Mental Health Day – 10th October

The 10th of October marks World Mental Health Day, which aims to raise awareness and start more inclusive discussions around mental health.
Some people have mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. These are conditions that do not go away easily and can affect people’s daily lives. But for most of us, our mental wellbeing is more abouthow we feel and cope with each day.

It can change from moment to moment or year to year.

This year’s theme was set by the World Federation for Mental Health is ‘mental health for all’. This is the idea that discussions about mental health should not be specific to those with mental health issues. That’s a very important distinction to make; we all need to take care of our mental health and wellbeing.

Having good mental health/ wellbeing doesn’t mean that you are always happy or that you are always sad. But that there is a balance between the two extremes.
We have some tips on practical and easy steps you can take to improve and maintain your own wellbeing and to check in on others:

Things you can do to help your mental wellbeing:
○ Make time for yourself. It’s important to find things that you enjoy doing and that help you to relax. Try to fit them into your day or whenever you feel a little down or off. For example, this could be playing a sport, going for a walk, or being with your friends.
○ Try mindfulness. You have probably heard of it, it is a method of paying attention to the moment. Its been shown to help people become more aware of their thoughts and make it easier to manage one’s feelings. Check out this website for more information on mindfulness.
○ If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a break and step away from the situation you are in, if you can. A change of scene could help calm your mind so you come back feeling better.

Things you can do to help a friend:
○ Check up on them. Take the time to talk to your friends about how they are and what is going on at home. Connecting with people helps to create a sense of belonging and to build positive relationships.
○ If you notice your friend isn’t doing too well, spend some time outdoors together. Being outside can really help improve your mood. You could kick a ball around, play with your pet, or watch the clouds.
○ Have a laugh. Sometimes it can make a world of difference. Do you have any suggestions for you that you like to do to improve your mental wellbeing?
Let us know below.