Welcome to this years World Mental Health Day event.
It is a little different this year, but we hope that you enjoy our Life Lounge tea and talk which is all about acknowledging we all have different experiences and listening to each other.
One of the most important things we can do around Mental health and emotional well being is talk. This years campaign of mental health for all is about increasing awareness, understanding and reducing stigma.
In this video you will see members of the Life Lounge team talking about how COVID has affected their mental health and well being, and how they have managed this.
As a staff team we recognise the importance of breaking down barriers and talking. Talking about our mental health, our triggers, how to manage them can be powerful and ultimately lead us to a place of healing.
So think about who you can talk to, think about whether you have noticed friends or family are not themselves and ask how they are. Ask twice if you need to and really listen to what they say.
Visit the Student Minds Website to find tips about how to support a friend.
If you live in Bolton, visit the council web page and find out about services available in the area.
There are so many sections of this web page, whilst you are here have an explore and find information about mental health, well being and different approaches.
Not sure where to start? Start small, as the video shows it is often the small things that make a difference. Why not start with self care and the 5 ways to well being below, or find out more about how to talk to someone you are worried about.
At its most basic, self-care is simply identifying needs or desires and then taking steps - no matter how small - to meet those needs. This can range from something as quick and simple as a shower or drinking a glass of water, to more complex tasks, such as cooking and eating a meal or engaging in exercise.
Creating a routine for ourselves that includes Self Care can be a powerful tool in helping us to maintain our wellbeing and can prevent our mental wellbeing from deteriorating.
This area will explore some ideas around self care and encourage you to come up with your own self care plan.
The 5 Ways to Wellbeing provide us with key areas to work on and develop, which can help us achieve a holistic sense of wellbeing.
They include:
Try It! - Try and complete at least one activity from each of these areas every day!
Go for a walk (be active) and take notice of your surroundings, including spring flowers or autumn leaves (be present). You could even turn this into a jog and try to build up your running skills (learn a new skill). Later on, call a friend for a chat (connect) and if you can, give your time to help them solve a problem (giving to others).
Still stuck for ideas why not visit Mindkit's 5 ways to wellbeing page which will generate ideas for you based on how much time you have. You can also visit Student Minds 5 ways to wellbeing page which includes apps and other guides which can help.
Achieving the 5 ways to wellbeing can be incredibly fulfilling. You might find some areas harder than others - but this can make them even more rewarding when you complete them!
Christina Morris, Mental Health Advisor, has put together a really helpful guide about self-care. It is easy to use and has ideas you may not have thought of. We talk about self-care often but we don’t always follow it through in a meaningful way. Give yourself the challenge of carrying out self-care every week without fail as an act of kindness to you.
How many times have you said you are fine when you are not? How many times have you spent time with a friend, family member or colleague and just known something was not quite right?
Don't be afraid to ask twice, talking about our mental wellbeing helps. It helps us break down the barriers and stigma, and most importantly it often helps us feel better.
1 in 4 of us will experience mental health issues in our life time, so the chances are your gut is right.
If you are worried about someone having the conversation might seem like the most difficult part but it is pretty simple. Why not follow the steps from time to change.
RETHINK.ORG work tirelessly to transform the lives of everyone severely affected by mental illness. They provide over 200 services, 140 local support groups and run campaigns that bring about real change. Visit their webpage for more helpful advise and information
If someone tells you they are feeling suicidal or can’t go on, or if you suspect they are thinking of taking their own life, it is very important to encourage them to get help. If you don't think they are at immediate risk you or they should contact a GP or NHS 111. They can also contact the Samaritans straight away by calling 116 123 (UK) for free at any time. They could also get help from their friends, family, or mental health services.
You can ask how they are feeling and let them know that you are available to listen. Talking can be a great help to someone who is feeling suicidal, but it may be distressing for you. It is important for you to talk to someone about your own feelings and the Samaritans can help you as well.
If you believe that they are in imminent danger and cannot keep themselves safe suggest they access A and E or call 999. Reassure them that you are there to support them and the NHS can help.
The Samaritans offer emotional support 24 hours a day, in full confidence. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
Mind provides information on a range of mental health topics to support people in their own area from 9.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. Call 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk.
Rethink provide specific solution-based guidance: 0300 5000927 Fax: 020 7820 1149 E-mail: advice@rethink.org.
Anxiety UK runs a helpline staffed by volunteers with personal experience of anxiety from 9:30-5:30, Monday to Friday. Call 08444 775 774.