Winter can bring with it a strange mix of emotions. For some of us, winter is a time of joy, with crisp mornings and the excitement of the festive season. Yet for others, the shorter darker days mean we don’t go out as much and the holidays bring a sense of loneliness. But there are things we can do to improve how we feel and places we can seek support. Here are my tips for looking after your mental health in the months ahead.
Coping with grief during the Christmas season. While some people seem to be full of the joys of season, for others Christmas can be especially difficult if you have lost a loved one. At a Loss is the UK’s signposting and information website for bereaved people.
Ask yourself if you are feeling SAD? If so, you may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder. There are things you can do to help with this, visit the winter mental health page for tips on coping with SAD.
| Get help and support |
| Mental health issues can appear at any time, and it’s ok to ask for help. Watch our series of mental health videos which includes knowing when to seek help. NHS talking therapies (or psychological therapies) can help if you’re struggling with things like feelings of depression, excessive worry, social anxiety or post traumatic stress disorder. You do not need to have a diagnosed mental health problem to refer yourself to an NHS talking therapies service. If you, a family member or friend are in crisis and need help, please call NHS 111 and select the option for mental health crisis (option 2). |
| Don’t forget to also: |
| Do something for yourself. Have some ‘me time’ and spend regular time on the things that make you happy like hobbies, trying something new or relaxing. Many people experience feelings of guilt taking time for themselves but it’s ok to put yourself first once in a while. Get moving. Regular exercise can make us happier and healthier. Whether you run, take a brisk walk, join a fitness class or spend time cleaning or gardening, getting moving can make all the difference to our physical and mental health. We are lucky that there are so many great places, parks and activities right on our doorsteps. Active Essex website |
- Find your little, big thing, for your mental health. There are little things we can all do to lift our mood or ease our anxiety, we just need to find what works for us, like taking a walk in nature or opening up to a friend. Your little thing, if you keep doing it, will make a big difference to how you feel. Visit Every Mind Matters – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- Meet new people. People who spend time with other people in meaningful activities live longer, boost their mood and have a sense of purpose. There are many opportunities to meet new people in your area and a group for everyone, so have a look for activities and volunteer groups near you.
- Improve your sleep. If we are not getting good quality sleep it can leave us feeling tired and unable to cope the way we normally do. This can lead to insomnia that can last months or even years. My colleague James, a local mental health professional, has six top tips to help improve your sleep: Top tips video
SWF Health & Social Care Group 