The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10 October every year. This year’s theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is ‘mental health for all’.

Mental Health is more than one day, it’s important all year round, 365 days a year. It’s important yesterday, today and tomorrow. This year has been a tough one for us all, prioritising mental health has never been more important than it is now & in these difficult times, it’s crucial to remember your mental health still matters! 

You are never alone, if you need someone to talk to, it’s okay to ask for help – a family member, friend or professional help! It’s okay to not be okay & it’s okay to talk!

Mental health problems can affect anyone, any day of the year, but 10 October is a great day to show your support for better mental health and start looking after your own wellbeing.

Some people have mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, which means they have feelings that won’t go away and which start to really affect day-to-day life.

There are two main goals of the event. The first is to educate people about them. The second is to remove feelings of shame, worry or embarrassment about talking about or having them.

You might be worried about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it could affect your life. This may include being asked to stay at home or avoid other people.

This might feel difficult or stressful. But there are lots of things you can try that could help your well-being. Below are resources/tips which are being offered for free to help people look after their mental health through these troubling times.

 

  • Avoid watching, reading or listening to news that could cause you to feel anxious or distressed.
  • Seek information mainly to take practical steps to prepare your plans and protect yourself and your loved ones.
  • Seek information updates at a specific time during the day once or twice. The sudden and near-constant stream of news reports about an outbreak can cause anyone to feel worried.
  • Stay connected with people, ring people/ video call people to check-in, to talk about anything.
    Distract yourself with the things you enjoy.
  • Avoid burnout, it’s important to have time to yourself and give yourself regular breaks.
  • Plan events and stuff to do for when this is all over, something to look forward to, enjoying friends/family company, doing stuff that you may have took for granted.
  • Continuing to access nature, sunlight wherever possible, exercise, eat well, stay hydrated and sleep well.
    Know it’s okay not to feel okay, speak to people if you are feeling worried, sad or distressed.
  • Talk to your GP or mental health team if you need the extra support, it is okay to talk, and even in this pandemic, they are there to help.
  • Know it’s okay not to feel okay, speak to people if you are feeling worried, sad or distressed.
  • Talk to your GP or mental health team if you need the extra support, it is okay to talk, and even in this pandemic, they are there to help.

NHS

The NHS list contains helplines and support groups that can offer expert advice.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/

Mind

Mind has advice on how you can support your mental health during this period. For more information click https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/

Mental health problems can affect anyone, any day of the year, but 10 October is a great day to show your support for better mental health and start looking after your own wellbeing.

https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/world-mental-health-day/

Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Every year, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem, but hundreds of thousands of people are still struggling. To find your nearest Mind charity, please visit: https://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/local-minds/local-minds/

NHS – Every Mind Matters

The tips and advice NHS offers are things you can do now to help you keep on top of your mental wellbeing and cope with how you may feel while staying at home. Make sure you get further support if you feel you need it. https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-at-home-tips/

WHO

This year’s World Mental Health Day, on 10 October, comes at a time when our daily lives have changed considerably as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The past months have brought many challenges. This is why WHO’s goal of this year’s World Mental Health Day campaign is increased investment in mental health. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/world-mental-health-day-2020

Samaritans

The coronavirus outbreak is affecting the way many of us live our lives, and it’s normal that this will affect people’s mental health. Samaritans have gathered some resources that might be helpful

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/support-and-information/if-youre-having-difficult-time/if-youre-worried-about-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-outbreak/

Isha Kriya – Meditation

Isha Kriya is providing free guided meditation to help you keep calm and find some internal peace in the comfort of your own home. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwQkfoKxRvo

Mental Health Foundation

Prevention is at the heart of what we do. Our knowledge, informed by rigorous research and practical based study, has been pioneering change for more than 70 years and we aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo or tackle difficult or under researched issues.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/world-mental-health-day

Mental Health at Work

it’s important to support your #MentalHealthAtWork during this uncertain period. Their toolkit contains some fantastic resources to help support yourself and your colleagues

https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/toolkit/coronavirus-and-isolation-supporting-yourself-and-your-colleagues/
You are never alone, if you’re struggling, help is out there & it’s ok to ask for it! Below are some of the Twitter account in Hull which offer support and help.

👉@MindHEY 👉@mentalhealth 👉@XenZone_UK

👉@samaritans 👉@heads_together 👉@NHSHullCCG

👉@HullAmc 👉@CHCPHull 👉@YoungMindsUK @PWS_LetsTalk


For the latest information on COVID-19 from Public Health England and the NHS visit here.

Sources: BBC News, Mind, Samaritans, Gov.uk, Heads Together, WHO, Rethink Mental Illness