This year’s theme is “Mental health and long-term illness - The need for continued and integrated care.” World Mental Health Day provides us all with an annual opportunity to promote and raise awareness of mental health. This year will highlight the importance of understanding the link between long term physical health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic pain and mental health. Quite often, physical and mental health disorders go hand in hand. Research shows that people with severe or chronic physical illnesses often have a co-existing mental health problem. Likewise, people with severe mental health problems may develop physical health problems which can remain undetected or untreated. There is a need for continued integration between mental health care and physical health care and to take a holistic approach to people’s overall mental and physical well being. Social Services are supporting World Mental Health Day by holding the following events organised by its Mental Health Services. · 7th October - A workshop for people receiving mental health services. The workshop is about helping people to be more self-aware and mindful of mental health and develop skills to cope with illness. · 8th October at Ronaldsway Airport there will be a stand providing information on positive mental health and ways in which we can all look after our mental well being. There will be easy to carry information for local and overseas travellers to take with them on their journey entitled “Making Mental Health a Global Priority.” · 9th October at the Strand Shopping Centre there will be information on World Mental Health Day and this year’s theme, ‘Mental Health and Long Term Illness.’ This will include tips on how we can all look after our mental health and wellbeing. The Minister for Social Care, Hon Martyn Quayle said: “World Mental Health Day is an annual international event in which hundreds of countries across the world join together to raise awareness of mental health. This year’s theme, long term physical illness and mental health, highlights how, quite often, long term physical health problems and mental health problems are linked. People experiencing chronic long term physical conditions can feel low, depressed or fearful, as a result of their condition and these feelings can impact negatively on their mental health. The Department of Social Care in supporting this important worldwide event and providing information is making a positive step towards raising public and community awareness of mental health issues.” The Member for Social Services, Mr Malarkey said: “Mental Health problems can affect anyone irrespective of age, ethnic or social background. World Mental Health provides the opportunity for everyone to think about their mental health. Like with our physical health there are things that we can do to improve our mental health, such as learning new skills, connecting with others and keeping fit and active. It is good that events such as these occur as it enables us all to learn more about positive mental health and wellbeing.” Andrew Swithinbank, Director of Social Services said: “Social Services is pleased to support this international event. Our understanding of the relationship between chronic physical illness and mental health problems has increased in recent years. We now know that many people living with chronic physical conditions can have a higher rate of mental health problems, notably depression and anxiety, than the general population. The need for integrated mental health care and physical health care is clear and Social Services, in partnership with our health colleagues strives to meets the needs of those we work with in a holistic and comprehensive way.” - ENDS -