Samaritans is a well-known mental health charity, whose mission is to ensure there’s someone to listen to anyone who needs it, whenever they need it. Know someone who’s been diagnosed with depression? Has generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder or social anxiety? What about PTSD or OCD? Who’s been affected by the pandemic or who faces overwhelming stress? People living with mental health conditions can experience debilitating symptoms that can make their world feel scary and very lonely.
The good news, there are hundreds of resources out there to help us learn to cope with mental health conditions, manage symptoms and experiences, find support and treatment that works for us (everyone’s different right?) and feel able to live life in a way that is satisfying and fulfilling. On 24th July they’re hosting ‘Talk to Us’ (previously the Big Listen), a 24-hour event to raise awareness that anyone who needs someone to listen to them can find this with the Samaritans helpline, as well as the Samarathon, a marathon event which you can take part in by walking, jogging, running 26 miles (you don’t have to do it all at once either!).
'Talk to Us' campaign
You might be surprised to find out that Samaritans actually receive a call every 6 seconds. So by my calculations, while reading this article up to this point, five people have reached out to Samaritans, seeking someone to talk to, to help them cope, to help them feel less alone in their experiences.
Poor mental health can be isolating for many for a number of reasons. Some people don’t have the support networks available, some can find the process of getting a diagnosis very difficult to manage as it can change your entire world as you currently know it - and that’s a big thing to accept and adapt to. Other’s live alone, can’t access support options or even don’t know where to look.
So the lovely volunteers at Samaritans are calling on us to help raise awareness, and want to remind us why it’s so important that we’re listening to those who are struggling and talking about our mental health.
Samarathon
It might sound like hard work, but this 26-mile stretch doesn’t have to be done in a day, you can walk it, run it, even tumble it if you’re that way inclined. It’s a marathon that’s run around your life, wherever you are, whatever your pace because it’s your race!
Raising awareness and getting some movement in?! What’s not to like (especially without the added pressure of being an athlete to complete it). We can spread the word and feel better in ourselves too, not only for the good deed but for the exercise which we know brings a multitude of benefits to our own health. Reckon you could give it a go?
What can you do?
The people who work, volunteer, run and organise the components of Samaritans deserve a big thank you. For providing a service to help those who are struggling, to offer a listening ear when things feel overwhelming and isolating, and bringing a community together to support mental health in society.
So how can we help them? Fancy taking part in future events? Want to learn more about them and what they do? Head to Samaritans website to help raise awareness, share on social media, you could even reach out to a friend who’s been having a tough time, pop it on the group chat to get everyone talking about it, or even tell your mum - the saying ‘mother’s meeting’ exists for a reason right?
Support is only a call away: we know many people have struggled through the last year with the pandemic taking a huge toll on our mental wellbeing, so by sharing about the Samaritans you may be helping someone closer than you think. We know it can be tough to talk about how we’re really feeling. Samaritans are encouraging you to call for free, any time 24/7, from any phone, for whatever you’re facing, on 116 123.
Check out more here www.samaritans.org
