Mind Magazine July 2017 Mind Magazine July 2017 | Page 11

Mental health issues
The mutual support
has helped me realise
that I am not alone.
I don’t think I could
have got through this
without the elephant
and friends.
Sam, Elefriend
Coping with
loneliness Share and
connect
Volunteering is a good way
of meeting other people –
and helping others can help
improve your mental health. Elefriends is our
wonderful online
community, where you
can go to share your
feelings, read other
people’s stories, and
connect with people
who understand what
you’re experiencing.
•
Why not join an interesting
class or group? Your local GP
surgery might have a good list
of local activities.
•
•

Take it slowly. Try to spend
more time in public places like
cinemas or a local café, where
you’re surrounded by people
but you’re not expected to talk.
Ask for help. For details
of other places to turn for
support, call our Infoline
on 0300 123 3393 Monday–
Friday 9am–6pm, text 86463, or
go to mind.org.uk/helplines
You can use Elefriends
whenever you need
to reach out, day or
night. It’s a safe place
to listen, share and
be heard.
•
Why not take a look,
and join in when
you’re ready? Just go
to elefriends.org.uk
Mind Magazine 11