World Mental Health Day
Mental Health Speakers
10th October 2020 is World Mental Health Day. As the owner of the Speakers Agency, the daughter of a frail and elderly Dad and someone who loves seeing family and friends. The news continually reports of an increase in mental health problems amongst all ages as a result of lockdown, and subsequent partial lockdowns. And mental health issues are soaring due to loneliness, worry about finances, health and concern for loved ones.
In the world of employment, many companies have already introduced a mental health day. They are seen as a day off which is specifically and strategically geared toward stress relief. And while one day off may not by itself cure the stress, a mental health day might provide a much-needed (and well-deserved) break. They were being made increasingly available to employees as they are considered efficient. Indeed, they are believed to encourage overall health and wellness. Thus, helping to maintain work-life balance.
Sadly, I don’t think they will help much at the moment for the millions who have been furloughed. Or trapped working from home. Perhaps a day off in so much as not having to actually work will do people the power of good. But can businesses afford this right now?
Mental Health Survival
Understandably the biggest dilemma for many businesses right now is survival. Furthermore, can they afford to offer the 10th October as a day off this year. The economy has been so hard hit in recent months and the future is certainly not looking so rosy in the short term.
According to the charity MIND, their research which involved over 16,000 people, they discovered that more than half of adults (60%) and over two thirds of young people (68%) said their mental health got worse during lockdown. They also found out that many have developed new mental health problems as a result of the pandemic and, for some, existing mental health problems had increased.
Green is apparently the colour of mental health. It represents hope, strength, support, and encouragement for sufferers. An interesting choice of colour. I love to walk in the countryside and admire the trees and landscapes which for half the year are verdant green. It makes me happy, inspires me, uplifts me. And I know many other people who feel the same way. But equally there are some pretty horrid shades of green. A house not far from us is painted the most awful, indeed evil shade of green. It makes me really cross every time I drive past it. I think I prefer turquoise personally. But if green really does help then I’m with green all the way.
Companies are increasingly requesting speakers who incorporate mental health into their speeches and we are delighted to list some of them below:
Nicky Campbell
Nicky Campbell is instantly recognizable for his Radio 5Live presenting and Long-Lost Family.
He is also opening up about his mental health struggles and diagnosis with bipolar disorder in his upcoming memoir.
The book is called One of the Family: Why A Dog Called Maxwell Changed My Life and will be published on the 18 Feb 2021
Simone Heng
Simone Heng travels the world inspiring people on the topic of Human Connection. She is globally recognised keynote speaker and her expertise covers mental health and diversity too.
Her clients include Salesforce, UBS, Rubrik, Acronis, DBS, Google, Ted X, Great Eastern, AIA, Eurochem, Manulife and The United Nations.
She is also an extremely versatile event host and very experienced in both in person and virtual deliveries.
Owen O’Kane
Owen O’Kane is a psychotherapist, Sunday Times best-selling author of ‘Ten To Zen’ and speaker.
His talks leave audiences curious, positively challenged and eager to make changes in their lives.
He is a former NHS Clinical Lead for mental health, with over 25 years’ experience.
He now runs a private practice in London.
Poorna Bell
Poorna Bell is an award-winning journalist, published author, and influencer. In addition, she is an impressive speaker.
Speaking about business, fitness, body image, wellness, Poorna is also passionate about mental health and issues facing the BAME community.
Furthermore, she is popular event facilitator and conference moderator.
Shirley Ballas
Shirley Ballas is the head judge on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing. The British-born Ballroom and Latin dancer, and international coach, is also an outstanding and hugely inspirational speaker. Shirley speaks about the importance of focusing and achieving your goals. She also offers advice on how to ignore the naysayers, reinvent yourself when necessary and mental health.
The author of Behind the Sequins Shirley offers the readers an incredible insight into her fascinating career. Furthermore, she shares her battles with mental health and how she copes. Genuine and rather humble, Shirley’s fireside chats and speeches really do resonate with her audiences. She leaves them feeling uplifted and empowered.
