This week (May 11-17) is Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme this year is about taking action. Mental health is part of day-to-day life for everyone but just like eating well, or getting active, good mental health means taking action – and every action counts.
Taking action could mean doing something to support yourself, or someone else. The top tips from charity Mental Health UK, one of the organisations leading Mental Health Awareness Week, are:
- Do one thing today that helps your mental health. This could be big or small – doing something you enjoy or spending time outdoors
- Have a conversation with a loved one about mental health. Mind, which provides support in Hull, has great advice on how to do this: Information and support
- Share one thing you’re grateful for. This is an opportunity to reflect, and thing about the good things in your life
- Inspire your workplace. Download some free, printable resources and share the message in your workplace: Downloadable resources – Mental Health UK
- Spread the word. Get on social media and shout about Mental Health Awareness Week! Download resources and share the messages in this story.
There are also a range of ways to support and prioritise your mental health day-to-day. These top suggestions from Mind are all focussed on being free and accessible:
- Do something you enjoy – make time for things that give you pleasure, like calling or visiting a friend, making a meal, listening to music or spending time outside
- Try mindfulness – Mind has lots of resources to help you learn how to practice mindfulness. There are also many free mindfulness apps to try
- Take a tech break – put your phone or laptop away in another room if you need to. Constantly being online can make you feel stressed
- Find a local class or group – Hull has a wealth of community groups and classes. Contact your local library, community centre or Family Hub (formerly known as children’s centres) to see what’s on offer. Lots of our local areas also have community facebook pages full of info on local activities
- Talk to someone you trust – being able to open up to someone you trust can help you manage your feelings.
Local charity Hull and East Yorkshire (HEY) Mind provides help for both adults and children. The offer includes group and one-on-one support and private counselling, as well as practical help getting into employment and accessing accommodation.
Speak to your GP about help with mental health, or visit Mind: Hull and East Yorkshire Mind – We are Hull & East Yorkshire Mind, the mental health charity