YESTERDAY was World Mental Health Day to highlight how serious an issue it has become for both young and old.

Hundreds walked from the peace statue at Hove Lawns to the Unitarian Church in New Road to show their support.

For decades, mental health was not taken seriously in some quarters, including the medical profession, but that is fortunately no longer the case.

Indeed, people’s mental health welfare is taken very seriously indeed and we should all be grateful for that.

There are many issues that can trigger deterioration in a person’s mental health but at least now there is specialist care for whichever way it manifests itself.

There are plenty of support groups too and they play an invaluable role.

For instance, women can suffer from post-natal depression and feel incredibly isolated.

Having someone or a group of people to turn to who have suffered in similar fashion is absolutely crucial.

Many people spiral into depression for no particular reason and find it difficult to explain why.

Again, support is absolutely vital.

It is good to read that those who took part in the walk realise the importance of mental wellbeing.

But it is equally important for the wider community to realise the implications of deteriorating mental health and to help where they can with support and plenty of love and understanding.

Many of the homeless people in our city suffer from declining mental health for a variety of reasons and desperately need help. The more people who offer to become volunteers the better. Don’t turn a blind eye.