Mental Health Awareness Week
13 May – 19th May 2024
Movement in recovery
Movement for mental health
Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event that takes place in the UK, aimed at raising awareness and starting conversations about mental health. Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, it takes place in 2024 between 13th and 19th May.
The theme this year is ‘movement’, aiming to help people find moments for movement in their daily routines to help support their mental health.
‘Movement’ is complex in eating disorder recovery. Some of us may struggle with our relationship with exercise, others may feel very disconnected from the body.
At Orri, we see the body as an incredible resource for recovery. By nature, an eating disorder ‘interrupts’ an individual’s connection to their body and their body’s signals (e.g. hunger, fullness). In treatment, we utilise a number of somatic (body-based) therapies to reconnect people to their bodies in a way that’s safe, curious, compassionate and nourishing.
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic Therapy is a body-centered therapy that works at the intersection of thoughts, feelings and sensations. Somatic practitioners place the focus on a client’s somatic and embodied experience as a way of exploring psychological material.
Somatic therapy recognises that the body is a largely unutilised resource in traditional talking therapies and understands that the body also communicates information that can help someone to make sense of their experience.
At Orri, we are trained to ‘foreground’the somatic experience, watching for nervous system arousal levels, tension, sensations, breath, gestures, movement and posture. We understand that words can help us make sense of our experience, but we also understand that the body communicates through non-verbal signals and in fact, it is largely agreed that the majority of what and how we communicate is non-verbal.
A somatic practice for grounding and regulation
#1 – Breath with awareness
Begin by finding a quiet space where you can sit or lie down comfortably. Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath. Notice the rise and fall of your chest and the sensation of the breath entering and leaving your body. Take slow, deep breaths, inhaling for a count of four and exhaling for a count of four.
#2 – Become aware of your surroundings
Take a moment to pause, take a deep breath, and then consciously engage your senses: notice the textures, colours, and shapes around you; listen to the sounds in your environment; feel the support of the ground beneath your feet or chair beneath you. This sensory awareness helps anchor you to the present moment, creating a refuge of calm amidst life’s chaos.
#3 – Notice the language of your body
Lie down on your back or sit against a wall so you feel supported. Start at your toes and slowly work your way up through your body, paying close attention to any areas of tension or discomfort. As you notice these sensations, take a deep breath in and on the exhale, imagine releasing the tension.
#4 – Offer yourself kindness
Self-compassion is the cornerstone of healing and resilience.By extending the same kindness to ourselves that we would offer to a friend in distress, we create a nurturing inner environment that fosters emotional well-being and recovery.
“Thoughts are the language of the mind and feelings are the language of the body”
Unifying body and mind in recovery
Helpful blogs relating to mental health
How does Orri support mental health?
At Orri, we understand that every person’s mental health is unique and there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when treating mental health conditions such as eating disorders. Therefore, we take a holistic approach to eating disorder treatment, focusing not only on the physical symptoms but also on the psychological, social, and environmental factors that contribute to the condition. By addressing the root causes of the eating disorder and supporting individuals’ mental health needs, we aim to empower clients to achieve sustainable recovery and improved overall wellbeing.
FAQs
What is Mental Health Awareness Week?
Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event that takes place in the UK, aimed at raising awareness and starting conversations about mental health. It is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation and takes place in May each year.
When is Mental Health Awareness Week 2024?
Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 runs from May 13th to May 19th.
What is the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2024?
The theme for 2024 is ‘Movement’ and aims to help people to find moments for movement in their daily routines to help with mental health.
How can I get involved with Mental Health Awareness Week?
There are many ways to get involved with Mental Health Awareness Week, including sharing information on social media, attending local events, and participating in activities that promote mental wellbeing. You can also visit the Mental Health Foundation website to access resources and information.
Why is Mental Health Awareness Week important?
Mental Health Awareness Week is important because it helps to raise awareness of mental health issues and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. By encouraging conversations and promoting understanding, Mental Health Awareness Week helps to create a more supportive and inclusive society for those living with mental health conditions.
If you have concerns about your mental health or want to talk more about eating disorders, we’re here to talk.