Mental health concerns for young people have multiplied in recent times. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, one in six young people aged 5-16 had a mental disorder. Also, 6 in 10 young people say they are experiencing mental health difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, eating disorders, and self-harming behaviours, however, only a few are able to access any effective treatment.
Charities such as stem4 supports young people to build positive mental health, they are proud to be the founder of Youth Mental Health Day in the UK, which started in 2020.
Even in difficult times, Youth Mental Health Day is here to provide hope. By getting young people engaged in discussions and activities about how to improve their mental health, YMHD goes beyond awareness and breaks the stigma surrounding mental health. It aims to tackle the heart of the issue by giving young people a voice and agency to take steps towards positive mental health.
Youth Mental Health Day this year will focus on how young people can #ConnectMeaningfully. By focusing on the importance of building and maintaining meaningful connections and relationships, YMHD 2022 will invite young people across the country to reflect on how their relationships with family, friends, classmates, teachers, etc. have changed over the last couple of years. Young people will be asked to share how they can make genuine connections, and then foster positive relationships that support good mental health.
The PDA works with many charities including it’s charity partners Pharmacist Support which is the professions independent charity that helps to raise awareness of the issues and challenges that arise for those studying or working in the pharmacy industry.
Aside from supporting the charity financially, the PDA works with Pharmacist Support to help pharmacists strengthen their working relationships with colleagues and managers. This gives pharmacists the opportunity to talk about their mental health openly, whilst ensuring they are aware of the support that is available to them if they are struggling.
This partnership also includes mental well-being workshops for pharmacy students that highlight practical tips on how to manage stress during the exam period, and how pharmacists can manage workplace stress.
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