There are little things we can all do for our mental health. As we approach World Mental Health Day on 10 October, get started with a free plan and tips from Every Mind Matters.
The impact and experience of the past 18 months has been different for everyone, as have our reactions, but there's no doubt it's been a difficult time for us all. That’s why it’s so important to look after our mental health and wellbeing; now more than ever.
New research from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) part of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) shows that the past 18 months negatively impacted the mental wellbeing of half of all adults in England (49%). And of those who struggled, a massive one in three (34%) did not know what to do to improve their mental wellbeing.
On 5 October, in the run up to World Mental Health Day, Better Health-Every Mind Matters have launched a campaign to support the nation’s mental wellbeing. Aimed at all adults, but weighted towards those most at risk of mental health problems and vulnerable groups, the campaign heroes the little things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing and how these can make a big difference - helping us to lead happier, healthier lives and cope with life’s challenges.
At the heart of the campaign is the free, NHS-approved Mind Plan. By answering five simple questions on the Every Mind Matters website, adults will get a personalised mental health action plan, giving practical tips to help them deal with stress and anxiety, boost their mood, sleep better, and feel more in control.
When it comes to taking care of your mental health, having a plan is a great first step. The tips in the Mind Plan have been chosen by clinical experts to help you find what works for you and have been designed to fit into your everyday routine. However, if something doesn’t work for you, you can swap it for a different tip.
Positively, many did do something to support their wellbeing including more than one in five (22% or 3.8m adults) took up a new hobby such as enjoying nature (46%), brisk walks (41%), gardening (34%), and cooking (33%).
The Every Mind Matters website is continuously updated to support on-going mental health and wellbeing needs and includes a COVID-19 hub which offers tips and support on how to deal with change, cope with money worries and job uncertainty. The website also provides practical tips on dealing with stress and anxiety, boosting your mood, sleeping better, and what you can do to help others.
Search Every Mind Matters to see what works for you.