HEALTH
Worried about mental health?
One in four of us will have problems with our mental health at some point in our lives.
Fortunately there is much we can do to improve our wellbeing, reports Andy Mahady.
M
ental wellbeing can
mean many different
things but is often simply
about feeling good
and functioning well. Contentment,
enjoyment, confidence and
engagement with the world are all a
part of mental wellbeing. So are good
friendships or relationships with others,
and a feeling that you can do the
things you want to do.
Good mental wellbeing does not
mean you never experience feelings or
situations that you find difficult.
It does mean that you feel
you have the resilience
to cope when times
are tougher than
usual. Nonetheless,
if negative feelings
persist, are too much
for you to cope with,
or are stopping you
from carrying on with
your normal life, you may
need to get help and advice.
Dr Jackie Chin, the council’s director
of p ublic health, said: “Many of us will
occasionally feel down for a short time.
However, if you’re still feeling down or
anxious after a few weeks, or you have
concerns that you may be depressed
or suffering from anxiety, it is important
to speak to your GP.”
KEEPING ACTIVE
It has long been known that
regular exercise is good for our
physical health, reducing the risk of
cancer, heart disease and strokes.
Additionally,
regular physical
activity will greatly
benefit our mental
health, too. Exercise
can help people
with depression and may
prevent them becoming depressed
in the first place.
Dr Chin added: “Being more
physically active has many benefits.
Fortunately Ealing’s great parks, open
spaces and sports centres, means
there’s something for everyone,
regardless of age or ability.”
When we are not exercising,
evidence suggests there are additional
steps we can all take to improve our
mental wellbeing. Approach them
with an open mind and judge the
results for yourself:
■
Connect – connect with the people
around you: family, friends, colleagues
and neighbours
■ Keep learning – learning new skills
can give you a sense of achievement
and a new confidence
■ Give to others – even the smallest
act can count whether it is a smile, a
thank you or a kind word
■ Take notice – be more aware of
the present moment, including your
feelings and thoughts, your body and
the world around you.
If you are concerned that you may
be depressed or suffering from anxiety,
it is important to speak to your GP
(who might refer you to the Mental
Health and Well-being Service). You
can also self-refer to the service by
calling 020 3313 5660 or emailing
[email protected]
around ealing
Spring 2015
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