The Big Listen

As restrictions begin to lift across the UK and we edge back towards normality, it’s tempting to try to do everything all at once. We might feel the need to make up for lost time. We might even feel pressured into throwing ourselves back into socialising, shopping (in actual shops), mixing with other people we don’t know, just because everyone else seems to be embracing our newly regained freedom… It might make some of us feel completely overwhelmed where others are just a bit anxious about the thought of getting back to ‘normal’… whatever that is.

However we feel, it’s good to remind ourselves that we’re not alone.

There’s loads of support available if you find these feelings start to impact your mental health. From blogs and advice from the Mental Health Foundation, to podcasts and support with stress from Headspace.

On Saturday 24 July Samaritans are running their annual Big Listen campaign to remind us they’re here for all of us. Whenever we need them. 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can follow all their activity on Big Listen day across their social media feeds – @samaritanscharity on Instagram and Facebook, and @samaritans on Twitter. Or you can check out their website for details of events taking place in your local area.

Opening up to talk about how we’re feeling can be daunting, but it can have amazing benefits too. Samaritans believe in the life-saving power of conversation – take a look at their Small Talk Saves Lives video.

If you’d like to volunteer for Samaritans checkout their website. And if you need support you can call Samaritans on 116 123 – calls are free and lines are always open.