“It’s absolutely paramount that we are all kinder to each other' - young counsellor's message to Harborough as we mark mental health awareness week

A young counsellor is imploring people throughout Harborough to be kinder to each other as we mark mental health awareness week.

Megan Dreyer, 24, is determined to highlight the landmark event this week after launching a successful mental health initiative in Market Harborough.

She’s been hosting special cyberspace advice sessions to support individuals as well as families battling to cope with the suffocating Covid-19 lockdown.

Now Megan’s urging people through the Harborough Mail to show more kindness in an increasingly-abnormal world.

“It’s absolutely paramount that we are all kinder to each other.

“Kinder to our loved ones, our families, our friends, our neighbours, our colleagues – and to everyone else,” said Megan, of Ashley Way, Market Harborough.

“Kindness has the ability to unlock our shared humanity, strengthens our relationships and develops community.

“Kindness is such an effective antidote to isolation and creates a sense of belonging.

“That’s vital at the moment when so many of us are cut off and still locked down.

“It helps reduce stress, brings a fresh perspective and deepens friendships.

“Kindness to ourselves can also radically boost our self-esteem, mood, outlook and sense of identity and purpose.”

The highly-motivated South African-born graduate said all our lives have been “dramatically changed” by the global coronavirus crisis.

“One of the toughest parts of this very unsettling situation is the uncertainty.

“When will this be over, do I have symptoms, when can I see my friends and family again, what about my job and income?

“When can I go on holiday again, what will my life be like when this is over and how will it affect my future and my world?

”These are all massive questions that people are asking themselves all the time,” said Megan, who graduated in international business from Loughborough University in June 2018.

“So we also need to show ourselves real kindness and inspire others to do the same.

“Protecting our mental health and wellbeing is central to us coping with and recovering from the coronavirus pandemic.

“Kindness has the power and potential to make a big difference with this.”

She is calling on people in Harborough to smile more this week as well as show kindness to someone who’s struggling or lonely.

“We are also hoping to restart some of our #Me support groups again following guidelines on social distancing and protective measures.

“If you are struggling and would like to meet like-minded individuals for one hour a week then the 12-week #Me course might be just what you need.

“You can access this support by filling in the contact form on our website and we will be in touch to provide more information.

“We are also still running our live Weekly Wednesday Wellbeing sessions.

“We want to provide a free opportunity for people to learn about different aspects of mental health and wellbeing, to explore healthy coping strategies and feel connected from the comfort of their own home during lockdown.”

Megan’s 15-minute sessions are live on her YouTube channel at 11am every Wednesday.

They are also all up on her YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcl9XdfRsXaRZq1td0uwqUDYo_f52YrJF)

Or tune in this Wednesday May 20 at 11am to hear more about how you can deal with these extraordinary days: https://youtu.be/ADNG3yB9ejs

Megan said that she has also started uploading breathing and relaxation exercises to her website and YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/-LqNZw7bagU“Individuals can follow us on social media (hashtagme.world) or subscribe to our YouTube channel (#Me) to keep up to date with our advice, support, news and positivity,” said Megan.

“During Mental Health Awareness Week, in particular, we'll be sharing information, videos, challenges and tips throughout the week so keep an eye out.”