The head of a mental health trust has published some top tips to help people who may be struggling to cope at the start of the New Year.
Lisa Rodrigues, chief executive of the Sussex Partnership NHS Trust, said: “2011 was an incredibly tough year for everyone, especially those already suffering hardship.
“Mental health and homeless charities, GPs, local authorities and our own services have seen rapid rises in demand, while at the same time making our biggest ever savings.
“Mental health services can’t make people’s lives easier, but they can help people to cope with what life brings, however hard it may be.
The tips for mental wellbeing include: * Talk about your feelings – don’t bottle things up. If you feel you have no one you can talk to, call or email a helpline.
* Keep active – physical activity definitely improves a person’s mental health, including people with serious illnesses such as psychosis.
* Eat well – research shows strong links between eating plenty of protein, fruit and vegetables, and feeling better.
* Sleep well – go to bed at a sensible time and practice good sleep habits. Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine in the hours before bedtime.
* Drink sensibly – avoiding too much alcohol is good for everyone, but especially important if you are feeling low.
* Keep in touch with people – friends and loved ones can help you feel connected. It may feel like a huge effort, but spending time with others is very important.
* Don’t be a hero. If you need it, get professional help. Everyone feels sad from time to time. But if such feelings won’t go away and/or there is no obvious reason for them, talk to your GP or a helpline.
* Go green – spending time outside, in the fresh air, in a park, by the sea, or in a garden, can help lift your mood.
* Think of three good things – this is something I do personally when times are tough. Each night write down three good things from your day. Over a week this can make a significant difference to how you feel.
* Get involved – do something for others, at work, at home, or via a voluntary group. We humans are highly social, and are happiest when we are doing something for someone else.
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