Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

At Twisted, we are a community of people who work together to break the stigma.

This year, the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is ‘Nature’. There is an essential human need to connect with nature as it offers many powerful benefits for our mental health including: increasing our creativity and empathy whilst reducing feelings of loneliness and preventing stress.

“Nature is our great untapped resource for a mentally healthy future”

We spoke to our in-house mental health first aiders about the importance of spending time outdoors.

James Parkhouse, one of Twisted’s Mental Health First Aider says:

For me personally, managing your mental wellbeing is just as important as managing your physical wellbeing. Being outside and around nature for me is a great way to relieve the stress and anxiety that can very quickly build up within and give you a great sense of freedom and relief.  

Sharon Woods, another Twisted Mental Health First Aider explains:

Studies have shown that outdoor walking boosts energy and vitality. It can help to mitigate the symptoms of seasonal depression by increasing exposure to sunlight and vitamin D. I think, especially during the last year, outdoor activity has been beneficial to people’s wellness. Even small things like a plant buddy on your desk or at home has shown to have a positive effect on your mental health. Small things can make a huge impact on your wellbeing if you make the changes.