Mental Health

If we are physically unwell, maybe with a cold or virus, it often clears up on its own within a week or so. Symptoms such as a sore throat or blocked nose tell us the something is wrong; we can rest or decide to take some cold medication to help us feel better.

However, when it comes to our emotional well-being the signs are not so obvious. Sometimes symptoms are hidden, or they can be mistaken for other things. If someone has mental ill health people often need some help to help them recover, help may include things like talking therapies, or even medication.

It’s vital that we look after our own mental health – remember our mental health is personal to us and gives us a sense of who we are and how we feel. Here is how:

• Talk about your feelings; just being listened to can help you feel supported and less alone.
• Keep active; regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and it keeps you brain and other vital organs healthy. And exercise is a real benefit towards improving your mental health.
• Eat well; a diet that’s good for your physical health is also good for your mental health. Put rubbish in and often we feel rubbish – eat something healthy and we can feel energized or just better about ourselves.
• Ask for help – sometimes we all need a bit of help. Family or friends can be a good starting point – or ring one of the helplines that we suggest.
• Give yourself a break – allow yourself some ‘me time’ to restore your frazzled brain to recharge (see our relaxation section)
• Do something you are good at. This can really help you beat stress – doing something you enjoy probably means you’re good at it and achieving something boosts your self-esteem.
• Accept who you are; we are all unique and whilst you are wishing yourself to be more like someone you admire you can bet there is someone wishing they had some of your skills or attributes. Be the best version of you that you can be!
• Keep relationships going. Seeing other people, friends or family is an important part of keeping relationships alive and this can even bring you closer together and connecting with people can improve your mental health.