Every challenge or crisis that we face comes to test us and leaves us stronger if we confront it with courage and kindness. While the humanity is trying to save itself from the clutches of the coronavirus pandemic, we all know a strong will to withstand its psychological effects and acts of kindness will be our most effective tools to sail through the troubled waters.

To elevate awareness about mental health, Mental Health Foundation hosts Mental Health Awareness Week every year from 18^th to 24^th May with a different theme. The theme chosen for 2020 is ‘kindness’ to express solidarity with those suffering from mental illness and to promulgate a positive approach towards addressing the issue of mental health.

As we prepare to observe Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s all agree not to be kind to others but to ourselves too. Our kindness could be the last straw one needs to stay afloat. Below are a few tips to tackle mental health issues.

Be Vocal About Mental Health to Everyone

Talk to people around you about how they are feeling. Make them feel comfortable around you and listen to what they say. Do not judge them and see if they need professional help. If you find them depressed or stressed out, guide them about the resources they can utilize to overcome their stress. Suggest them to seek medical assistance. You could also suggest them some self-help books to read as reading alleviates stress.

Be Kind and Empathetic

Mental illnesses need to be treated with patience, kindness and empathy. A simple gesture of kindness can go a long way as they tend to bring people together by strengthening their relationships. While kind gestures may brighten up a day for someone going through hard times, they also influence the mental health of the doer. Kind acts help release chemicals such as oxytocin which provoke positive thoughts in a person. 

The Pricklebottoms: A collection of short stories by Mary Ann Wood

The Pricklebottoms is a collection of short stories for children with each story giving our little readers the message of kindness, friendship and empathy. Check out the book here.

Learn More About Mental Health

Since mental illnesses are still considered a taboo, we all need to learn as much about the topic as possible. The best way to learn about it is through reading. We present you some of the best mental health books by Austin Macauley Publishers that would help you become aware of the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses and the ways to treat and overcome them. 

Thru the Blue and Happy Too by Ken Knight

Thru the Blue and Happy Too is another self-help book that presents the personal account of the author’s struggle with fear and anxiety. The author shares several tips to overcome anxiety and fears to live a prosperous life. Get this beautifully written mindfulness book here.

Ken Knight graduated from the University of Calgary and has been writing since childhood.

Unspoken Words by Isha Barlas

Unspoken Words is a collection of poems by Isha Barlas versifying her thoughts about mental health. Talking about the book she wrote in a state of depression and anxiety, Isha says, “I came to know many individuals like myself, who were suffering alone and decided that it shouldn’t be this way. That no-one struggling with mental health issues should stay silent.” Revealing how she dealt with her mental illness, she says, “It’s sleeping when I feel tired or drained, talking to someone or write poetry if I feel down or overwhelmed, engaging in things I enjoy and find pleasure in when there would be a wave of negativity.”

Isha Barlas is a young student of English Literature at City University London.

If I Can Do It, So Can You! by Ian Blanskey

Ian Blanskey’s autobiography Is an inspirational read for those suffering from mental illness. The author said in an interview with Austin Macauley Publishers, “I was lucky because something within me made me question myself, seemingly knowing that I wanted to change and so I set about doing so. Only as I started to try to make the changes did I understand that I was dealing with mental health issues.” The author while stating about the techniques to stay positive said, “Meditation and concentration on our breathing, so we can listen to ourselves, to reflect on who we are by slowing down and ultimately by becoming able to appreciate our true selves as well as others.” Our readers can get this self-help book here.

The author is an optimist who fought and overcame the negativity within himself and is an inspiration to many.

We hope these tips and books augment mental health awareness, help you overcome your stress and spread positivity around. Visit our website to find more self-help books as well as wellbeing books.​

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