Looking after your mental health
Help and support
One in four of us experience at least one mental health issue in any one year. Mental health issues can lead to many problems, including low mood and depression, anger and anxiety. But, there are steps we can all take to help improve and protect our mental wellbeing.
If you, or a loved one, are experiencing mental health problems, getting help and support is essential.
Signs to look out for if you think someone may be struggling with low mood:
- continuous low mood or sadness
- feeling hopeless and helpless
- having low self-esteem
- feeling tearful
- feeling guilt-ridden
- feeling irritable and intolerant of others
- having no motivation or interest in things
- finding it difficult to make decisions
- not getting any enjoyment out of life
- feeling anxious or worried
- having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself
If you think you or a loved one needs help, please visit our mental health support page here.
Get out and about
Finding an activity that you enjoy and making it a part of your life will help boost your mental wellbeing.
There is so much going in the district, from walking trails and cycling to free or low-cost events and activities. Read our guide to getting out and about here.
Money worries
This winter many people will have the extra worry of increasing bills.
We understand that the cost-of-living crisis is a concern for everyone. That is why the Council is working with partner organisations to offer free help, support and advice to all residents
You can find out more on our Cost of Living Support pages here.
Five ways to mental wellbeing
By taking a few simple steps we can all improve our mental wellbeing:
- connect
- take notice
- be active
- give
- keep learning
If you give them a try, you may feel happier, more positive, and able to get the most from life.
Learn more about the five ways to positive mental wellbeing.
Take 5
If you are out and about and feel overwhelmed, anxious or need to step away from a busy area, Take 5 can help. There are Take 5 locations all over the district that provide a friendly face and a quiet space to take five minutes.
Loneliness
Loneliness is an issue that can affect us all, young or old, at any point in our lives. We might live in a busy city or a rural location, on our own or with others and still feel isolated.
If you are older and feeling lonely, you can connect with people at an Age UK Time for Tea event. To find out more, including information about a Time for Tea event near you, visit the Age UK website.