The world over people are experiencing pandemic-induced anxiety, stress, loneliness, and isolation. Aside from the obvious physical health impacts of COVID-19, the ripple effects are taking a toll on our mental health too.

That’s why this year’s World Mental Health Day on October 10 comes with a strong message: “It is expected that the need for mental health and psychosocial support will substantially increase in the coming months and years. Investment in mental health programmes at the national and international levels, which have already suffered from years of chronic underfunding, is now more important than it has ever been.”

We need society-level investments in mental health. We also need to enable and empower individuals to tend and bolster their own mental well-being. Mark Bunn has made it his mission to do just that. He teaches a shift to conscious living, inspired by wisdom and habits from Eastern cultures.

At the heart of this, is emphasis on the quality of relationships. A sense of community, service to others, and accepting help are key to happiness, Mark has discovered. In this week’s podcast, we’re focusing on what this means for mental health and how it starts with relationships. Mark gently steps through a few simple changes to achieve a greater sense of well-being.

We’re living in a complicated world, where work and life boundaries are all but gone, what was normal is no longer possible, and where clutter and noise distract us constantly. It’s no wonder we’re struggling. I hope Mark’s kind and calming voice will offer some hope and guidance in these trying times. Be well!