A universal message for World Mental Health Day

9 October 2008

The Mental Health Foundation has launched a new booklet that outlines ten simple things that anyone can do to look after their mental health. The message behind it is that mental health is an issue for everyone, and anyone can take practical steps to look after theirs. It is being launched on World Mental Health Day and is part of the Foundation’s drive to help everyone understand the basic building blocks of mental health.

Celia Richardson, Director of Communications at the Mental Health Foundation said:

“It may seem strange but materials like these are quite rare – it’s not every day that the whole population has mental health messages aimed at them. Too often people think mental health is a ‘them and us’ issue. But everyone can look after their mental health – whether they have a mental health problem or not. It’s vital that everyone understands this. Good mental health is a precious commodity and can help us deal with life and all it throws at us. Too many people think mental health is not about them – and they’re wrong.”

The campaign is deceptively simple – all of the suggestions in How to look after your mental health are based on real evidence of what works. They include:

• Keeping active – regular exercise can help you concentrate, sleep, look and feel better. It’s also thought to release feel-good chemicals in your brain

• Talking about your feelings – this is a way of taking charge of a situation and helping someone else to help you unravel your own thoughts and work out why you may be feeling the way you are

• Eating Well – there are links between what we eat and how we feel

• Drinking sensibly – people often drink alcohol to change their mood or cope with fear or loneliness – but it’s not an answer in the long run and can cause big problems

• Keeping in touch – feeling included and cared for is a huge factor in mental health

• Asking for help – there’s plenty out there if you can take the first step of asking – from the GP or the Samaritans to a friend or family member, depending on how serious your worries are

• Taking a break – the world can wait – you can also download free relaxation podcasts from www.mentalhealth.org.uk/relax

• Doing something you’re good at – this is great for your self esteem and you can lose yourself in something you really enjoy

• Accepting who you are – again, this is essential for good self esteem – it doesn’t mean you can’t change your behaviour or thinking, but it helps to understand yourself and value yourself for who you are

• Care for others – relationships are a two-way street and caring for others is a major part of feeling included, needed and cared for yourself

The booklet offers signposts to further forms of help with your mental health but the most important message is that you can help yourself.

For more information see www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/look-after-your-mental-health . 

Copies of How to look after your mental health are downloadable for free or single printed copies are also free of charge - call 020 7803 1101

Notes to editors:

World Mental Health Day takes place every year on the 10^th October.

For the Mental Health Foundation press office contact Simon Loveland 020 7803 1130 or email sloveland@mhf.org.uk

The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems – www.mentalhealth.org.uk