Every year, mental health problems affect around a quarter of the population, with 9 in 10 people facing negative treatment from others as a result.
This year, the Mental Health Foundation is using Mental Health Awareness Week to explore how people can build their resilience to cope with mental health problems and what can be done to offer support and advice to those who need it.
Ros Jervis, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Director of Public Health, said: "Having good mental health is as important as having good physical health - it affects how we think, feel and act, and helps determine how we handle stress and relate to others.
"So many of us struggle to cope with the demands of life and are simply surviving - not thriving. That's why it is so important to look at what steps we can take to look after ourselves and build resilience to cope with the struggles in our lives.
"We are very fortunate here in Wolverhampton to have some fantastic services offering support to those seeking it. This year, I, along with City of Wolverhampton Council, am pledging my support to address the stigma surrounding mental health and I encourage everyone to do so too."
The City of Wolverhampton Council's Public Health and Wellbeing team are asking people to pledge what they will do to help address the stigma around mental health by sharing their pledges across social media platforms using the hashtag #WolverhamptonMentalHealth.
The team is also reminding residents of the Five Ways to Wellbeing approach which encourages all to connect, keep learning, be active, take notice and give. Please visit Type=links;Linkid=8429;Title=Mind - Five Ways to Wellbeing;Target=_blank; to find out more.
A number of events are also taking place. They began with a coffee morning today (Monday 8 May) organised by Starfish Health and Wellbeing and Creative Support, while Healthwatch Wolverhampton will be hosting a 'tea and chat' at The Lindens, 221 Tettenhall Road, tomorrow (Tuesday 9 May) from 10am to 1pm. People are invited to come along and share their own experiences by taking part in open and honest discussions designed to help end the silence.
Headstart Wolverhampton has organised a series of activities within local schools and community settings throughout the week to encourage people to share the messages of Mental Health Awareness Week and encourage young people to take positive steps to good mental health. More details are available at Type=links;Linkid=8430;Title=Headstart - May 2017;Target=_blank;.
People struggling with mental health issues in Wolverhampton can get help and support from Wolverhampton Healthy Minds by calling 0800 923 0222 or 01902 441856, or visiting Type=links;Linkid=8431;Title=Wolverhampton Healthy Minds;Target=_blank;, or by calling MIND, the mental health charity, on 0300 123 3393 or via Type=links;Linkid=7166;Title=Mind;Target=_blank;.
They can also visit Type=articles;Articleid=6575;Title=Wolverhampton Information Network; - for further information on support services available within Wolverhampton.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2017 is organised by the Mental Health Foundation. To find out more, please visit Type=links;Linkid=4556;Title=Mental Health Foundation;Target=_blank;.
- released: Monday 8 May, 2017