Good mental health for everyone
World Mental Health Day is happening on Sunday 10 October. This year, the theme is mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality.
Mental health problems can happen to anyone and are not a sign of weakness.
There are little things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing and they can make a big difference; helping us to lead happier, healthier lives and cope with life’s challenges.
Here are 10 top tips, from one of our lead clinicians, for managing your mental wellbeing:
- Make sure you reflect on achievements or times when you have been proud of yourself. You can’t always remember the good things which happen every day, so keeping or record of this is always helpful. It is good to read these when you are struggling and when you are feeling okay – reading them at least once a day is good.
- Keeping track of negative moods and thoughts can also help you recognise there might be reasons or situations which act as a trigger. By identifying these, you can then get help and support with them.
- Spend time doing things you enjoy or are meaningful to you. From enjoying your favourite hobby, learning something new or simply taking time to relax, it's important to do things that make you happy.
- Be present in the moment. By taking the time to be aware of ourselves and be in the present moment, noticing our own thoughts and feelings, and the world around us, we can gain a better perspective. Sometimes this is known as being more mindful.
- Spending quality time with friends or family, talking to someone about how you are feeling or finding ways to help other people can all help stop you feeling lonely and improve your mental health and wellbeing. This can be online, by phone or seeing someone in person.
- Looking after ourselves physically can have a huge impact on our mental health. Good, quality sleep makes a big difference to how we feel, so it is important to have a good night-time routine. A balanced diet and maintaining any long-term conditions are also vital to our mental health. By sticking to these routines, we can enjoy both aspects of our lives – physical and mental.
- Be your own best friend. Imagine what you would say to a friend who was upset or struggling and show that same empathy and kindness to yourself. You are just as worthy of it.
- Get out into nature – there is research to show that being outdoors and getting some fresh air can have a positive effect on our emotional wellbeing.
- Find time for relaxation. Life can be so busy and hectic, so find time each day, if only for five minutes to switch off that phone, log off that computer and rest your active mind.
- Avoiding habits like smoking and cutting down on alcohol and caffeine can have a positive effect on our mood.
Helpful Resources
Access help when you need it. Online programmes can help ease your levels of stress, sleep better or build resilience.
Self-Help Resources
Download a range of self-help packs to work through in your pace at home. Find out more: www.gmmh.nhs.uk/self-help-resources
The Recovery Academy
The Recovery Academy host a range of online and in-person courses to get you started on understanding mental health and recovery, as well as range of other topics. Find out more: www.gmmh.nhs.uk/recovery
ORCHA Health App Directory
The ORCHA Health apps directory helps you find certified and approved apps to download on your device to help with your health and wellbeing. Find out more: gmmh.orcha.co.uk
NHS Every Mind Matters
Create your own mind plan to help you with your mental wellbeing. Find out more: www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters
24/7 Helpline
If you are in a mental health crisis, please do not suffer alone. If you need support call our 24/7 helpline 0800 953 0285 (freephone) at any time of day or night.
Some of the most common mental health conditions, depression and anxiety, can be treated with talking therapies, medication, or a combination of these. Please reach out to us when you need us.
