Mental health awareness week starts every year on the second Monday in May – in 2019 from 13 – 19 May. It’s organised by the Mental Health Foundation, and focuses on a major issue each and every year. The theme this year is Body Image – how we think and feel about our bodies.
Mental health problems can affect anyone, any day of the year, and it is helpful to have information and support in case you need it. This week is a great time to have a chat with a friend, family member or colleague and have think about your own wellbeing too.
Mental wellbeing describes your mental state – how you are feeling and how well you can cope with day-to-day life.
Our mental wellbeing is dynamic. It can change from moment to moment, day to day, month to month or year to year.
The following are some ideas to stay mentally well and develop your ability to cope with the up and downs of life:
Take time for yourself
At times you may feel guilty for spending time on yourself. But it’s essential for your wellbeing and can help you to be more resilient.
Try mindfulness. Being present can help you to become more aware of, and manage, your thoughts, feelings and surroundings. It can help you to enjoy life more and accept the world around you.
Learn something new. Learning new skills can help boost your confidence and give you a sense of achievement. You could learn a new language, sign up for an art class or try a new recipe. It doesn’t have to be something big.
Do something you enjoy. Whether it’s taking a long walk, hanging out with friends, playing an instrument or going to the cinema, it’s positive for your wellbeing to do something that makes you feel good.
Dancing
Try relaxation techniques. Doing something that you find relaxing, such as listening to music, colouring in, lighting a few candles or having a bath can help to reduce stress and improve your mental wellbeing.
Look after your mental health. If you’re living with a mental health problem, taking steps to look after your mental health can help you improve your wellbeing.
Tell people what helps. If certain treatments have helped in the past, tell your doctor. Let your friends and family know how they can support you, whether it’s listening to you when you’re having a bad day, helping you keep on top of your commitments, or being aware of your triggers
Spot your early warning signs. If you can, try to be aware of how you’re feeling, and if you can spot any signs you might be becoming unwell. These will be individual to you, but it can be useful to reflect on what these may be so you can get support for your mental health problem as soon as possible.
Keep a mood diary. Tracking your moods can help you to work out what positively and negatively affects your mental wellbeing. You can then take steps to avoid, change or prepare for negative situations.
Build your self-esteem. Increasing your self-esteem can help you to feel more confident and able to challenge adversity.
Look after your physical health. Looking after your body can help to keep you mentally well. Making small, gradual changes can have a positive impact on your mental wellbeing – try to start with one or two things you feel able to do.
Set yourself a challenge. Find something you like doing and do more of it. You could take up a hobby, join a class or volunteer your time for something you feel passionate about. At times it can be hard to find the motivation to set goals for yourself, especially when you don’t feel confident or worry about what other people may think. But it doesn’t have to be something big. Making small goals such as trying a recipe or learning the days of the week in a new language can help you to feel more positive about yourself.
Ask for help. Think about treatment options. If you’re finding things really difficult, you might walk to talk to your doctor about any support services in your local area. You might want to try counselling to talk through the things you’re finding challenging with a trained professional.
Don’t pressure yourself to carry on as normal. Take small steps and if you are finding it difficult to cope on your own, don’t be afraid to ask for help. For example, you may need support at work or help with day-to-day tasks, such as cleaning or childcare.
Plan for a crisis. When you’re really unwell, it can be hard to ask for the support you need or figure out what support you want. Making a crisis plan while you’re well can help you can stay in control of your treatment, and mean other people know how best to help.
Stay safe. If your feelings become overwhelming, and you have suicidal thoughts or you think you may self harm, reach out to a friend or loved one who can help you find the professional help you require.
