This week is Mental Health Awareness Week 9 to 15 May.
Did you know….
1 in 6 adults experiences a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression
1 in 5 adults has considered taking their own life at some point.
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Here are some ways you can maintain positive mental health:
- Getting professional help if you need it
- Connecting with others
- Staying positive
- Getting physically active
- Helping others
- Getting enough sleep
- Developing coping skills
What can we do to look after our mental health and wellbeing?
Well, we could start talking!
Talking about our feelings isn’t a sign of weakness. It is the step we need in order to take charge of our wellbeing and doing what we can to stay healthy. Talking about our feelings can help us stay in good mental health and deal with times when we feel troubled. Just being listened to can help us feel supported and less alone. And it works both ways. If we open up, it might encourage others to do the same.
We know, sometimes it is not easy to describe how you are feeling. Many of us feel more comfortable when these conversations develop naturally – maybe when we’re doing something together within a social group, or with a loved one.
It may feel awkward at first but give it time. For example, why not attend Queen’s Park Library’s Coffee Morning? Click the link for details: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/event/coffee-morning-queens-park-library-person
Alternatively, you can see what other events our libraries and archives are running, that you may want to attend:
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/leisure-libraries-and-community/libraries/connect?page=0
Some useful websites or contact numbers:
- NHS – https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
- Mental Health Foundation – https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/news/mental-health-foundation-announces-loneliness-theme-mental-health-awareness-week-2022 https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/your-mental-health/getting-help
- Westminster Talking Therapies – Telephone: 030 3333 0000 Email: westminster.iapt@nhs.net You can refer yourself and ask your GP to do on your behalf.
- Every Mind Matters – https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/
- Community Living Well – https://communitylivingwell.co.uk/
- Mind – https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/mental-health-problems-introduction/stigma-misconceptions/
Paddington Library’s Mental Health survey
Let’s take our questions to the public. Would you answer 3 questions centred around mental health and loneliness?
Closes this Sunday, 15 May 2022.
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Let Libraries make a difference in your local communities.
Reminder: World Mental Health Day is on Monday 10 October 2022.
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