Looking after your mental health
Good mental health helps us to cope with the normal stresses and problems of daily life. It means that we can accept and value ourselves for who we are, helps us to achieve our goals and in our relationships with other people.
Of course, we all find it hard to cope with life’s challenges from time to time and this is perfectly natural.
There are things that you can do to look after your own mental well-being, and these can also help if you are already experiencing a mental health problem.
Five-a-day for good mental health
- Eat regular, healthy meals. Cut down on or avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary foods, and remember to eat your 5 portions of fruit and veg a day. (click here for more about healthy eating)
- Taking regular exercise can improve your mood, help you to relax and give you more energy.
- Make time for hobbies, doing the things you enjoy and spending time with friends.
- Don’t make unreasonable demands on yourself or push yourself too hard. Value yourself and all that you have to offer.
- Try and talk to people you trust, your friends and family, about worries or problems. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support when you need it.
If you are concerned or worried about your own mental well-being there are a number of options:
- You can talk to NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
- You can talk to your GP or other health worker – they can help you to decide what level of support you need and refer you to other agencies if appropriate.
- You can also talk to your occupational health service at your place of work, if there is one.
If you would like more information about specific mental health problems, there are a number of useful websites in the resources panel on the right hand side of the page, including:
Mental Health Foundation
Royal College of Psychologists
Mind
If you feel like you can’t cope or are in crisis, or you are concerned about a friend or relative,
you can contact Samaritans.
telephone: 08457 909090 (24 hours)
email: jo@samaritans.org
website: www.samaritans.org
you can contact Samaritans.
telephone: 08457 909090 (24 hours)
email: jo@samaritans.org
website: www.samaritans.org
