Mental Health Awareness Week 2023

15th -21st May 

Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event, giving an opportunity for the whole of the UK to focus on good mental health.  


Each year takes a new theme, and in 2023, the theme is Anxiety.

Why Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems we can face. Lots of things can lead to feelings of anxiety, including exam pressures, relationships, starting a new job (or losing one) or other big life events. We can also get anxious when it comes to things to do with money and not being able to meet our basic needs, like heating our home or buying food.

Focusing on anxiety for 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. At the same time, we will keep up the pressure to demand change - making sure that improving mental health is a key priority for the government and society as a whole. 

The Mental Health Foundation have created a workbook all around anxiety, including information, resources and useful helplines for people struggling with their mental health. 

Click on the embedded pdf, or here, to access.

MHF Anxiety booklet.pdf

A word from Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation: 

“We hope this year’s theme of loneliness will strike a chord with many of us who felt lonely and struggled throughout the Covid pandemic. 

Loneliness deserves more attention and we’re calling on everyone who has struggled as a result of being lonely to share their experiences. We must work together - as individuals, as a society and through government policy - to reduce loneliness and prevent mental health problems by investing in welcoming, social spaces and new community initiatives.” 

We spoke to young people in East Lothian who have shared their top tips when they feel lonely or socially anxious

"Try to say "yes" to social opportunities, like if people are going out at the weekend. The more you do, the easier it gets"

“I sometimes get a bit anxious about meeting new people, so I try to remember that feeling worried is okay, and I will get passed it, and then it’s a hop, a skip and a jump to a friendship!” 

"Be your own best friend"

"I tell my friends they are really important to me and that they make me happy when I'm feeling down" 

"When I'm lonely I like to join an online discord, there is always people on there to speak to with the same interests as me" 

"Keep talking to people... don't let what people think stop you... (and if you can't stop caring, just pretend to)"

"What really helps when i feel a bit lonely or anxious is a cuddle from my cat. His purrs are loud and soothing" 

“If you’re feeling lonely and find it hard to tell people – you can write about yourself and how you feel and show it to people you trust. You might find that they've felt the same way too and they'll understand” 

How can we find connection?

We understand that there are many different scenarios that can leave us feeling a bit alone. Here are some examples of things you can try which help to build up social connections.