World Mental Health Day at Growing Well
By Beren Aldridge, 10 October 2012 –
Today looks like just another day on the farm. Two of our volunteers are in the packing area, bagging up green tomatoes and chard for tomorrow's Crop Share. Another volunteer is working with Clare in our office preparing our orders for next week. Volunteers are out in the chilly, still, autumn air harvesting crops with James. You wouldn't know from all that activity that it is World Mental Health Day.
Around the world people are talking about mental well-being, focusing particularly on depression and the need for better treatments for this common illness. One way to improve mental well-being is to get active, get into the outdoors and get involved with others. This isn't easy when you are feeling depressed, and I am continually impressed by the determination of our volunteers to get to the farm and be involved.
Experiencing depression isn't the same as feeling low for a few days. It is a persistent condition that effects mood, energy levels, sleep and our ability to complete tasks. When we feel depressed we might lose the confidence we use to leave the house and to get to work. It can be very debilitating. But in most cases something can be done to alleviate the symptoms and support recovery.
If you or someone you know is depressed perhaps working with us at the farm could help. Get in touch with us and arrange a visit to the farm to see how working at Growing Well can support recovery.