Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Exploring the mental health national emergency in England, the relationship between anxiety and heart health, and the potential of heat therapy and the ancient art of communal bathing as therapeutic rituals for managing anxiety and self-care.

With World Mental Health Day having just passed us by on October 10, it's an annual reminder of the integral role mental health plays in societal health and happiness, emphasising the importance of awareness, stigma reduction and championing the cause. (Forbes)

National mental health emergency

England's mental healthcare is in a state of national emergency due to services being overwhelmed by a surge in demand following the COVID-19 pandemic, according to NHS leaders. The situation emphasises the critical need for more investment in community mental health facilities, supported housing, and addressing the shortage of mental health professionals. (The Guardian)

Therapeutic rituals for managing anxiety. Photo credit: Unsplash

“Mental health has slipped down the government’s set of priorities and patients and services are being forgotten. This is a national emergency which is now having serious consequences across the board, not least for those patients in crisis,” said Matthew Taylor, the chief executive of the NHS Confederation.” (The Guardian)

In the UK, over 8 million people experience an anxiety disorder at any given time (Mental Health UK). In England, 6 in 100 people are diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder each week (

Mental Health: How to Have a Hammam at Home