The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10 October each year.
For over 70 years, the Mental Health Foundation has been working to make sure that mental health is treated equally with physical health.
Mental health problems exist in our lives, families, workplaces, and communities . . . affecting everyone.
There is a need to call on national and local governments to prioritise reducing the factors known to pose a risk to people’s mental health, enhancing those known to protect it, and creating the conditions needed for people to thrive.
World Mental Health Day is also a chance to talk about mental health, to discuss how we need to look after it, and how important it is to talk about things and how/where you can find help when its needed.
Acknowledging Mental Health
In our first post today, we acknowledge the significance of World Mental Health Day and emphasised the impact it has on individuals living with neuroendocrine cancer. We recognise that the emotional journey of those with this condition can be particularly challenging, and we stand with them, offering our unwavering support.
–
–
Insightful Video from RareMinds:
As part of our efforts to raise awareness, we encouraged our community to watch a video by Kym Winters from RareMinds. Discussing coping with neuroendocrine cancer and understanding your emotions, this video provides valuable insights into the emotional aspects of living with neuroendocrine cancer. It’s a must-watch for anyone seeking to better understand the mental health challenges associated with this condition.
–
–
Neuroendocrine Cancer Support Groups:
Our ‘Natter’ peer-support groups are community-based, online or in-person, meetings that offer an opportunity to listen and talk with others also affected by Neuroendocrine Cancer; to share experiences, make friends and create a supportive network: locally, regionally and nationally.
“Having a natter” can bond people together, creating and generating a sense of belonging . . . an understanding of each other – whether experiences are the same or different. . .
And that’s a powerful thing . . . alongside building and sustaining a sense of community, our ‘natters’ can also Open Conversations about ‘deeper and more serious’ topics that we may think are the reserve of ‘formal consultations’.
And every Natter is different – they can be uplifting, funny or sometimes a bit challenging – some of the topics discussed may feel difficult to be part of, at times. However, we aim and support our Natters to be safe spaces where anything and everything can be discussed, considerately and with others “who get it”.
VIEW OUR NATTER CALENDAR HERE.
We have also worked with our colleagues and partners at RareMinds, to develop a series of group therapy programmes for those affected by Neuroendocrine Cancer – to run alongside our well-established one-to-one counselling service and Natter support groups.
Our new series of programmes aims to help address some of the factors that can affect mental health well-being – especially for those living with a rare/uncommon cancer diagnosis – such as uncertainty, isolation, and invisibility.
We will be confirming dates for 2024 in the coming weeks. In the meantime, for further information about the help and support available at Neuroendocrine Cancer UK, you can:
- talk to us,
- email us,
- join us at a Natter,
- contact our counselling team
- or simply visit us to find out more.
There are a range of ways we can help . . . we’re here for you.
At Neuroendocrine Cancer UK, we are dedicated to improving the mental well-being of individuals living with neuroendocrine cancer. Our commitment to raising awareness, offering support, and introducing innovative programmes underscores our mission to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.
For more information and updates on our initiatives, please stay connected with Neuroendocrine Cancer UK on our website and social media channels.