Mental Health Awareness Day 10th Oct 2025

This year, Mental Health Awareness Day brings awareness to feeling overwhelmed, specifically around global events and relentless bad news being reported in the media. Constantly hearing about negative news can feel overwhelming, and that’s because it is. Keeping up with current events, while important, can take a real toll on your mental health.

It’s not always easy to manage how much information you take in, especially in a world where 24/7 news is accessible at the touch of a button. Being overwhelmed can cause both physical symptoms, such as aches and pains, tiredness, and sleep problems, as well as mental symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, low motivation, constant worry, and depression.

World Mental Health Day 10th October 2025

To ease these symptoms, The Mental Health Foundation suggests:

Setting boundaries with the news, deciding how much information you want to take in and how often.

• Using grounding exercises to bring your focus back to the present.
  

• Sharing your worries with loved ones to reduce feelings of isolation.
  

• Setting up phone-free time to avoid doomscrolling.
  

• Giving yourself permission to rest and recharge.
  

• Focusing on small, positive actions you can control to shift into a sense of purpose.
  

One frequent topic in the news that causes worry is the current cost of living crisis. With prices continuing to increase and more people feeling the squeeze, money worries can cause a huge amount of stress. These concerns feel harder to escape because the impact is immediate and personal, with tangible results. If you’re experiencing financial stress, you’re not alone. My Money Matters has resources which can offer you practical support to help you regain control of your finances:  

• Free webinars & 1:1 coaching sessions: Whether you prefer a friendly one-to-one chat or want to listen in and learn with others, we’ve got you covered. Join our webinars book a personal coaching session to get clear, jargon-free answers to your own questions. For webinars specifically focused on your retirement, visit our dedicated page.
  

• Learning Library: Explore clear, practical guidance on the topics that matter most to you. It’s built to support your confidence; with personalised content you can dip in and out of any time.
  

• Money Management: Connect to an app that helps you track your spending, find savings, and feel more in control of your day-to-day finances – like a supportive sidekick in your pocket.
  

• Estate Planning: Planning ahead can bring real peace of mind. Our Estate Planning service can connect you to Wills experts to help you take that first step, simply and securely.*
  

• Shared Cost AVCs: Want to make the most of your pension pot? Even small contributions, from as little as £2 per payroll, can add up to meaningful results over time. We're here to guide you through it.
  

If you are currently struggling with your mental health and need to talk to someone, there are resources available to you.  

• Get advice from 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment 
  

• Talk to the Samaritans by ringing 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org 
  

• Text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line 
  

• Visit Mind to find information or support for your specific situation, or visit their Get Help Now page for crisis resources 

You don’t have to go through this alone. Taking small steps to manage your news intake and financial worries can make a big difference to your wellbeing.

My Money Matters has no control or responsibility for the pages you will access through this link, or to where any subsequent links may take you.  

This blog post is intended for general information purposes only. For personalised financial advice, please consult with a qualified financial adviser. 

*This offer covers a free basic Will and does not include admin fees or postage and packaging. More complex Wills or additional services may incur a cost. 

You should consider your affordability before making or amending your Shared Cost AVC plan. Please speak to an independent financial adviser if you require financial advice. Shared Cost AVCs are available to active LGPS members only. You will need to consider what investment product is suitable for you.  

A Pension is a long-term investment, the fund value may fluctuate and can go down. Your eventual income may depend upon the size of the fund at retirement, future interest rates and tax legislation. 

Tax treatment is based on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. 

Information is based on our current understanding of taxation legislation and regulations. Any levels and bases of and reliefs from taxation are subject to change.