Mental health problems can affect anyone so here we try and dispel some commonly held myths with the facts…
Most common mental health myths
Myth: Mental health problems don’t affect me.
Myth: Children don’t experience mental health problems.
Myth: People with mental health needs, even those who are managing their mental illness, cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job.
Myth: Personality weakness or character flaws cause mental health problems.
Myth: There is no hope for people with mental health problems. Once a friend or family member develops mental health problems, he or she will never recover.
Myth: Therapy and self-help are a waste of time. Why bother when you can just take a pill?
Myth: I can’t do anything for a person with a mental health problem.
Myth: Prevention doesn’t work. It is impossible to prevent mental illnesses.
Five Ways to Wellbeing – five ways you can look after your wellbeing
1. Connect…
With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.
2. keep Learning…
Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.
3. be Active…
Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.
4. take Notice…
Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.
5. Give…
Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.
And there are great mental health support apps available for free from the NHS. Simply click on the link below and choose the one that suits you the best.
https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/category/mental-health-and-emotional-support/