World Mental Health Day: Help Get Britain Talking

Our perceptions of mental health are all very different, and our own experiences in this area shape who we are as individuals. It's very important not to underestimate the importance of your well-being and make sure that you are taking the right steps to ensure you're living a happy and healthy lifestyle. Take a look at this blog post which is all about the importance of our own mental health and what we should do to nurture and support it.

Our perceptions of mental health are all very different, and our own experiences in this area shape who we are as individuals. It's very important not to underestimate the importance of your well-being and make sure that you are taking the right steps to ensure you're living a happy and healthy lifestyle. 

What Is Mental Health? 

Mental health is all about your emotional well-being. 

Make sure to access your mental health as it's just as important as your physical well-being. The key here is to understand how you're feeling and how that impacts your day to day life. Allow yourself a moment to think about the following:

• Can you cope with your day to day routine? 
• Do you ever feel anxious, stressed, worried? 
• What do you do to support your well-being? 
• Are you happy? 

By feeling happy we don't mean a feeling of excitement which quickly sparks itself through you. It's more like a feeling of contempt. Being able to socialise with your friends and family, finding enjoyment in hobbies and interests, plus ensuring you are getting the right amount of self-care.

It's OK Not To Feel Ok…

If you learn one thing from this blog post, the most important would be to remember that it's ok not to be ok. It's ok to have moments when you may not feel your best. It's normal. There is still a stigma that has attached itself to mental health and many charities including Mind will tell you that it's always ok to reach out for help. Mental health problems can change your life. It can be hard to speak out but a lot of people who have will tell you that it's the best thing they have ever done. Yes, it can be overwhelming, and scary, but with the support from family, friends and even employers things can get better. 

No One Is Alone 

It's not the case of being an abnormality, it's not the case of being different or not good enough. Did you know that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime? More than likely you already know someone who has. 

At Cartridge People, we believe in the simple saying of "being kind." We don't know everyone's story so it's not for us to judge what others are going through or how they feel. 

The Road To Recovery

There are lots of things that you can do to help anyone who you think may be struggling with their mental health:

• Let them know you are there. They will talk to you if / when they are ready. 
• Listen to them and respect how they feel. Never tell someone how they should feel. 
• Don't treat them any differently, it's still the same person you know.
• Remember everyone is different.

What About Work? 

A lot of people do get understandably worried when it comes to their job and mental health. There is a worry that your employer may think that you are not good enough and you may feel as if you are easily replaceable.  Well, that's not the case! Employers want people who care. The job you do was given to you through your own merits and achievements and it's very important to not forget all that you have achieved to get where you are today. 

At Cartridge People, we have systems in place to help support our staff with their mental well-being, as it's very important to us to ensure that everyone does feel ok, and able to speak out if they do need some support. 

Some Words From Us

"We recognise that mental health is really important. Happy, healthy employees are the key to a thriving business. Mental health has always been a big priority, but the need to stay on top of what we offer for our employees has intensified during COVID-19, as a lot of our staff are currently working remotely. We are bombarded with information which can seem confusing, which can affect people's mental health. There is also a concern that working from home can add to feelings of isolation. Due to this, we have improved our already high level of resources aimed at helping our employees manage their well-being by ensuring we operate an open-door policy for all staff members, having easy access to a GP and counselling service, plus we conduct anonymous staff surveys to make sure everyone feels comfortable and is heard." – Cartridge People HR Team

Self Care! Self Care! Self Care!

1 in 8 young people will experience a mental health problem. One of the ways we can help look after ourselves is to get involved in self-care. Self-care is all about dedicating some time to you. Time to unwind, relax and to do something that YOU enjoy. Some examples of self-care include:

Sleep: Make sure you get enough sleep – feel energised and refreshed. 

Exercise: Running can control stress and help the body deal with existing mental tension

Laugh: Watch a funny movie, do anything that lets you have a little giggle. 

Fun: Do anything that you enjoy, a smile always helps us to feel better!

Control: Don't rush, don't panic, make sure to slow down and take things one step at a time. 

Acceptance: We're not superheroes nor do we have magical powers. Things will get done when they get done. 

Relax: Ah – enjoy a good bubble bath or maybe a duvet night. 

Eat: As much as we may love junk food, please try to have a balanced diet. You'll feel better for it!

Not Sure Where To Start?

Download some of our free printable resources today! These have been designed to offer a well-needed break from the day to day life, thus allowing you to shut off from daily stresses.

Free Printable 30 Day Mental Health Challenges

Don't Be Afraid

This is probably the hardest one of them all. Not all mental health problems will fully go away, but that doesn't mean that we can't be happy. Establishing good mental health is about learning how to manage and cope with any struggles that we may have. It's key to remember that we can ask for help at any point, it's key to remember that we are all worth something, and it's key to remember that we are never alone.

Do You Need Some Support?

Mind offers a fantastic community called Side By Side. This service allows you to connect with others who understand what you are going through, which in turn provides a safe place where people are listened to, respected and heard. Side by Side is completely free and is moderated daily to make sure the content is as helpful as possible. If you are ever having a bad day, or simply just need someone to talk to, we'd recommend giving Side by Side a try.

Share Support With Us!

We’re offering you the opportunity to bid on paintings created by a Cartridge People employee to raise money for Mind and highlight the important role taking part in activities like painting can have on your mental health. In a month where World Mental Health Day takes place (October 10th), Clarrie-Anne has produced the below paintings that can be bid on throughout October using the simple forms with all the proceeds going to Mind.

Click here to find out more!

Following months of lockdown and the difficulties faced by millions over the course of this year, Mind believes that World Mental Health Day on October 10th is the most important one yet. Mind says: “Making positive change can seem so hard, especially during uncertain times. And sometimes, it can be hard to know where to start. Take the opportunity this World Mental Health Day to find out more about how you can start with one thing.”

For more information and support, please visit the Mind support pages where there are resources available to help you.

© 2020 Mind is a registered charity in England (no. 219830) and a registered company (no. 424348) in England and Wales.