Karen Adam: 'Mental health matters; you matter'
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In the current rhythm of our fast-paced lives, feelings of anxiety have become all-too-common.
As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2023, our focus is drawn to this year’s theme: anxiety.
It is a call to raise awareness, understanding and take proactive steps towards our mental wellbeing.
Anxiety, a condition characterised by persistent worry and fear, often looms large in many people’s lives. However, understanding anxiety, its triggers, and mechanisms, can empower us to take control and seek the help we need.
Mental health is as crucial as physical health and looking after our mental wellbeing should be a priority.
In this spirit of understanding and empowerment, The Vinery in Banff is hosting the Wellbeing Festival from May 15-20, a week-long event culminating in a grand finale day on Saturday, May 20. With activities and events hosted at The Vinery and Banff Castle, the festival promises a comprehensive focus on mental health and wellbeing.
The Wellbeing Festival is more than just an event; it’s a testament to our collective commitment to nurturing mental health. Offering an array of therapeutic sessions, information workshops, and activities, the festival aims to equip individuals with the tools to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
From open water swimming and sound baths to attending art therapy workshops, participants will have the opportunity to explore various methods of managing anxiety and fostering mental resilience.
Moreover, the festival is a platform for education. Information workshops will delve into the causes, symptoms, and management of anxiety, demystifying the condition and promoting better understanding. Professionals in the field will provide drop-in sessions for attendees to participate in, helping us to comprehend the complex nature of anxiety and the best strategies to manage it.
The festival is not just about individual growth; it’s also about community. Mental health issues can often make us feel isolated, but by attending the Wellbeing Festival, you are stepping into a supportive community. It’s a chance to share experiences, draw strength from each other, and know that you are not alone in your journey.
The final day, set for May 20 at The Vinery and Banff Castle, will be a celebration of this sense of community and shared understanding. Participants can engage in a multitude of activities aimed at promoting mental health, fostering connections, and highlighting the importance of communal support in dealing with conditions like anxiety.
By attending the festival, you are not just investing in your own mental health; you are actively participating in a wider movement to destigmatise mental health issues. You are contributing to a culture that acknowledges the importance of mental wellbeing, encouraging others to do the same.
Mental Health Awareness Week and the festival serve as timely reminders of the importance of looking after our mental health. It’s a call to action for us all – to understand, to empathise, and to look out for one another.
Mark your calendars from May 15-20 and let’s take a step forward together in understanding and managing anxiety. Let’s build a community that views mental health as integral to overall wellbeing. Let’s create a world where seeking help is seen not as a sign of weakness, but as a testament to one’s strength.
To book your place, please email the Aberdeen Foyer at: thevinery@aberdeenfoyer.com
Mental health matters. You matter. Let’s embrace this journey of understanding and wellness together. We look forward to seeing you at the Wellbeing Festival in Banff.
