This week, it is Mental Health Awareness Week so we're shining the spotlight on mental health, and at Lincolnshire Action Trust (LAT), we're all about putting wellbeing first, both at work and at home. Being kind to yourself and others can do wonders for your state of mind and help ease stress in all aspects of your life.
As a team, we always try our best to look out for each other. Regularly checking in, organising team catch-ups and challenging how we can be better helps us to sustain a supportive work environment that we all enjoy being a part of. We also encourage a healthy work/life balance which helps us to make the most of our time outside of work.
Although there's still work to be done in breaking the stigma around mental health, we've got some of our favourite tips to share that can help you take care of your mental wellbeing.
- Talk to someone
If you're comfortable with it, don't hesitate to reach out to your friends and family when you're feeling down. Whether it’s to talk things through or just engage in a friendly conversation to distract your mind, talking to someone can really help.
- Do something you enjoy
Staying busy can take your mind off tough thoughts and feelings, or even help you work through them. It can be something creative or something physical, but picking up a new hobby or starting something new can be great for your wellbeing.
- Acknowledge your feelings
Having difficult days or periods of stress and high anxiety is completely normal and we will all experience it in one way or another throughout our lives. Allowing yourself to feel all emotions, both positive and negative, will help you deal with everyday life and move on from hard times.
- Take care of yourself
Self-care is personal and means something different to everyone. Whether it’s treating yourself to an at-home spa day or cooking your favourite meal, what matters is putting yourself first and feeling appreciated.
- Think of the positives
During challenging times, it's often easy to overlook the positives. However, there's always something worth celebrating or being grateful for. Take a moment to remind yourself of the things that bring you happiness and be kind yourself.
In conclusion, let’s continue to raise awareness, support one another, and prioritise mental wellbeing, not just this Mental Health Awareness Week, but every day.
If you’re struggling and need someone to talk to, you can contact any of these helplines. It may be worth checking first if there’s a cost involved, although these are generally free.
Samaritans
24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), or email jo@samaritans.org.
SANEline
If you or somebody with you is experiencing a mental health problem, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm, every day).
Shout
If you’d prefer not to speak on the phone: text the word 'SHOUT' to 85258 to have a text conversation with a Shout volunteer. Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) offer a webchat service.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline
If you’re feeling suicidal: you can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652 (open 24/7).
The Prisoners’ Families Helpline
If you have a loved one in prison: The Prisoners’ Families Helpline can support you if you have a family member in prison. The call is free and confidential, and operators can provide advice and information on the justice system. Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm, weekends 10am - 3pm.
Childline
If you're under 19: call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. This number will not appear on your phone bill.
The Mix
If you're under 25: The Mix is specifically aimed at younger people. Call 0808 808 4994 (3pm–midnight every day) or visit their website for other options.
HOPELINEUK
If you’re under 35: Papyrus HOPELINEUK is for people aged below 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings. 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends and bank holidays 2pm–10pm), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.
Switchboard LGBT+
If you’re LGBT+: all Switchboard phone operators identify as LGBT+. Call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service.
Frank
If you’re concerned about drugs: Frank offers free, confidential advice, 24 hours a day. You can phone them on 0300 123 6600.
