Well, what a few years we have had! Pandemic, invasion of Ukraine, death of a monarch, recession, public sector strikes, the NHS stretched to beyond capacity and a cost-of-living crisis to top it off. Is it any wonder that the mental health of the nation is reaching an all-time low?
At TLCT we offer Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace L3, Understanding Mental Health in the Workplace L2, An Introduction to Mental Health in the workplace L1, and an Awareness of Mental Health in the Workplace.
Watching everything unfold through the media can often be quite compelling albeit disheartening. Often there are feelings of anger, hopelessness, and powerlessness as before our eyes the world unravels. Exposure to stressful and upsetting news can really get in the way of being productive and positive on a day-to-day basis. It can also induce stress, anxiety, and a lack of sleep.
How should we cope with this constant influx of negative information? Maybe try and watch or read only what you need to stay informed. Perhaps turn away from global news that you have little or no impact on and concentrate on local issues. Possibly get involved and contribute to making positive changes in your own community, family, or self. Take care of yourself and pay attention to other areas of your life.
The cost-of-living crisis is having an impact on us all and we simply can’t ignore it. The worry about money issues has a huge effect on our mental health and well-being. Poor mental health means managing money becomes a great deal harder. Worrying about money makes our mental health worse.
There is help available to advise on money issues together with our mental health. The charity Mind has a very good section on its website covering the many areas which cause worry and anxiety in relation to finances. It offers advice on how to organise your finances when you are unwell and how to plan effectively especially if you are unable to pay your bills. There is information on what benefits you can claim if you suffer from poor mental health, including where and how to claim them. When you are unwell, and your mental health is poor it can be very distressing having to access and contact services. Mind gives advice on how to manage phone calls, appointments, and letters. Finally, they offer advice on what support is available and how to access mental health professional services. Visit their website www.mind.org.uk.
Self-care is important to maintain good mental health. It is not all about pink, fluffy dressing gowns, tea, and bath bombs! Self-care is important for everyone. Whether it be a walk, cycle, run, swim, a game of golf or footie, watching a well-loved film or becoming absorbed in a good book. Anything that takes you away from the stress and helps you forget momentarily, will recharge your batteries and help you view things in a far more positive frame of mind. You can then come back to reality with clarity and the ability to maintain good mental health and well-being.
So don’t let this winter of discontent bring you down. There is help out there and self-help will go a long way to improve your mental health. A glorious summer is just around the corner.
For more information on Mental Health and self-care, why not enrol on one of our Mental Health courses? Level 3 Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace, Level 2 Understanding Mental Health in the Workplace, or L1 Introduction to Mental Health in the Workplace. We also offer a half-day unaccredited Awareness of Mental Health in the Workplace.
Email: info@tlct.co.uk Call: 01143570182 Facebook @tlct.co.uk