As many of you will know, this Monday (10 October 2022) was World Mental Health Day.  The theme, as set by the World Federation for Mental Health, was “Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority”.  We’ve chosen to talk about mental health today as it’s something that we should all be conscious of each and every day.

“Ask Twice”

When we ask our friends, family and colleagues if they are okay, are we just being polite and expecting the usual response so that we can get on with our day?  Or do we care enough to really check in with them?  Research undertaken by the mental health campaign, Time to Change, has revealed that, when asked this question, 73% of people will just say they are “fine”. To tackle this, it has introduced an “Ask Twice” campaign.  This urges people to ask someone how they are actually doing, for a second time, particularly if they suspect someone might in fact be struggling with their mental health.  By simply asking again, it shows you are doing more than just going through the motions, that you really do care and that you are willing to listen and to talk.  This makes people more likely to give you a genuine answer.  Also bear in mind that just because someone appears bright and bubbly on the outside, that doesn’t mean that they are doing well on the inside.

The best tips for improving your mental health

1. Learn to understand and manage your feelings.
2. Talk to someone you trust for support.
3. Avoid using drugs and alcohol to cope with difficult feelings.
4. Improve your sleeping pattern.
5. Eat healthily.
6. Exercise.
7. Take up hobbies.
8. Plan things to look forward to.
9. Learn new skills.
10. Take some time for yourself.
11. Undertake mindfulness and mediation, as we are doing with a programme which we are rolling out for staff within our firm.

Mental Health Foundation’s November Challenge

Next month, you can join in with the Mental Health Foundation’s November Challenge by completing 12,000 steps a day, every day.

It has been clinically proven that exercise, including running and walking, improves our mental health.