Mental health and wellbeing
Maintaining a healthy mind
NHS Kirklees - 'Helping yourself to better health' self care
NHS Choices - Mental Health
Everyone has emotional and mental health needs. Good mental health is important because it influences how we think and feel about ourselves, as well as others. It can also affect how we deal with everyday life events, such as relationships and coping with change. Looking after our mental wellbeing is just as important as looking after our physical wellbeing.
Mental health issues can affect anyone regardless of age, race, colour, religion, gender, intelligence or social background. Our mental health can change as we move through different stages of our lives, and as our situation changes.
If we’re in good mental health we can:
• Make the most of our potential
• Cope with life
• Play a full part in our families, workplace, community and amongst friends
Coping with change often involves balancing your life to deal with stressful times and traumatic events.
This can happen in several ways, including:
• Taking action to deal with your problems and meet the demands of daily living
• Taking time to step back to rest and re-energize yourself
• Spending time with family and friends to gain support and encouragement
• Looking after yourself e.g. keeping active and eating a balanced diet
• Knowing when to ask for help and where to go e.g. talking to someone you can trusts and confide in.
Five ways to wellbeing
Connect...
Connect with the people around you. With family, friends, people at work and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. . Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.
Be active...
Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy and one that suits your level of mobility and fitness.
Take notice...
Be curious. . Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Enjoy the presnet momentt, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.
Keep learning...
Try something new. Take up a new interest or hobby. Take on a different responsibility at work. . Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.
Give...
Do something helpful for a friend, or a stranger. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.
http://www.neweconomics.org/projects/five-ways-well-being
Further information
If you are worried about your mental health (you may be stressed, anxious, depressed or finding it difficult to cope), then talk to your GP or Practice Nurse.
For information on services available to people with a mental health need throughout Kirklees, contact Gateway to Care on 01484 414933, email gatewaytocare@kirklees.gov.uk or visit www.kirklees.gov.uk
Useful Links
“No Health Without Mental Health” – cross government mental health outcomes strategy for people of all ages
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Mentalhealth/MentalHealthStrategy/index.htm
Link to Kirklees Council webpage for mental health
http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/care-support/health/mentalhealth/mentalhealth.shtml
Click here for a link to information regarding emotional health for children and young people
“Working together for a brighter future for children and young people in Kirklees”
2009 - 2012
