Diary of a church Dog. 19
May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the USA (October in the UK) but I would say that every month and day should be designated to Mental Health Awareness. In the UK 9th to 15th May was Mental Health Awareness week and the theme this year was loneliness. Covid has driven a great number of people to higher levels of distress resulting from people’s sense of isolation.
My mumma got me because she lost her most beloved husband as a result of mental health issues which ultimately led to him taking his own life. She says that even though I am a naughty pup who has a will of his own she loves me for the love that I bring her and for the fact that I am always there keeping her company. There are days when mumma, like many people, can go all day and not see another person to talk to so she talks to me. Sometimes we sing together, well once she starts to sing, I just join in. I know that mumma is grateful for my company and she says she doesn’t know what she would do without me. Mumma is lucky to have me but not all people are so lucky.
In England (2020) 4912 deaths were suicide with the male rate being almost three times that of women, men aged 45-49 having the highest rate. Thankfully we are now engaging more in a dialogue about mental health and there are groups like CALM, (www.thcalmzone.net call 0800585858) The Samaritans (call 116 123 jo@samaritans.org SHOUT (85258) These services are for anyone who’s struggling. They wont judge. They are free, anonymous and always open.
We all need to take care of our mental health and be aware of each other’s too. My big brother made a film https://vimeo.com/313146022 about mental health feel free to watch it. Let’s hope that the dialogue that has begun continues and we all learn to ask “How are you?” with meaning and the skills to back it up. Much love TJ
