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World Mental Day: Supporting our mental health today – and beyond

10 Oct 24

Are you making time to look after your own wellbeing?  

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing is important every day so that you remain well for yourself and are also in a position to care for others, whether this is in a personal or professional capacity.

World Mental Health Day green logo on a purple background

So much time is spent thinking about our physical health that we can often neglect our mental health. But there are simple things we can all do to improve our mental wellbeing, such as:

·       Getting enough sleep (8 hours on average)

·       Eating a balanced diet

·       Cutting down on alcohol and caffeine

·       Taking some daily exercise

·       Spending time doing something you enjoy whether that is reading, knitting, seeing friends, going to the movies and just taking time out for yourself

·       Spending time in nature

·       Limiting your screen time

Dr Ruth Schumacher is Deputy Clinical Lead, HPFT Talking Therapies Digital Team, she said:

“World Mental Health Day is an important reminder to look after our mental health and the things we can do to support it. However, we must remember that it is not just one day and looking after our wellbeing is an ongoing journey. Taking steps each day to look after ourselves is a positive start and may prevent our mental health from deteriorating. If you are finding things more challenging though, it is important to seek support at the earliest opportunity, either through your GP, self-referral via Talking Therapies or contacting SPA.”

The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day is about prioritising mental health in the workplace. We spoke to some of our HPFT colleagues who told us what they do to look after their wellbeing at work.

Dr Emma Wadey, Chief Nursing Officer:
“I manage my mental wellbeing by balancing work commitments with spending time outside, either running with friends in the countryside or watching my local football team with my family. Finding balance is important and I try to encourage my teams to do the same. Attending to self-care ensures that I bring my best self to work so that I can provide the best care to service users and support to my colleagues.”

Sarah Mathieson, Knowledge, Library & Information Manager:
“Spending some time reading during my lunch break provides a bit of escapism and helps me to relax on busy days.”

Ramamoorthy Shanmugavelu, Operational Manager, Early Memory Diagnosis and Support Service:
"I believe prioritising mental health in the workplace starts with open and honest conversations, whether it’s checking in with colleagues or creating a supportive space to address challenges together. It's about fostering a culture where wellbeing is part of our everyday routine, not just an afterthought."

Charmaine Newman, Community Services Manager, Bucks Community Learning Disabilities Health Team:
“In the Bucks CLDHT, we focus on wellbeing and have two wellbeing champions who organise wellbeing walks, coffee afternoons, away days, wellbeing puzzles and many more activities.”

Jo Humphries, Chief People Officer:
“My diary automatically takes 10 minutes off the start or end of each meeting scheduled that I arrange, to allow for that much needed short break before the next one. When I am chairing meetings, I try to manage the conversations and agenda to finish 15 minutes ahead of schedule so people get a break in their day too.

“I also make a point of properly switching off when I get home and go for a brisk walk to blow the cobwebs away, so I can clear my head and enjoy being fully present at home.”

Yusuf Aumeerally, Freedom to Speak Up Guardian:
“Taking some exercise before I start work really sets me up for the day ahead.”

Georgia Michael, Deputy Chief Pharmacist:
“Our pharmacy Mental Health First Aider is always there to listen and support us and point us to the right resources and help groups."

Anca Horvat, Pharmacy Assistant:
“Ensuring adequate care of my health and wellbeing is a form of self respect and reflects on my duties to others in my care. When something bothers me, I write about it. In this way, the issues are taken off my mind and enable me to focus on the brighter side.”

If you are struggling with your mental health, please don’t do so alone.  We are here to help you.

Accessing mental health support

For those in mental health crisis, Hertfordshire’s Mental Health Helpline team can be contacted at any hour of the day or night, 365 days a year. They provide advice and support for those who are experiencing a mental health crisis, need some mental health support or just want to talk.

Call freephone 0800 6444 101 or call NHS 111 and selecting option 2.

The service is run by HPFT and is available to Hertfordshire residents of all ages, including current service users, carers, GPs and other professionals.

Contact your local Talking Therapies

If you are experiencing mental health issues such as low mood, insomnia or stress, you can contact Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies for free and confidential talking therapy treatment and practical support.

They also provide a series of webinars, self-help videos and self-help guides. These can range from how to cope with stress, dealing with worry and relaxation skills. www.hpft-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk

 

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