What do you do to improve your mental health?
Share how you look after your own mental health and how you support others.
Great Mental Health Day is about celebrating the small things we can do to boost our own wellbeing and support each other through difficult times.
The fourth edition of Great Mental Health Day took place on 30 January 2026.
This year’s theme is 'everyday spaces’ and is a reminder of the trusted local spaces which are often where connection happens and support begins.
The Mayor supports Thrive LDN – a citywide movement to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Londoners and led by the London Health Board.
Join the discussion
For Great Mental Health Day, Thrive LDN wants to hear from you about your mental wellbeing.
- What do you do to improve your own mental health?
- What makes you feel connected to others?
- What do you do to support others in your community?
Let us know in the discussion below. You can also comment on other members’ contributions or click the heart icon to show support.
Your contributions will help Thrive to promote mental wellbeing by sharing examples of Londoners' stories.
Did you know?
One in four people will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime. And all of us will experience times when we feel low, worried or anxious.
Signs that you may be struggling with your mental health include:
- problems sleeping
- losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- being tearful, irritable or restless
- feeling tired
- changes in appetite
- negative thoughts and feelings.
Looking after your mental health is important. These tips and tools can help keep you mentally well.
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Log into your accountgoya12
Community Member 10 hours agoYes, there aren't enough apprenticeships for under 24s. There isn't enough coordination between employers and colleges also.
Show full commentYes, there aren't enough apprenticeships for under 24s. There isn't enough coordination between employers and colleges also.
Show less of commentcatandmouse
Community Member 1 day agoI don't think that people that need the help are getting the help that they need and I don't think that improvements have been made much at all I am one of those people that has been ignored and for the last few months by my mental health...
Show full commentI don't think that people that need the help are getting the help that they need and I don't think that improvements have been made much at all I am one of those people that has been ignored and for the last few months by my mental health has got worse and my doctor has done nothing at all to help but in fact he has made the situation worse but how many other people has he done this to and how many other doctors in London has seen doing the same thing this issue is close to my heart and am passionate about it people that do need the help and advice do deserve but I don't think that it is happening or what people are expecting mental health can pop up any time even from childhood which may have been forgotten but can resurfaced in adulthood at any age any one it can affect any one time in there life time but I don't think the help is there to fall back on at the peoples darkest hours of needs and this is a big problem and I do think that it's a wide spread problem that needs to be sorted out sooner rather than later and not putting a sticky plaster over it and leaving it
Show less of commentMarvellous-cc4…
Community Member 1 week agoGood day,
I want to raise something that sits underneath a lot of conversations about race and identity.
Show full commentScience tells us there is only one human species. Skin colour is determined by melanin and exists on a natural spectrum — from very light...
Good day,
I want to raise something that sits underneath a lot of conversations about race and identity.
Science tells us there is only one human species. Skin colour is determined by melanin and exists on a natural spectrum — from very light to very dark — but it is all human variation within the same biological family.
Yet in society, we’ve taken that variation and built very fixed categories around it — “Black,” “White,” “Asian,” and others. These are social labels, not biological truths.
And I think it’s worth asking what impact those labels have on how we see each other, and even how we see ourselves.
For me personally, I’ve experienced what it feels like to be placed into categories that don’t always fully reflect who you are. And that can leave you feeling in between — not fully seen, not fully placed. Over time, that affects something very deep: your sense of belonging.
And this is where it becomes more than an academic conversation.
Because when people are judged, excluded, or defined by appearance rather than character, it doesn’t just pass in the moment — it builds. It can affect confidence, identity, stress, and mental wellbeing.
I’m not denying racism exists — it does, and people’s lived experiences must be acknowledged. But we also have to ask whether the way we talk about difference sometimes reinforces separation instead of connection.
That’s why I believe education matters — not just about history, but about human biology, where these ideas came from, and how easily labels become inherited without question.
Because when you look at it honestly, we are far more alike than we are different.
And if we can hold onto that truth, not just intellectually but emotionally, then maybe we give future generations a better chance of seeing each other first as human beings — before anything else.
And if we can do that, then perhaps the real shift is this: moving from the labels we’ve been given… to finally recognising the humanity that was always there.
Cc4lyfe-8823
Show less of commentMM84
Community Member 1 month agook
S-1
Community Member 1 month agoGo for a walk in one of London's green spaces / parks or go swimming. Sadly our local pool is constantly full of kids swimming lessons and there are no quiet times to go for a swim
Positive-Londo…
Community Member 1 month agoMy name is Will Cardale and I work in the travel industry. I live close to London and value and appreciate London's diversity and am proud to be LGBTQ+.
It would be great to feature photos of public faces or images of the LGBTQ+ community...
Show full commentMy name is Will Cardale and I work in the travel industry. I live close to London and value and appreciate London's diversity and am proud to be LGBTQ+.
It would be great to feature photos of public faces or images of the LGBTQ+ community on TFL art or Pride themed buses/tubes with who have contributed towards the community's achievements and/or are happy to be joyful, visible and proud of themselves.
Despite the years of injustice, having to hide unfairly and not being recognised alongside other citizens, I believe representation matters hugely in 2026.
We are one gigantic human community intertwined together like a beehive, passing each other in the streets, sometimes acknowledging each other's faces, sometimes smiling at each other & other occasions feeling ignored, maybe lonely or disconnected by overuse of smartphones.
Yet, we and everyone else live together on the planet & see, relate and interact with each other's identities every day. We all matter and nobody should feel they dont matter or aren't visible-young or retired, successful or starting out.
I trust my ideas are of use for Pride month and TFL. I would love to hear any comments or thoughts.
Happy Pride & let's be kind when we can!
Show less of commentNadiaOfficial
Community Member 1 month agohmmm, when I think about mental health and patien wellbein, I'm drawn to some professional practices that I find concerning, I'll explain.
When information is written in the margin about a patient let it be based on facts alone, personal...
Show full commenthmmm, when I think about mental health and patien wellbein, I'm drawn to some professional practices that I find concerning, I'll explain.
When information is written in the margin about a patient let it be based on facts alone, personal opinions are subjective and at times inaccurate, and to those who read it, please do fact check. For the unsuspecting patient, this is information written about you, that you will never see in your records, not even with a SARs.
Conducting recorded, video or third party patient appointments without the patient knowledge or expressed permission, is a violation of human rights anywhere else, why not in this setting.
Even though once qualified as a GP you are not required to update skills and knowledge, do it anyway, showing up as the best version of yourself can only enhance your patient better health and wellbeing.
On another note; It's important that all Londoners engage in an activity that requires movement, regardless of age. Walk, swim or sit in a chair. As a group very motivational on your own, no problem use a nhs app and get started and boost your mood. Think Captin Tom.
If it's hot put on your sun cream, if it's cold put on your coat, go out and speak to someone at least once a week at your nearest library. Human contact and movement are a free and necessary component to mental health and wellbeing.
Show less of commentAnonymous
Community Member 1 month agoTrue
Mindful-Neighb…
Community Member 1 month agoI agree
Show full commentI agree
Show less of commentTheSource
Community Member 2 months agoBut apart from that?
TheSource
Community Member 2 months agoWhat I do to help is talk to people, anyone may be suffering mental health problems, you may be the only person who speaks to them, keep it light, but acknowledge those around you.
catandmouse
Community Member 1 day agoare you a mental health doctor or nurse or professional I have been suffering with my mental health for years what you said may help someone but may not be appropriate for others this is a fact that is why people should be getting...
Show full commentare you a mental health doctor or nurse or professional I have been suffering with my mental health for years what you said may help someone but may not be appropriate for others this is a fact that is why people should be getting professional help that is appropriated help to suit help that is for that individual as they say you could be doing more harm than good I thought that I would let you know in kind respect stay safe
Show less of commentgoya12
Community Member 2 months agoThe local library and library based reading groups are really important for mental health. They divert attention of young people away from the manosphere, addictive computer gaming and dangerous online influencers. Also great if there is...
Show full commentThe local library and library based reading groups are really important for mental health. They divert attention of young people away from the manosphere, addictive computer gaming and dangerous online influencers. Also great if there is a Foyle's or a Waterstone's in every town.
Show less of commentcatandmouse
Community Member 1 day agothis is not just for young people it's for everyone but i do understand what you are saying like young people trying to get there first job and they cant get one because there is not the jobs around and how that can affect there mental...
Show full commentthis is not just for young people it's for everyone but i do understand what you are saying like young people trying to get there first job and they cant get one because there is not the jobs around and how that can affect there mental health a trauma that they may have been through but that is just two examlpes
Show less of commentLucky-Londoner-1361
Community Member 2 months agoWhen I feel overwhelmed, the thing that helps most is building something. It gives me control when everything else feels uncertain.
catandmouse
Community Member 23 hours agoI have had an idea regarding what you have said and what another person has said my Idea is that people that are getting the help from a professional may be they can combine that with another mental health professional that does may be...
Show full commentI have had an idea regarding what you have said and what another person has said my Idea is that people that are getting the help from a professional may be they can combine that with another mental health professional that does may be something that people really enjoy doing like a cycling group climbing problem solving a reading group as you building something have said learning something new new skills that will get them in to a job at the end of it where they are working as a team and make friends which is hard for some people to do (I am one of them) while still getting the help from there original professional worker may be an hour or two two or three times a week I think combining that may help people a hell of a lot and make them feel they they can achieve something feel that they are wanted in society and they can do things just as good as the next I think that this could be a game changer and change peoples lives for the better that make people wanting to get out of bed and that life is worth living and fighting for any others opinions would be good or tell me what you all think
Show less of commentYOVAEDZING
Community Member 3 months agoJust a simple walk in the park or a short chat with neighbors makes a big difference for me. Staying connected is key.
TheSource
Community Member 2 months agoStay connected is the part I acknowledge most. The effect of nature on us all is also something we need to enjoy. Neighbours are important in a world were too much isolation dominates our society.
Voice
Community Member 3 months agoI try not to give in to despair, as this is the work of the devil. Having faith is very important for peace of mind. Trusting in God, that He knows us, loves us and that in all things, and in all ways, He works for the good of humanity...
Show full commentI try not to give in to despair, as this is the work of the devil. Having faith is very important for peace of mind. Trusting in God, that He knows us, loves us and that in all things, and in all ways, He works for the good of humanity. Suffering is temporary, even if it lasts years/decades. Where there is suffering, there is divinity. I try to draw comfort from the suffering undertaken willingly by Our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ on the cross, and that he did it out of love for me (and everyone else). It can be hard to grasp/ comprehend, but it is very humbling and helps keep me grounded. I pray and try to enjoy Christian art and music as these are so beautiful and uplifting. I like the prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi.
Show less of commentVoice
Community Member 3 months agoAlso, Easter is coming soon and we can look forward to the glory of the Resurrection, when Jesus triumphed over death.
Show full commentAlso, Easter is coming soon and we can look forward to the glory of the Resurrection, when Jesus triumphed over death.
Show less of commentcatandmouse
Community Member 22 hours agothis may have worked for you but not for everyone that's where people need intervention from a professional
Show full commentthis may have worked for you but not for everyone that's where people need intervention from a professional
Show less of commentMohamedAboshanab
Community Member 3 months agoMental health is something I’ve learned you have to actively protect, especially living in a fast-paced city like London.
For me, it starts with creating space. Even something simple like going for a walk, switching off notifications, or...
Show full commentMental health is something I’ve learned you have to actively protect, especially living in a fast-paced city like London.
For me, it starts with creating space. Even something simple like going for a walk, switching off notifications, or taking time away from constant noise makes a huge difference. Canary Wharf can be busy, but even there you can find quiet moments if you look for them.
Staying connected is also key. Whether it’s a quick call, meeting someone for coffee, or just checking in with people around me — those small interactions matter more than we think.
I also believe having purpose helps a lot. Working on projects, helping others, and building something meaningful gives structure and direction, especially during stressful periods.
When it comes to supporting others, I try to be present. Sometimes people don’t need solutions — they just need someone to listen without judgment.
At the end of the day, it’s the small daily habits that really add up. You don’t need big changes, just consistency.
Show less of commentcatandmouse
Community Member 22 hours agosome people do need some help or intervenion to achieve this but i do tend to agree with you on most of it
TBickle
Community Member 3 months agoMy mental health would improve dramatically if I didn't have to listen to the Mayor gibbering about rejoining the EU. We left. Get over it, you silly little non-entity.
Liz Mann
Community Member 4 months agoRecently I have joined discussion groups on Ravelry which are about yarn crafts. It's lovely. These types of things must exist for other types of craft too. I recommend them. British Banter is a Ravlery board for us Brits in particular, and...
Show full commentRecently I have joined discussion groups on Ravelry which are about yarn crafts. It's lovely. These types of things must exist for other types of craft too. I recommend them. British Banter is a Ravlery board for us Brits in particular, and covers knitting, crochet, weaving etc. but also has strands where you can post about almost anything and get friendly answers. Everyone there is supportive!
Show less of commentTheSource
Community Member 2 months agoSounds really interesting Liz, and fun.
Show full commentSounds really interesting Liz, and fun.
Show less of commentPositive-Neigh…
Community Member 4 months agoI try to remain focused and plan for the worst, without delving too far into that train of thought.
"Praying" to the Father because He cares about me is very helpful as well.
Anonymous - deleted by community member
Community Member 4 months agoLeeSW1
Community Member 4 months agoTapping.
TheSource
Community Member 2 months agoSimon Cowell does that on his TV show!