10/10/2026
As you may be aware, Saturday is World Mental Health Day.
I'm no expert and I certainly don't wish to preach, but here's my 10 penneth if you're interested...
For me the event should encourage us all to be a little more open eyed and eared to those around us as well as ensuring we seek help from them when we need it.
Whilst I can see the view that there are those among us who can take it to the extreme and use every small challenge as an opportunity to dissolve, intent to garner attention, that extreme shouldn't encourage us to do the direct opposite and swallow things down in a traditional 'stiff upper lip' fashion or to think that not asking for help is a sign of strength or masculinity - a badge of honour!? There's plenty of grey area between those 2 extremes, and we should occupy it. Pent up and unresolved issues are really not good for your mental or physical health in my view and as far as I'm aware scientific research backs that up.
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So take that opportunity to 'shoot the s*%t with that old friend you haven't seen for ages over a coffee or a b**r. Give yourself some time too, whether that's gong for a walk, reading a book, a hobby or just some general leisure time.
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We're all working so much nowadays just to pay the bills. I'm sure a lot of you will be staying beyond your contracted hours, working through lunch, working multiple jobs, or like me running multiple businesses and just making ends meet. no wonder the NHS is oversubscribed with stress related illnesses.
So we've really got to be kinder to ourselves I think. Don't feel guilty for having a sit down and a cup of tea with your feet up.
Su***de is still the #1 Killer of men under 50.
The old adage that a problem shared is a problem halved certainly rings true. Just a pair of ears to listen can be all that is needed. Just to know someone is there may indeed be enough to save someone's life.
Let's not forget the mums too, a modern day working mum tends to deal with an extraordinary amount of life admin that can easily go unrecognised. So we should certainly try to show appreciation for each others' contributions too. A little recognition goes a long way. We're often so oversubscribed ourselves it easy to forget the others are too!
For me and I'm sure many of you, I have always found solace and catharsis in music if nothing else. As a teen getting into Grunge and Metal was absolute tonic to my teenage angst! One of my favourite albums for wallowing in self pity was Silverchair's 'Frogstomp'.
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Plenty of melancholy as well as release of aggression. Playing music too is incredible for releasing pent up anger. If you've never smashed the hell out of a drum kit in anger, I'd highly recommend you try, even if just playing the most simple thing. It's truly cathartic. if not, maybe a punch bag is a close second?!
I think it would be a nice thing to help draw attention to WMHD and the part music plays in it, so if you ee ur posts Facebook or IG go to our pages and comment your favourite song for when you've had a bad day or are going through tough times!
I don't know if this has been in any way helpful to have read? But thank you for doing so regardless,
All the best,
Tom.
