Doncaster therapist asks people to check in on their friends and family during Mental Health Awareness Week

May 10 to 16 is Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK.

Alex Oliver is an MBACP therapist here in Doncaster.

She said: “Mental Health Awareness Week is all about helping to remove the stigma and spreading the message that it’s ok not to be ok.

“In my opinion every day should be an awareness day.

“But this upcoming week is a great opportunity to start conversations.”

Alex says she has seen a rise of anxiety in her patients as well as low self esteem and confidence.

“Mental health fatigue or pandemic fatigue is big at the moment,” she continued.

“It’s the feeling of being just so totally mentally ‘full up’ for extended periods of time that we can get burnt out and end up feeling totally fatigued and exhausted by it all.”

Alex said that she hopes people use Mental Health Awareness Week to check in on loved ones who may be having a hard time.

“Ask people if they’re ok,” she said.

“In the UK we have a tendency to not really mean it when we ask ‘how are you?’

“But take the time to ask your close friends how they’re actually doing next week.

“Sometimes just being there and listening can make all the difference.

“You don’t need to have all the answers.”

To help raise awareness The Doncaster Free Press wants to share real stories from Doncaster people – hoping that it will help to open up a conversation during the national week of awareness.

We want to hear from a variety of different people and would love to share as many stories as possible.

If you’re available to talk to reporter Laura Andrew between now and Friday at 5pm please email her at [email protected] and she will get in touch.

Find out more about Alex here.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.