It’s  Mental Health Awareness this week and the theme this year is kindness. I think it could be the most important week they’ve ever run

They have chosen kindness because of its singular ability to unlock our shared humanity. Kindness strengthens relationships, develops community and deepens solidarity.

It is a cornerstone of our individual and collective mental health. Wisdom from every culture across history recognises that kindness is something that all human beings need to experience and practise to be fully alive.

Kindness is defined by doing something towards yourself and others, motivated by genuine desire to make a positive difference.

We know from the research that kindness and our mental health are deeply connected kindness is an antidote to isolation and creates a sense of belonging. It helps reduce stress, brings a fresh perspective and deepens friendships.

Kindness to ourselves can prevent shame from corroding our sense of identity and help boost our self-esteem.

We have a once in a generation opportunity not only during but also following this pandemic for a reset and re-think about what kind of society we want to emerge from this crisis.

When I was recovering from my own trauma, one of the hardest things I had to learn was to be kind to myself.  It was so much easier to ashamed, angry and disappointed than kind.

It’s never been more important to not only be kind to each other, but also ourselves

It takes courage to be kind, but courage is also contagious

Let’s choose kindness!