World Mental Health Day 2024
19 October 2024

World Mental Health Day is on the 10th October. This year, the World Federation of Mental Health set the theme as “It is time to prioritize mental health in the workplace”.

We counted down the days to WMHD by posting daily on social media to remind people that National Ugly Mugs has services in place to support the mental wellbeing of our community. Overall, we wanted these posts to be a reminder to take a breath and be kind to yourself.

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We recognise the barriers that sex workers may face in seeking mental health support. We understand the need for and importance of affirming, understanding and informed health care, and the possible harms that may result when sex workers are unable to access this. We have produced materials specifically aimed at sex workers, tackling key issues faced by the sex work community in a supportive way.

Please have a look at NUM’s website for our mental health resources.

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Our Casework Team, backed up by our wide range of resources, can help you through your mental health struggles, and point you in the direction of recovery. If you are a sex worker in the UK and you are ever in need of support, contact them on casework@nationaluglymugs.org

See the amazing work they do on the Casework Team webpage, and by reading NUM’s impact reports in the Reports and Publications page

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Our sex worker-friendly therapists directory provides a list of in-person and online therapists working in a variety of fields and disciplines across the UK, who have signed up to a statement supporting sex worker rights and safety.
Some therapists also provide NUM packages – 3 sessions of therapy free to you! If you are a UK sex worker and would like to access therapy through a NUM package, you can contact the casework team at casework@nationaluglymugs.org.

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We created our Grief and Loss Resources to provide support and understanding for anyone who might be experiencing grief and loss, whether this is caused by death, a relationship breakdown or other life changes or events. It was created to address both universal and sex worker-specific issues when dealing with loss. The guide covers the types of grief you may experience, advice for self-care and tips for working while grieving, as well as providing links to further resources.

You can access our Grief and Loss Resources on the Mental Health Resources page.

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Our guide to Suicide Awareness and Prevention was created to provide safety guidance and support to anyone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideation, as well as provide advice to people who may have a loved one experiencing these. The guide covers ways to cope at times of both acute and long-term suicidal thoughts, some warning signs, how to support someone if they disclose suicidal thoughts to you, and a range of additional resources to support short and long-term mental wellbeing. There is also a template safety plan which you can download. If you or someone you know experiences suicidal thoughts, this can be a way of reducing any desires to act on those thoughts and to help create feelings of safety. Fill this in when you are feeling well and keep it for when you are not.

Access on our Mental Health Resources webpage.

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Our hypnotherapy sessions have been created to provide relaxation and guidance around common mental health stresses. They are each around 25-30 minutes long, and have been designed by a professionally-qualified Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist.

Sessions cover:
⭕ Building your self-confidence
⭕ Preparing for change
⭕ Recovering from trauma
⭕ Reducing anxiety
⭕ Relieving depression
⭕ Sleeping better
⭕ Stress reduction

You can find more information and individual sessions are on our Mental Health Resources page.

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Today is World Mental Health Day! #WMHD2024

The theme this year is “time to prioritise mental health in the workplace”. So, take a breath today. How much priority do you give, or are allowed to give, your own mental health at your work?
Unless you’re okay, you’re not going to be okay for those you’re working with and for, and for those who are special to you.