How To Observe Mental Health Week UK To Improve Mental Health And Wellbeing
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Text or call 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Support is available 24/7.
In 2025, Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK takes place from May 12 through May 18. The purpose of this campaign is to spread awareness about the importance of emotional wellbeing and to let people know that support is available. Here, we'll discuss more about what Mental Health Week UK is, its history, and how you can get involved, plus ways that those living in the United Kingdom can receive care from a counselor.
What is Mental Health Week UK?
Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event in the UK that happens each May. It's put on by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) charity, and it's reportedly “one of the most high-profile public campaigns in the UK.”
The history of Mental Health Week UK and the charity behind it
The Mental Health Foundation is a UK-based organization founded in 1949 and headquartered in London. According to their website, the MHF is “the only UK charity solely focused on preventing poor mental health and building and protecting good mental health.”
The Mental Health Foundation organized the first Mental Health Awareness Week in 2001. The purpose of this week is to spread awareness across the UK about common mental health challenges as well as practices to improve this aspect of wellbeing. The organization aims to accomplish these goals by compiling mental health resources, spreading the word on social media, advocating for policy changes, and encouraging individuals and communities to get involved.
The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week UK
Each year, the Mental Health Foundation selects a different theme for Mental Health Awareness Week. The official theme for 2025 is “community,” highlighting the importance of strong social connections. As the MHF states on their website, being a part of a positive community “can make life feel more meaningful and enjoyable, help us feel happier and safer, and improve our mental health.”
There's a wealth of research to support the foundation's focus on community and its close ties to mental wellbeing. For example, consider a 2022 research review on the topic, which suggests that social connectedness is a key determinant of health and that it may protect against depressive symptoms and disorders in adults.
In addition, various studies have linked chronic loneliness to an increased risk of a variety of negative health outcomes, from anxiety and depression to dementia, heart disease, and diabetes. Being socially connected to one's community—friends, family, neighbors, and others—can help people feel supported and less alone. People who have or gain support systems may also receive the benefit of them acting as a protective factor against various health challenges.
Past themes of Mental Health Awareness Week UK
The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is different each year. Themes from previous years include the following:
- Movement
- Anxiety
- Loneliness
- Nature
- Kindness
- Body image
The impacts of this campaign on public wellbeing
The importance of spreading mental health awareness
In the past, the topic of mental health was heavily stigmatized in many communities and cultures. While the stigma persists today, strides have been made in reducing it. This can be important work, because stigma can lead to shame and embarrassment—which may sometimes be powerful enough to prevent a person experiencing mental health challenges from reaching out for help. In reality, seeking mental health support can be a sign of strength and is nothing to be ashamed of, and campaigns like Mental Health Awareness Week aim to spread this message.
UK mental health statistics
Statistics about mental health in the UK reflect the need for the continuation of campaigns like Mental Health Awareness Week, which raise awareness and share resources about emotional wellbeing. Here are some key figures to consider about mental health in the United Kingdom:
- Around a quarter of people in the UK will experience a mental health challenge at some point in a given year.
- There were 6,069 deaths by suicide in England and Wales in 2023, the highest rate since 1999.
- In 2023, 20% of children and young people between the ages of eight and 16 had “a probable mental disorder.”
- Approximately 34% of UK adults surveyed in 2024 say they “always” or “often” experienced “high or extreme levels of pressure or stress” in the last year.
How you can participate in Mental Health Awareness Week through the Mental Health Foundation charity
There are many ways individuals can help spread mental health awareness this May and year-round. Below are several examples:
- Checking in on family and friends
- Speaking openly with loved ones about your own mental health challenges
- Avoiding the use of stigmatizing or judgmental language related to mental health
- Volunteering with a local mental health charity in your area to engage in positive community participation
- Seeking the support of a therapist or counselor if you are experiencing mental health challenges
- Putting up MHF posters in your school or workplace and sharing social media graphics to promote mental health awareness
- Wearing a green ribbon or green shirt to show your support for mental health awareness
Other ways to promote mental health
In addition to spreading awareness about the importance of mental health and the availability of resources, there are many steps you can take to promote your own emotional wellbeing. First, participating in regular self-care can be beneficial. Engaging in exercise often, building meaningful relationships with family and friends, eating nutrient-dense meals, and getting enough sleep are just a few examples. Setting boundaries, speaking up for your needs, and practicing positive self-talk can also be nourishing practices.
Seeking mental health care when you need support as you navigate life’s challenges is another important example. Whether you're living with signs of a condition like depression or anxiety, are facing low self-esteem or hopelessness, or are having trouble coping with relationship conflict or major life changes, a compassionate therapist or counselor can provide support.
Seeking counseling in the UK
Individuals living in the UK have several options for seeking the support of a counselor. First, the National Health Service (NHS) offers free counseling. You can request a referral for an appointment online. Non-NHS providers may also be available for those who are able to pay for the services out of pocket or who have insurance.
The option of online therapy for mental wellbeing
Another paid option is to sign up for a virtual therapy platform like BetterHelp. This type of service will automatically match you with a counselor based on your answers to a brief questionnaire, and you can then meet with them virtually from any location with an internet connection. Individuals in the UK can get BetterHelp subscriptions as low as £45 per week, billed every four weeks. Pricing is based on factors such as the individual's location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply. Research suggests that online therapy can often be as effective as in-person care, and many people find it both comfortable and convenient to meet with a provider from home.
Takeaway
Is it Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK?
Mental Health Awareness Week takes place in the UK each spring. In 2025, the week falls on May 12 through May 18.
Is Mental Health Awareness Week in May or October?
In the UK, Mental Health Awareness Week takes place each May. However, various campaigns for mental health take place in October as well, such as World Mental Health Day on October 10.
Is mental health a big issue in the UK?
According to research from the Mental Health Foundation, around 65% of people in the UK have experienced a mental health challenge. Seeking support can be vital if you’re struggling with your mental health. Workshops, support groups, and therapy may offer tips and strategies for managing challenging symptoms.
Where does the UK rank in mental health?
One global survey by Sapien Labs listed the UK as second-worst for mental health. This may point to the need for people to utilize mental health and emotional support resources. The NHS provides free mental health services, and UK residents may also join online therapy platforms and seek support in other ways.
What is the most common mental illness in the UK?
Mixed anxiety and depression is believed to be the most common mental health diagnosis in the UK. Around 8% of people in the UK meet the criteria for diagnosis. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of treatment that can help people adjust unhelpful beliefs and attitudes that may contribute to symptoms. CBT can help people recognize the power they have over their lives and mental health.
Is depression and anxiety a disability in the UK?
In some cases, depression and anxiety may be considered disabilities in the UK. In general, these mental health conditions must last longer than 12 months, and they must impact a person’s ability to function in daily life. For example, severe depression symptoms may prevent a person from maintaining employment.
Which mental illness has the highest death rate in the UK?
Anorexia nervosa reportedly has the highest death rate in the UK. Eating disorders are often associated with severe medical complications. Although they are sometimes believed to occur only in young people, eating disorders can affect individuals of nearly any age, from children to the elderly.
What is the life expectancy of someone with mental health in the UK?
Everyone in the UK has mental health, but the quality of mental health can vary from person to person. The average life expectancy in the UK is 80.1 years.
What is classed as a severe mental illness in the UK?
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are typically classed as severe mental illnesses in the UK. It can be crucial to seek professional support if you’re struggling with mental health concerns. Getting help can make a significant difference in your quality of life. You might also consider joining various mental health organisations or support groups, which can offer a sense of belonging and hope and empower you to develop a brighter vision for the future.
What benefits can I claim for depression and anxiety in the UK?
Some individuals with mental health disorders may qualify for benefits like cost of living payments and disability payments, especially if they are living in poverty. You can speak to a welfare advisor or use a benefits calculator to learn more.
- Previous Article
- Next Article