We all have mental health and like physical health it can be good and bad which is why it is important to maintain your mental health.
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act.
Early Warning Signs
If you are unsure whether you or someone you know is living with mental health problems, experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviours can be an indication you might be having some mental health issues.
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little
- Isolating yourself from people and your usual activities
- Having little or no energy
- Feeling numb or like nothing matters
- Having unexplained aches and pains
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
- Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
- Shouting at or arguing with family and friends
- Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
- Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head
- Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
- Thinking of harming yourself or others
- Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your children or getting to work
Taking care of your mental health helps you to be positive and resilient. This can allow you to cope with the day-to-day stresses of life, be productive at home and work, plus live your life to the fullest.
How to Maintain Positive Mental Health
- Getting professional help if you need it
- Connecting with others
- Staying positive
- Getting physically active
- Helping others
- Getting enough sleep
- Developing coping skills
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event when there is an opportunity for the whole of the UK to focus on achieving good mental health.
The theme for this year, chosen by the Mental Health Foundation, is loneliness.
Loneliness is something we all feel at times regardless of age. When it is long term or chronic this can have a massive impact on our mental health. It can have an impact on your self-worth and your sense of belonging.
Loneliness doesn’t just mean being alone. You could be surrounded by people and still feel lonely. If you don’t feel like you connect with those around you, or don’t get what you need from your social interactions, this can lead to a sense of loneliness.
Mental Health and Loneliness
There are links between poor mental health and loneliness. Loneliness can be both the driver for and a product of poor mental health.
Our society is changing as a result of the pandemic. Many social activities have moved online. People are less willing to mix socially or travel. We have also been unable to visit loved ones.
The Pandemic and Loneliness
Studies carried out found that during lockdown, levels of loneliness were almost 3 times that of pre-pandemic levels. The connections we have with friends and family, and the day-to- day interactions we were used to having with others, were severely disrupted or completely broken by lockdowns.
What can you do to combat loneliness?
Try to build meaningful connections with friends, family, colleagues and within your community.
Consider taking a moment this week to check in with a friend or neighbour. Pop round for a cuppa or call for a chat. You might make that person’s day! It’s often the little things that make a difference.