October 10 marks World Mental Health Day.
People across the globe have been taking to social media to raise awareness of mental health issues and to share helplines and support systems for those who may be struggling with their mental health.
A host of stars have also marked the day online, including Love Island star Dr Alex George and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Take a look:
Dr Alex George
Dr Alex George rose to fame on Love Island in 2018 and earlier this year, he was appointed a Youth Mental Health Ambassador in the UK by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The A&E doctor, who’s younger brother Llyr sadly took his own life last year, took to Instagram to mark World Mental Health Day.
He wrote: “It has been the honour of my life taking on the role as Youth Mental Health Ambassador, however there is no hiding away from the fact it’s been incredibly bitter-sweet.”
“Mental health isn’t for one day only, and on my platform it is a constant in my content. But today I want to take the opportunity to celebrate the incredible people who look after our mental health around the UK.”
“These individuals are doing an incredibly difficult job, at a time where the need for mental health is increasing almost daily. THANK YOU for saving the lives for our loved ones, being there to pick us up when we are at our lowest. YOU ARE AMAZING.”
Alex then shared photos of mental health practitioners and thanked them for their work.
Kate Middleton and Prince William
Taking care of our mental health and wellbeing has never been more important.
What will you be doing to take care of your mental health today? #WorldMentalHealthDay
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) October 10, 2021
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge tweeted: “Taking care of our mental health and wellbeing has never been more important.”
The royals then asked: “What will you be doing to take care of your mental health today?”
Malin Andersson
Love Island star Malin Andersson has been open about her mental health struggles on social media in the past.
Marking World Mental Health Day, she wrote on the app: “There have been many challenges in my life. A lot of soul searching, travelling, mistakes, learning, growth, pain, trauma, loneliness and healing. The list goes on.”
“I chose to post this photo today on #WorldMentalHealthAwarenessDay because it sums up beautifully on the journey I’ve been on. It’s taken a lot of healing to get to where I am, but the view at the end was always going to be beautiful.”
“Instead of me talking about trauma, and many mental health challenges I’ve gone through.. I would like to show you how beautiful life can be if you keep going and you don’t give up when you feel like there is no more. It does get better and easier.”
Malin continued: “There have been times I’ve wanted to give up, times I couldn’t get out of my own head, times I wanted to leave this earth and be with my mum, dad and daughter.. but each difficulty I faced – I pushed through. I allowed myself to be in each moment because that was part of my journey. If I cried, I cried.. if I wanted to isolate myself – I did.”
“Today I ask you to take time to reflect on how far you have come with your mental health journey. You are here – reading this with such strength, and I know everything will be okay. I know that life has many beautiful things in store for you.”
“You’ve got the courage, the heart and most importantly you’ve got YOU. Anything is possible.. the future is yours to claim. Nothing EVER came easy for me.. it still never is.. I just learn how to navigate through it in a way that helps me. I make sure I treat my mind right.”
“Just keep persevering through the red light and the dark nights.. Love you all. 💚”
Iain Stirling
Iain Stirling shared a quote to Instagram, which read: “It’s ok to feel s***. But it’s a lot more ok if you don’t feel alone. Let’s keep talking #WorldMentalHealthDay.”
He captioned the post: “Hello, if you’re not feeling great you can call the Samaritans for free. No names, no details, just a chat. 116 123. It will all be ok x”
Anna Geary
Irish camogie player and television personality Anna Geary took to Instagram to share a photo of a ballerina wearing a ballet and none on her other foot, which is covered in cuts and plasters.
She wrote: “We never EVER see the full picture. We never know the full story, the unknown details that people choose to conceal. As a form of protection, out of a sense of pressure, maybe denial.”
“To an extent we all choose what we put out into the world. We curate, we filter, we select. Most of us paint the canvas of our life on social media and in public, with caution. What will people say? Or think? Be kind. Be compassionate. Be aware. Be willing to listen. Don’t presume. Don’t judge.”
“The world can be harsh enough for some as it is. Someone’s minor problem is another’s mountain to climb. Don’t trivialise another person’s worries.”
View this post on Instagram
“Today might be #worldmentalhealthday but every day is a day we need to respect our mental health and that of others. SAVE this as a reminder. SHARE if this can help someone.🤍”
“Think about it- what one piece of advice would you give your younger self to help through life? For me it would be …’Not every venture is meant for you, but you will learn from every setback. Go easy on yourself when things don’t work out. Failure makes you stronger, not weaker. Give everything, everything you’ve got!'”
“‘Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams or wear your heart on your sleeve. And celebrate your wins. And not everyone may like you, but that doesn’t mean you need to change’. ❤️”
“Remind people today how awesome they are, how much they matter and how they make a difference xxx,” she added.
For a full list of helplines and support sites, click here.
