#Europeanmentalhealthweek #bettertogether
Every May, European Mental Health Week brings together diverse participants. This month’s theme features “Better Together.” It is promoting mental health for all by fighting stigma and discrimination. Co-creation inspires responsibility, trust, power, and, most importantly, shared accountability. Doing with can be considered better than doing for – we are #BetterTogether. If you are wondering how to participate, now offers the perfect time to act!
Throughout the month of May, the EU puts a spotlight on prioritizing mental well-being. Did you know that 89% of EU citizens agree that mental health promotion remains a priority, just as physical health promotion does? A total of 46% of EU citizens experienced emotional or psychosocial symptoms like depression and anxiety in 2023. Statistics show higher figures in younger cohorts, with 59% of 16-24-year-olds and 56% of 25-39-year-olds reporting such issues. “Solicitude” has risen in the mental health movement, denoting concern, care, and attentive support towards someone or something. Recent world events have influenced the mental health of many. Thus, we can consider understanding what contributes to good mental health crucially.
Science of happiness
A recent study came out in March from the University of Bristol’s ‘Science of Happiness’ course. It shows that learning techniques for happiness created a marked improvement in wellbeing. This latest study found that certain “science hacks” can boost benefits if kept up over the long term—including practicing gratitude, exercise, meditation, and journaling. In addition, it contains some surprising takeaways students found. The first indicates that talking to strangers makes us happier while most shying away from such encounters (again, #BetterTogether). While social media comes with benefits, it can pose challenges for individuals prioritizing their reputation. Loneliness impacts our health by impairing our immune systems. At the same time, optimism increases life expectancy. Giving gifts to others provides more happiness than spending money on oneself. Sleep deprivation impacts how well others like us, while kindness and happiness correlate. Finally, walking in nature deactivates the part of the brain related to negative ruminations associated with depression. Another recent study from the University of Essex found that smiling for a split second helps people see happiness in expressionless faces. Choosing to smile can create a more joyful atmosphere for everyone around you!
Connect with yourself through reading or movement:
Do you like to read? With reading evolving into a growing tool for coping, Stars & Stripes recently published a fantastic list of 10 books for Mental Health Awareness Month. From adult to children’s resources, topics range from Agoraphobia (the fear of leaving the environment you know and/or find safe) to men’s mental health with Barber Talk. In addition to reading, another recent study from The University of Sydney found that dancing may work better than other forms of exercise for improving mental health. The research discovered that dance can offer extensive health benefits, from cognitive challenges to social interactions. The artistic aspect and music also seem to improve overall emotional well-being and motivation. So, dance as if you want to embrace the whole world!
The power of scent & nourishment:
Did you know that scent can offer a powerful tool for mental wellness? In honor of Mental Health Month, Scentsy launched a Mental Health Awareness Collection. Featuring scents like Blue Lavender & Bergamot, proceeds support Euro Youth Mental Health, empowering young people with mental health challenges continent-wide. ‘Neuroscents’ feature another trending idea in wellness, some purporting to help positively modulate brain chemistry. Girl therapy, the TikTok phenomenon of using dopamine-inducing beauty products, has been identified by trend forecasting company WGSN. They also note “emotional fitness” as a key shift in beauty.
With Symrise as an involved ingredients provider in the beauty industry and consumer products and goods, we also wrote about the power of nutrition in your wellness tool kit. Weigh in below on your favorite mental coping strategies!
