Did you know approximately one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year?
The CS Local Scotland wellbeing group is busy supporting their departments during this particularly difficult time however, they are keen to make you aware that it is Mental Health Awareness Week which aims to get people talking about their mental health and reduce the stigma that can stop people from asking for help.
This year's theme is Be Kind.
Kindness is defined by doing something towards yourself and others motivated by a genuine desire to make a positive difference. It helps to reduce stress and deepens friendships. Kindness to ourselves can boost self-esteem and improve feelings of confidence and optimism.
Mental illness can take many different forms and while people experience mental illness in many different ways most people will share common symptoms and side-effects. Mental illness can affect many areas of your life but there are a range of things you can do to gain control and have a better quality of life.
Looking after your wellbeing and physical health can be beneficial to helping your mental health. As we are all coping with the current restrictions caused by the COVID19 outbreak it is more important than ever to be kind to ourselves, our families, friends and colleagues. Whether we are working from home, schooling and caring for our children, delivering essential front-line services or isolating due to being classed as a vulnerable person, our mental health will be up and down on a daily basis.
Engage in an activity you enjoy; painting, reading, walking the dog (ensuring social distancing) learning a new skill or discovering the joy of an old one. Keep in touch with family and friends; have a quiz, a virtual coffee break, read a bedtime story to your grandchildren. Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet, avoid too much alcohol and smoking and get some quality sleep.
To carry on the discussion and help remove the stigma of mental health engage in your departments' activities this week and find out more on the Mental Health Foundation website.
CS Local Scotland are always looking for new members to join our networks if you are interested in something in particular please email Loudelle Johnstone
1 comment
Comment by Louisa Radice posted on
Is kindness about intention or impact or both? It used to be considered kind to feed zoo animals but now it’s frowned upon. Likewise, is it kind to hand out sweets to children?