Talking to friends and family is one of the best things when you're feeling down. But if everyone around you is too busy to talk, or too fraught about Christmas to pay attention to what you're trying to say, you can end up feeling more isolated than ever.
That's why NHS Kent and Medway is reminding people about Mental Health Matters, a free helpline offering confidential emotional support and guidance for people in Kent and Medway.
It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on 0800 107 0160 and staff are trained in counselling, so can offer support over the phone. They also have details of local and national services if people want more support.
Samaritans also provides confidental emotional support, for anyone feeling down, depressed or anxious. Volunteers can be contacted 24/7 to offer confidential support by phone: 08457 90 90 90, email jo@samaritans.org or face-to-face; visit http://www.samaritans.org/ for details of your local branch.
Helpful advice and contacts are available at www.liveitwell.org.uk which also has information about the five ways to wellbeing, things everyone can do to help them cope with difficult times and get more out of life at Christmas and all year round.
Karen Macarthur, strategic public health lead on mental health for NHS Kent and Medway, said: “The five ways to wellbeing have been identified by national research as effective at helping people feel better and protecting them against anxiety and depression.
“They can’t change people’s circumstances, but they can make it easier to cope and to get more out of life in general.”
The five ways to wellbeing are:
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connect – with the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community.
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be active – discover an activity you enjoy and that suits your level of fitness
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take notice – savour the moment. Notice the changing seasons. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling
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keep learning – try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Learning something new can make you more confident as well as being fun
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give – do something nice for someone
“I would encourage people to give them a go now and in the New Year,” said Karen Macarthur.
“They cost nothing, and they can make a big difference to the way you feel.”
