Mental health affects us all – every day, in different ways.
Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) takes place from 11-17 May and creates space for honest reflection, learning, and connection, helping to reduce stigma and remind us that support is always available.
Looking after your mental wellbeing isn’t about perfection – it’s about noticing how you feel, responding with kindness, and reaching out when you need support.
Why does it matter?
Around one in five adults across the UK, Northern Ireland and Ireland experience common mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
These difficulties are especially common among young people aged 16–24.
Poor mental health is also one of the leading reasons people take time off work, with millions of working days lost each year.
Because mental health affects so many people, most of us will know, care for, work with, or support someone who is struggling – even if we are not directly affected ourselves.
This year’s theme for MHAW is ACTION because, although awareness is vital, real change is only possible when we take action too.
Mental wellbeing isn’t a destination: it’s a daily practice of care and awareness.
Small actions that make a big difference
01. Check in with yourself
Pause once a day and ask: ‘How am I really feeling right now?’ Naming emotions helps reduce their intensity.
02. Stay connected
A short message, a coffee catch‑up, or a walk‑and‑talk can strengthen connection and reduce feelings of isolation.
03. Create healthy boundaries
Switch off notifications outside work hours where possible and protect at least one genuine break each day.
04. Move gently
You don’t need a workout – stretching, walking, or fresh air can significantly improve mood and focus.
05. Ask for support early
You don’t need to be in crisis to ask for help. Talking sooner can prevent small challenges becoming overwhelming.
Why not have a look around Lena’s digital hub for more info and resources on how you can protect and maintain your mental health.
More from our blog
Menopause and work
The menopause is a natural biological process. It occurs when your ovaries age and naturally produce lower levels of reproductive hormones. The menopause may have a significant impact on home life and work performance. This can be unsettling, particularly if a particular role carries lots of responsibility. The hormonal changes…
Understanding Stepped Care and its role in workplace wellbeing
The stepped care model is a fundamental part of Inspire's workplace offering. So, what is it and why is it so important?
PTSD Awareness Day
Trauma isn’t always dramatic or visible. In reality, it can come from things many of us experience at some point in life - not just rare or extreme events. It could be a car accident, losing someone suddenly, going through a serious illness, experiencing ongoing stress, or difficult experiences growing…
Men’s Mental Health Week
Every June, Men’s Health Week (15th to 21st) highlights a simple but powerful message: men’s health needs more attention - physically and mentally. While progress has been made, the reality across Ireland, the UK, and globally, is that men still experience poorer health outcomes and are less likely to seek…
World Day for Cultural Diversity
World Day for Cultural Diversity on 21 May celebrates the different cultures, identities, experiences and perspectives that shape who we are – and how diversity enriches our workplaces, communities and conversations.
Workplace Wellbeing – “Build Belonging”
Two important dates occur in April in relation to promoting and prioritising wellbeing in the workplace, namely World Day for Health & Safety at Work on 28 April, closely followed by Ibec’s National Workplace Wellbeing Day.
Stress Awareness Month
Stress is a normal part of life – but when pressure becomes persistent, overwhelming, or begins to impact your wellbeing, it’s important to recognise the signs early and reach out for support.
NI Only – Room Hire Claim 1st April 2026
From 1st April 2026, you will no longer be required to fill out the excel room hire template. Instead, if you are claiming for room hire you must fill out a room hire claim form on the appointment within Penelope.
Nutrition & Hydration Week
Nutrition & Hydration Week takes place from 16th to 22nd March, and is a reminder that small choices – what we sip, what we snack, what we prepare – influence our energy, mood, and concentration more than we often realise.
World Sleep Day
World Sleep Day on the 13th March encourages us to prioritise rest, rethink our habits, and reclaim the reset that our bodies (and brains) depend on.
International Women’s Day 2026
International Women’s Day (IWD) takes place on 8th March, and encourages us to reflect, recognise, and celebrate the achievements of women. This year’s theme - Give To Gain - invites us to rethink what it means to support and uplift one another. The campaign asks us to intentionally share knowledge,…
Pancake Tuesday
This year, Random Acts of Kindness Day and Pancake Tuesday fall on the same date (17th Feb) - a perfect opportunity to combine both! Kindness doesn’t need to be grand - in this instance it can be as easy as bringing a plate of pancakes to the office kitchen.