, Craig David and many more. The video made use of the classic 1965 Beatles single, “Help!“, which includes appropriate lyrics such as “Help me if you can, I’m feeling down“ and “Every now and then I feel so insecure.“ The artists recite the lyrics in the video, and at the end, we’re reminded that anyone struggling can either refer themselves or go through a GP to get some professional support.
Feelings like anxiety and depression can affect us all. If you’re struggling with your mental health, the NHS can help you get your feet back on the ground.
You can refer yourself or your GP can refer you. #TalkingTherapies #HelpUsHelpYou pic.twitter.com/4ot3TM4DXg
— NHS England and NHS Improvement (@NHSEngland) January 17, 2022
Some of the artists involved also spoke of their own struggles with mental health, and how important talking to someone was for them. Nicola Roberts struggled with trauma after being stalked for five years by an ex-partner. She said that “I’m someone that has benefited hugely from talking therapy. I think there is such a taboo around it that people almost feel like they’ve failed or they weren’t strong enough to figure out a situation by themselves. But if you’re feeling like you can’t see the wood from the trees or light at the end of the tunnel, it’s imperative to reach out because you can’t always do it alone.”
Craig David also noted that he’d “had points in my life where I struggled with my mental health, but what was so important for me was opening up and starting to talk about how I was feeling. I now know that real courage & strength isn’t in trying to do it alone, but instead being able to share our feelings in a safe space with people who can help“.
The campaign comes as 2.3 million have reportedly signed up to the NHS talking therapy services since the start of the pandemic. Other figures show that over half of the population last year were worried about their mental health, but most did not try to find professional help. The campaign has been backed by charities such as Mind, AGE UK and Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Claire Murdoch, the NHS mental health director, had this to say: “The pandemic has taken a toll on the nation’s mental health, and we know January can be a particularly tough month for many .… If you are experiencing anxiety, stress, or are feeling low, it’s important you know you are not alone and that it is okay to get help. No one should suffer in silence.”
If you’re struggling at the moment, you can look for help on the NHS website here.
