Beginning 21 years ago by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week is now one of the biggest awareness weeks in the UK. This is something that Step Up is excited to share and be part of. Mental Health is an area here at Step Up that we encourage all our employees and people we support to talk about and utilise our Mental Health & Wellbeing material as and when they wish to do so!
Why is Loneliness the Theme for Mental Health Week?
Our sense of community is fundamental in protecting our mental health. The relationships we create in life can help us to live a longer and happier life. Strong and supportive connections can ease stress levels, keep you grounded, and bring you out of your own head. Unfortunately, loneliness has been a struggle for many of us over the pandemic. Remember that when lacking the ability to meet face-to-face, it’s important to maintain connections in other ways.
This month, do your best to nurture the relationships around you and build your sense of community. It’s important to focus on the relationships that arise positive feelings and help you to feel valued.
Loneliness is the feeling that arises when we experience a difference or disconnect in the social connections around us compared to the connections we need/ want. This is something we can all help with. By reaching out, talking, and nurturing your community you can make a positive difference to loneliness and therefore, a positive difference to your mental health and those around you.
How can I Show my Support and Get Involved?
- Wear the green ribbon.
- Participate in the 80 Miles in May Challenge.
- Share your experiences with loneliness to reduce the stigma and challenge stereotypes. If you are open to sharing, join in with #IveBeenThere and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.
- Learn more about mental health at www.mentalhealth.org.uk or by following the hashtags on your social media.
How can I Look After my Mental Health?
Talk About What’s Going On
This is often the number one advice given, but how does it help?
We often carry problems around in our heads and subsequently build up our emotions over time. By opening up about what is going on, we also open up the opportunity for support and understanding. This both helps you to feel less alone and encourages others to do the same. Not only are there personal benefits, but this can also help to spread awareness towards mental health and raise the potential to create closer connections with those around you.
Opening up about your mental health can be difficult. It’s not always easy to describe how you’re feeling, but give it time! The more you talk about your mental health, the easier it will become. You may find it easier to let the conversation happen naturally, rather than planning it. So, try enjoying time with those close to you and be ready to open up when the moment comes. You also have the option of talking things through with your GP who can offer you advice and support from there. As well as other professionals, see the link at the bottom for contacts to call, text, and email.
Moving Your Body
Did you know that exercising may release chemicals into your brain that improve your mood? Regular exercise has many physical and emotional benefits such as a boost in self-esteem and better sleep. Our sleeping habits can have a drastic impact on mood, performance and our relationships, impacting our creation and maintenance of the connections with those around us.
Don’t feel as though this information pushes you towards an intensive daily work out. Staying active simply means to move your body on a regular basis – 30 minutes, 5 days a week is the recommendation. You can find what exercise you are most comfortable with! Whether that is a walk through your neighbourhood park, housework, or playing your favourite sport.
For more tips on improving your mental health, visit the link here.
If you are struggling with your mental health, please visit the link here for contact information.
