Today is World Mental Health Day. The theme for this year, set by the World Health Organisation, is ‘making mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’. Looking after yourself is a main priority, and with everything going on in the world, looking after your mental health is more important now than ever.

Research has found 1 in 4 people experience mental health issues each year. World Mental Health Day is a chance to talk about mental health, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to talk about things and get help if you are struggling.

You are not alone, there are people here to help you no matter how or what you are feeling.

Activities to Help With Your Mental Health

Keeping your mind busy with activities can really help you channel your feelings into an activity that you enjoy. This not only makes you feel happier, but it can really have a positive impact on your mental health.

Why not try some of the activities we’ve listed below:

• Reading a book
• Crafting
• Painting
• Colouring
• Watching a film
• Writing
• Cooking
• Walking or running

You never know, if you try something new you might love it!

Tips for Taking Care of Yourself

Taking care of yourself is so important for your mental health. It’s amazing how much better you can feel by doing some or any of the below:

• Talk to someone you trust
• Do activities you enjoy
• Take care of your physical health
• Tell yourself everything will be fine

Remember, what you feel today you may not feel tomorrow.

Mental Health Helplines

There are many mental health helplines available if you are in crisis and need someone to talk to as soon as possible. If you don’t want to talk, there are also helplines you can text for advice and support. Everyone at these helplines are there to listen to you and offer as much support as possible.

Listening line staff let you talk through your feelings and experiences without judging you or telling you what to do. Many listening services let you talk for as long as you need.

People are there to get you through this. Below are a number of mental health helplines you can contact for help:

• Samaritans – Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for you to talk to about anything what is upsetting you. Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. Call 116 123. Sometimes writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you understand them better, you can email jo@samaritans.org.
• Mind – Provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Call 0300 123 3393.
• SANEline – Available from 4pm – 10pm every day. They are there for you to call if you are experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else. Call 0300 304 7000. The helpline is a confidential service for anyone aged 16 or over.
• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK – Available 6pm – 3.30am every day. They offer a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. Call 0800 689 5652. The helpline is a confidential service for those aged 18 or over.
• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Available from 5pm – midnight every day. Offer support to help prevent male suicide. Call 0800 58 58 58.
• Shout – If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.
• Papyrus HOPELINEUK – Available weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm. If you’re under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, call 0800 068 4141, email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.