Sussex-Wide Campaign Asks: ‘How Are You Really Feeling?’

A new campaign has launched in Sussex to encourage people to look after their mental wellbeing over the winter months and seek support when needed.

The ‘How Are You Really Feeling?’ campaign, which runs from Tuesday 10 December 2024 to Sunday 12 January 2025, is designed to raise awareness of the range of services and resources available in Sussex to support people with their mental wellbeing over the Christmas and new year period.

It also aims to make mental health a positive part of everyday conversation by encouraging everyone to regularly check-in with themselves and those around them.

An estimated 220,000 people in Sussex (around 13% of the population) are believed to have a common mental health disorder. 

However, the true number is likely to be significantly higher, as this estimate only accounts for those who have been recorded as accessing services.

Coproduced by a diverse range of organisations including the NHS, local authorities, primary care providers, charities, voluntary groups, and people with lived experience, the 'How Are You Really Feeling?' campaign is the first-time organisations and champions of mental health across Sussex have come together in this way to promote mental wellbeing.

The campaign also highlights the recently developed mental health signposting resources for adults over the age of 18, co-created by individuals with lived experience, service providers, and partner organisations across Sussex.

It includes information on vital crisis support as well as resources for people to take proactive steps in managing their mental health.

Oliver Dale, Chief Medical Officer at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, says:

“Christmas and the New Year can be a difficult time for many, challenging us mentally and emotionally.

"It’s not always easy to see, as people often hide their struggles, or say they’re fine when they’re not. Checking in with someone - or reaching out yourself to others who might need your support - can make all the difference.

“The campaign highlights how important it is to ask for help when you need it and encourages everyone to support each other. It aims to make reaching out for help feel normal, positive, and an empowering step towards better mental health.”