Breaking Stigma & Building Community: Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

We Change Lives
16 hours ago
3 min read

Mental health isn’t just an individual journey, it’s a shared one. That’s why this year, the Mental Health Foundation has chosen Community as the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week. Because the people around us – friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours – can make all the difference.

When we open up, challenge misconceptions, and create space for honest conversations, we help build a world where no one has to face their struggles alone.

To mark the week, we’re tackling some of the most common mental health myths that stop people from seeking support – and showing how each of us can help play a part in breaking the stigma.

Three women sit on a couch, smiling and holding mugs. A window with curtains is in the background, creating a cosy, relaxed atmosphere.

Mental Health Myths vs. Facts

With so many misconceptions floating around about mental health, it’s no wonder that there’s so much stigma, misunderstanding, and pause when it comes to people getting the support they need. So, let’s change things. We’re breaking down five mental health myths, deconstructing them and exploring the actual facts:

🚫 MYTH: Mental health issues are rare.

✅ FACT: Mental health struggles are far more common than many people realise. At any given time, 1 in 4 people in the UK experience a mental health problem.¹ And mental health affects everyone – just like physical health. Even if you haven’t personally struggled, chances are someone close to you has. That’s why it’s so important to break the stigma and talk about it.

🚫 MYTH: Just be positive and you'll feel better.

✅ FACT: While positivity has its place, mental health conditions aren’t about mindset alone. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other conditions are complex and often need professional support. Telling someone to “just cheer up” can often have the opposite effect, making them feel misunderstood, isolated, and disregard the complexity of their mental health issue. Instead, sharing a simple “I’m here for you” can go a lot further in showing you care.

🚫 MYTH: Talking about mental health makes things worse.

✅ FACT: Open conversations don’t cause mental health issues – they help break down fear and stigma as well as offer a medium for you both to connect, express feelings, and vent. With 9 in 10 adults in the UK report experiencing high to extreme levels of stress at various times,¹ having a safe space to talk has never been more important. Talking about our struggles helps to normalise them. Listening without judgment creates an environment where people feel comfortable asking for help.

🚫 MYTH: There's nothing you can do to help someone struggling.

✅ FACT: Small acts of kindness and support can be life changing. Checking in, listening, and encouraging someone to seek help can be a turning point for them. Having community support – whether from friends, family, professional resources, or services like ours at We Change Lives – can be the difference between someone suffering in silence and someone getting the support they need.

🚫 MYTH: Community support doesn't make a difference.

✅ FACT: Strong communities are essential for mental wellbeing. Feeling connected, supported, and valued reduces stress and boosts resilience. Whether it’s a supportive workplace, a neighbourhood that looks out for each other, or just having someone who can listen - community plays a vital role in mental health. No one should have to face their struggles alone.

People in a cosy room with blue walls and orange and blue balloons. Some eat at wooden tables, others chat. Large windows show greenery outside.

How We Change Lives Supports Mental Health

We know that mental health isn’t one-size-fits-all. No two people experience it in the same way, which is why our Mental Health & Wellbeing Services are built around the individual, focusing on person-centred support and real connections.

🏡 Westleigh House: Residential Mental Health Support

For those who need long-term, structured support, our 18-bedroom residential home provides a safe and supportive environment where people can rebuild confidence and work towards their personal goals.

🫂 Person-Centred Care with Our Supported Living Network

Mental health recovery isn’t always about residential care. We offer tailored support in the community and in their own homes, helping people gain skills, find independence, and build meaningful connections in their daily lives.

🫶 Listening, Learning, and Celebrating Progress

We know that everyone’s journey is different. That’s why we listen closely to the people we support, their families, and their wider community to continually improve our services. We celebrate every step forward – because progress, no matter how big or small, deserves to be recognised.

If you or someone you know needs support, we’re here to help. 💙