Today’s theme during Mental Health Awareness Week is the help available if you or others are struggling to cope in the current circumstances.
It’s important to recognise that some people will feel so overwhelmed they need professional support, and some may even think about suicide.
For Mental Health Awareness week this year we are focusing on kindness, with the week running from 18 - 24 May.
The focus on kindness is a response to the coronavirus outbreak, which is having a big impact on people's mental health.
Everyone will be reacting in their own way. You might be feeling down, worried or anxious.
Remember, it is OK to feel like this. These are normal reactions to uncertainty and to challenging times.
This is a chance for us all to focus on our mental health and wellbeing with the view to using everyday hints and tips throughout our life
It is all about:
- Being kind to others
- Being kind to ourselves
Struggling to cope?
It’s important to recognise that some people will feel so overwhelmed they need professional support, and some may even think about suicide.
Whether you are struggling to cope with difficult emotions, or are having thoughts of suicide, there is hope and you are not alone.
- Share your feelings with a good friend, a relative or a work mate.
- If it feels hard to find the words, speak to someone who is trained to listen, like the Samaritans on 116 123, or other telephone/text helplines.
- Access your free Employee Assistance Programme (details below)
Thoughts of suicide
Thoughts of suicide are not uncommon – a lot of people will have them - around one in five of us during our lifetime. Having these thoughts doesn’t make it inevitable that you are going to take your own life.
If you are having thoughts of suicide focus on what you need to do to keep yourself safe for now. Learn more about what practical steps you can take to look after yourself. The questions below can help you do this.
- What is upsetting me right now and how is this impacting on my mind and mood?
- What can I do to take my mind off my worries & problems?
- The positive things in my life are: List them
- Who can I ask for help or speak to- this could be friends’, work colleagues’ family or professional organisations?
Your mental wellbeing is so important. Living Life To The Full is a world-leading series of free online courses and materials to boost your ability to live well.
Get started now. https://www.gmhealthhub.org/feeling/living-life-to-the-full
kindnessmattersinGM #TogetherGM #MHAW2020 @LLTTFNEWS
Shining a Light on Suicide Website: www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk.
Free suicide awareness training- https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/training/