Aftermath of Mental Health Awareness Week: What we’re STILL not talking about…

Written By Fiona Bool

Last week, my social media feed was filled with important and powerful messages for Mental Health Awareness Week. 

Stories of struggle, survival, hope. 

Reminders to check in on friends. 

Posts encouraging us to speak out and seek help. 

And honestly - it was good to see. Really good. 


Because the conversation around mental health has come a long way. We’re no longer whispering about it in corners. We’re giving it the space it deserves. 

But as I sat with what I was seeing, something kept bubbling up - something I’ve felt for a while but haven’t always said out loud. 


Mental Health isn’t just about mental health. 


Our Bodies Hold the Story

So often, when we talk about supporting our mental health, we focus on mindset. Therapy. Medication. Journaling. Talking.


And all of those things are valid - essential, even. 

But the conversation can start to feel disembodied. As though our brains exist in isolation. As though we can think our way out of anxiety, trauma or chronic stress.

And that’s just not how it works. 

Our nervous system lives in the body. 

Our trauma lives in the body.

Our coping strategies - freezing, shutting down, people-pleasing - all show up in the body. 


So if we’re ignoring the physical, we’re ignoring a huge part of the story. 


Why this matters - especially for survivors

When someone has lived through trauma - particularly domestic abuse or coercive control - the body is often the first place to shut down. Survivors learn to numb, to dissociate, to survive by disconnecting. Traditional mental health support can fall flat if it skips over this. 

That’s why I started Be More Dandelion | The Dandelion Project and why I’m so passionate about movement as a healing tool. 

Not to “get fit”

Not to “snap out of it”

But to come home to your body - gently, safely, and in your own time. 


Through trauma-aware dance, breath work and grounded movement, I’ve seen women reclaim themselves. Not just mentally, but physically - which is where so much healing starts. 

Mental Health Awareness Week reminded me… 

… That we’ve made progress

… that awareness matters

… and that we need to keep expanding the conversation

Because mental health is physical health. And until we include our body in understanding of wellbeing, we’ll always be missing a vital piece. 


  • How does your body feel today?

  • What would it need to feel a little safer?

  • What movement felt kind, not punishing?

  • What does coming home to yourself look like?

Let’s keep the conversation going. 

This isn’t just about a week. It about shifting the whole narrative. And i’d love to hear your thoughts: 

  • Have you found movement  helps your mental health?

  • Do you notice a mind-body disconnect after trauma or stress?

  • What helps you feel grounded?

Let’s talk. Let’s challenge what “mental health support” looks like. Let’s remember that awareness is just the beginning - and healing lives in the body, too. 


Support Services for Survivors

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there are people and organisations ready to help: 

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (UK)

Refuge

Women’s Aid

Galop (Support for LGBTQ+ Survivors)

  • National helpline for LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing abuse

  • Call: 0800 999 5428

  • www.galop.org.uk

Next Chapter (Essex)

RESPECT Men’s Advice Line



Fiona Bool
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