Taking care of your wellbeing and mental health
The changes in our everyday lives, especially due to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, has impacted on us in many ways. Some of us may be experiencing a decline in our emotional and mental wellbeing which can range from feeling a little low and worried to severe anxiety or depression.
Each year one in four people will experience a mental health issue and it’s important to know that it’s ok not to be ok. There are many organisations offering a variety of advice and support, whether you are feeling low or you’re at crisis point. If you are experiencing distress or anxiety, or feel that you cannot cope, call the free Derbyshire Mental Health Support Line on 0800 028 0077 (24 hours a day, 7 days per week). You can also call the free Samaritans 24 hours support line on 116 123 or email
Staying active and getting involved in your local community can help to maintain or improve emotional and mental wellbeing. There are also five simple steps that you can do that might help:
- Connect: Socialise in person or online with friends, family or people in your community.
- Be Active: Any activity, whether a simple walk, bike ride or a swim can help.
- Keep Learning: Learning new skills can boost confidence and self-esteem.
- Give: Help others, say thank you or simply give someone a smile.
- Take Notice: Be aware of the present moment and your surroundings, this may positively help change how you’re feeling about life.
Connect
Many communities have social groups ranging from bingo sessions, luncheon clubs to physical activities. Derbyshire Voluntary Action have a searchable directory on their website of local groups, services and organisations. There is also a dedicated project called Feeling Connected which aims to improve local approaches to help people feel more connected, whether through attending a group, helping a neighbour or support for local projects to help people to connect. Visit the Derbyshire Voluntary Action website or call 01246 555908 for more information. You can also contact your local community or parish centre to see what local activities are happening in your area.
Getting out and about
We have many local parks around our District as well as activities at our leisure facilities at Dronfield, Eckington, Sharley Park, Clay Cross and very shortly Killamarsh. Contact details can be found on the first page of this edition of The NEWS.
You could join a walking group through our Walk Derbyshire scheme which has walks designed for different abilities across the District. For further information contact
Learn something new
A quick search on-line may highlight any free courses that are of interest to you. If you’re looking to build your digital confidence, you can access free learning through the Digital Connect project which is detailed in this edition of The NEWS.
Helping others
Have you ever wanted to volunteer your time to help others? There are organisations looking for volunteers for a range of opportunities which you can access through the Volunteer Centre or call 01246 276777.
Where to find support
If you feel that you need specific support to improve your mental or emotional health then please don’t delay in seeking help.
IAPT, Improving Access to Psychological Therapies, helps by providing support which includes counselling, cognitive behavioral therapy and guided self-help. There are four providers offering free IAPT services in Derbyshire and they are accepting new referrals. People who are registered with a Derbyshire GP practice can choose from any of these services. Referrals will be accepted from people aged over 18 years old and people aged between 16 and 18 will be accepted if they are assessed as benefiting from the service. Visit Derby and Derbyshire Emotional Wellbeing and search "IAPT", or contact your local GP surgery.
The Derbyshire Recovery and Peer Support Service supports people to learn more about their own mental health conditions and helps them develop ways to manage it. You can call the service’s emotional support helpline (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm) on 01773 734989. You can find out more with Rethink.
The Derby and Derbyshire Emotional Health and Wellbeing website has a lot of local information, including specific sections on children and young people, autism and for parents and carers.
Derbyshire County Council’s website also has lots of information and contact details of other organisations that can help, search mental health for more information.