Keeping Yourself Well

It is important to take care of yourself and get the most from life. The top tips under the 'Useful information' heading from the Mental Health Foundation may help you to do so.

Mental health is about the way you think and feel and your ability to deal with ups and downs. Being mentally healthy doesn’t just mean that you don’t have a mental health problem. If you’re in good mental health, you can:

• make the most of your potential
• cope with life
• play a full part in your family, workplace, community and among friends.

Some people call mental health ‘emotional health’ or ‘wellbeing’ and it’s just as important as good physical health.

The well-being Five-a-day

According to a government report, these are the well-being equivalent of “five fruit and vegetables a day”.

• Connect… With the people around you. At home, work, school or in your local community.
• Be active… Step outside. Cycle. Garden. Dance. Discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.
• Take notice… Catch sight of the beautiful.
• Remark on the unusual. Savour the moment.
• Keep learning… Try something new. Sign up for that course. Learn to cook your favourite food. Set yourself a challenge you enjoy achieving.
• Give… Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Look out, as well as in.

Credit Crunch

It’s normal to feel worried, anxious or down when times are hard. Job insecurity, redundancy, debt and financial problems can all cause emotional distress.

There are, however, many things you can do to help yourself if you're in a difficult situation.

David Richards, professor of mental health services research at the University of Exeter, explains how the current financial climate can affect your mental wellbeing. He also offers lifestyle tips to help you out of a slump and advice on when to seek medical help.

Coping with the Credit Crunch

Personal Health Budgets

Personal health budgets enable people with long term conditions and disabilities to have greater choice, flexibility and control over the health care and support they receive. Watch Mary's story below:

 

 

10 ways to look after your mental health