Top tips to help you on World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health.

It also provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

Our Talking Therapies team offer a range of free NHS talking therapies for stress, anxiety and depression to anyone aged 18 or over, registered with a Sheffield GP or is under the care of a Sheffield based consultant.

Helen Ellerington, Talking Therapies team leader, and Dan Duffy, lead psychological wellbeing practitioner, have written a blog in which they explain how to access our services as well as providing some top tips for looking after your mental health every day of the year.

We all have mental health. 

Just like our physical health, our mental health can change from time to time. It is important to remember that you are never on your own - we’re here to help!  

Here are some quick tips for looking after your mental health. 

  • It helps to be present in the moment. Our free nine week long mindfulness course is a helpful starting point to learn this valuable technique
  • Try to have a balance and range of activities within your week. When you’re feeling low, you might struggle to do daily tasks and things that you enjoy. Our psychological wellbeing practitioners can support you to build up your routine to help you feel better. Can you start by planning one activity this week?
  • Try not to worry - focus on the things you can control. We all worry but sometimes it can start to take over. Our improving wellbeing sessions are designed to give you tools and techniques to better manage worry
  • You know what they say - it’s important to get back on the horse. Avoiding things that make us feel uncomfortable is understandable but we can support you to overcome this in a gradual way and do the things you want to do 
  • Get a good night’s sleep - try to have a phone free hour before bed. Low mood and anxiety can stop us sleeping. Let us know if this is you and we can support you with a helpful sleep routine whilst tackling those symptoms of low mood and anxiety
  • Move more - can you get out for a short walk each day? Increased physical activity is a natural mood booster. You’re not alone, speak to us or your GP if you would like more help with this
  • Take a breath…slowly in and out. A simple breathing exercise can help reduce tension. Our managing stress course can help you to press pause, take a breath and reduce your feelings of stress
  • Reach out to someone if you’re struggling – is there a friend you can message today?

How to contact the Talking Therapies team

If you are struggling with your mental health then we have assessment appointments available this week. 

Give us a call on 0114 2264380 or self refer through our website: sheffieldtalkingtherapies.nhs.uk