The 10 October marks World Mental Health Day 2023 and is a significant occasion that raises awareness about the importance of mental wellbeing. 1 in 6 of us are affected by mental health problems every week. As a complementary, beauty or sports therapist, you have a unique opportunity to contribute positively. There are many ways you can support the day in your profession, alongside activities to participate in outside of work.
Here are a few ways you can contribute:
Offer Special Promotions: To commemorate World Mental Health Day, consider offering special promotions on your treatments. Perhaps set up a ‘taster day’, so people have the opportunity to try out your treatment before they full commit. This gesture can help with lessening conditions such as anxiety, and can help people understand the benefits of your chosen therapy – making your services more accessible to a broader range of individuals, allowing them to feel more at ease and create a sense of trust between you both.
Host Educational Workshops: Organise a workshop or a webinar that focuses on mental health-related topics. These sessions can include discussions on stress management, relaxation techniques or the benefits of complementary therapies for mental wellbeing. Why not invite mental health professionals or guest speakers to enhance the credibility and depth of your sessions?
Create Information: If mental health is an area of speciality, how about publishing some information in the way of blog posts, articles or social media posts. Try highlighting the connection between complementary therapies and mental health, share case studies, success stories and/or research findings that demonstrate how your services can help improve mental wellbeing.
Promote Mindfulness Practices: World Mental Health Day is an excellent time to introduce your clients to mindfulness practices. You can offer guided meditation sessions, mindfulness exercises or even recommend mindfulness apps and resources to help them manage stress and anxiety.
Foster a Safe Space: Ensure that your therapy space is welcoming and non-judgmental. Let your clients know that you are there to support their mental wellbeing, alongside their physical, and that they can openly discuss their concerns, fears and emotions with you.
Encourage Self-Care: Empower your clients to prioritise self-care by providing them with practical self-help resources and guidance. Share quick tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as nutrition advice, exercise routines and stress-reduction techniques.
Other ways you can support World Mental Health Day:
Raise Awareness: Participate in local Mental Health Day events or organise your own awareness campaigns. Distribute informational pamphlets or flyers to educate the public about the benefits of complementary therapies for mental health.
Be an Advocate: Advocate for mental health support and de-stigmatisation. Use your platform to address misconceptions about mental health and encourage open conversations within your community.
Order a Green Ribbon: #PinItForMentalHealth and wear a green ribbon to show colleagues, loved ones or simply those you walk past that you care about their mental health. It can also be worn in memory of a loved one.
Wear it Green: Organise a Wear it Green Day in your school, workplace or community and help to raise vital funds and awareness for mental health. By going green, you can support mentalhealth.org.uk in carrying out vital research and delivering programmes for different communities. They have all the resources you’ll need to run your event, whether you’re holding a quiz at work, baking some treats for your family or holding a scavenger hunt at your school.
Make a Donation: If you’re able, make a donation to the Mental Health Foundation. Their work is focused on preventing mental health problems. They endeavour to help everyone understand and protect their mental health and the mental health of those around them. Please see their donation options if you want to help create a mentally healthy society.
As a complementary, beauty or sports therapist, you have a vital role to play in promoting mental wellbeing on Mental Health Day and throughout the year. By offering your expertise, creating educational content and fostering a supportive environment, you can make a significant difference in the lives of your clients and contribute to a healthier, happier community.
The FHT supports World Mental Health Day. Together, we can break down the barriers surrounding mental health and create a world where everyone feels valued and supported.
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