‘Mental health is a universal human right’ is the message from local health experts this World Mental Health Day (Tuesday 10th October), as they urge people to do the small things that can make a big difference to how they feel.
World Mental Health Day 2023 aims to improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal right.
Across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, there are a number of Mental Health support services which are free to access and that do not require a GP referral.
If you or someone you know is in mental health crisis, help is available from:
- Crisis Sanctuaries across Nottinghamshire on 0115 844 1846
- Crisis Line 0808 196 3779
- Text NOTTS to 85258.
For feelings of depression, anxiety or stress, contact Talking Therapies on 0333 188 1060 or visit https://notts-talk.co.uk/
For children and young people aged up to 25, visit www.beusupport.co.uk
And for information about how to look after your mental wellbeing, visit the Every Mind Matters website: nhs.uk/every-mind-matters
Maxine Bunn, System Delivery Director for Mental Health and Children, at Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board, believes making small changes can help make significant improvements to a person’s mental health.
Maxine said: “When we experience good mental health, we can enjoy our lives more with our family, friends and work colleagues. While it is common to sometimes feel down or anxious for short periods of time, this can lead to long periods of depression and anxiety which can have a huge impact on daily life. Learning to be kind to ourselves by taking steps, however small, can help improve our mood and self-esteem.
“We are therefore encouraging people to use World Mental Health Day as an opportunity to recognise the signs that they, or someone they care about, need help and to take action to access the support they need.”
Maxine has suggested five small steps that could make a big difference to your mental health:
- Connect with other people. Good relationships are important for mental wellbeing. They can help build a sense of belonging and self-worth and provide emotional support.
- Be physically active. This can not only improve general health but can help to raise self-esteem and cause chemical changes in the brain which can boost feelings of positivity.
- Learn new skills. A new skill can help with building a sense of purpose and provide a way of connecting with other people.
- Give to others. Acts of giving and kindness can help create positive feelings and provide a sense of reward.
- Pay attention to the present moment. Often referred to as ‘mindfulness’, it can positively impact on how life challenges are approached.
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