What is Mental Health? As human beings we have both a physical health and a mental health. Mental health is the health and stability of our mind. Some people call it ‘emotional health’ or ‘wellbeing’ Your mental health doesn’t always stay the same. It can change as circumstances change and as you move through different stages of your life. What are Mental Health Problems? Mental health problems range from the worries we all experience as part of everyday life to serious long-term conditions. The majority of people who experience mental health problems can get over them or learn to live with them, especially if they get help early on. Everybody responds differently to the stresses and strains of modern life and it is common to describe ourselves as ‘depressed’, ‘stressed’ or ‘anxious’ at times. For some, these feelings can become serious enough to make it difficult to carry on with normal daily activities. We all have mental health, the same as we all have physical health. Some common Mental Health problems can include:    Depression Anxiety Symptoms of Stress Some more serious mental health conditions can include:     Bipolar Affective Disorder Schizophrenia Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Personality Disorders How common are they?    Estimated that 450million people worldwide have a mental health problem right now Approximately 30% of all GP consultations are related to mental health No1 reason for time off work is due to stress If you are experiencing mental health problems...You are not alone 1 Improve your Mental Health Being mentally healthy doesn’t just mean that you don’t have a mental health problem. If    you’re in good mental health, you can: Make the most of your potential Cope with life Play a full part in your family, workplace, community and among friends There are many things that you can do to improve your own mental health: Connect with the people around you Your family, friends, colleagues and your community. Be social and outgoing and talk about your feelings. Be active You don’t have to go to the gym to be active. Take a walk, go cycling or play a game of football. Keep learning Learn new skills, take a class, play music, do some DIY, read a book! – The list is endless. Give to others Even the smallest act can count whether it’s a smile, a thank you or a kind word. Larger acts such as volunteering at your local community centre can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new social networks. Eating Well and drinking responsibly Make sure you eat a nutritious and well balanced diet. Also remember too much alcohol consumption can have a negative effect on your mood and your ability to get over mental health problems Get enough Sleep Not getting enough sleep can negatively affect our moods and our immune systems. Aim to get at least 7/8hours of sleep a night. Tell your employer If it is affecting your performance at work, speak to your employer about the problem. Talk to your GP If you think that you need further help and advice then speak to your GP who can direct you to other services Anyone can experience mental health problems 2 Our Services Our Community Wellbeing Service (CWS) - provides our clients with an activity programme that meets their needs and promotes improved mental wellbeing. It consists of numerous different activities including a women's group, a choir and an art and crafts group. Through the CWS, people can also attend Coping With Life courses and have one-to-one recovery focused sessions. We have recently launched our Ecotherapy scheme which supports people to become more active and promotes mental health healing through nature. This includes horticulture and all weather walking. Child and Adolescent Mentoring Scheme (CAMS) - Our service that helps children and young people aged 10-18 to prevent them from developing mental health problems. A child is partnered with a ‘mentor’ who's aim is to support the young person outside the family environment. It encourages the young person to be healthy and active and supports them with the challenges of childhood. Befriending - Is a scheme aimed at helping to alleviate some of the isolation suffered by those people affected by mental health problems. A volunteer befriender supports the client on a one-to-one basis either in their home or accompanying them to leisure activities and by working together to identify steps to achieve the individual's aims and overcome their difficulties, whilst providing emotional and social support. Older Persons Project (Doves) - This scheme is for people who are over 65. It encourages them to be active and build self confidence through a variety of social activities. Carers Support - This service offers support for the carers of those suffering with mental health difficulties. We organise confidential groups and information for carers , and provide them with a listening ear, compassion and understanding . Youth Track Advocate - Our dedicated advocate is here to support and empower clients aged 18 to 30 who are seeking employment, education and training or voluntary work. REPS: Referral, Enablement and Pathway - Supports individuals in social crisis through advocacy and action planning. Helps provide short term interventions to deal with housing, benefits and debt, with the aim of preventing future relapse and further crisis. 3 Fundraise for us From themed parties, to coffee mornings, to golf tournaments to skydives, there is always something you can do to raise money for us and support the work we do. For more ideas and advice, take a look at our Fundraising Pack on our website. For more information contact Ciaran: 07711196254 Ciaran.white@haveringmind.org.uk Volunteer for us Got a few spare hours in your week? Want to help support Havering Mind? There are a number of ways in which you can help us:     Fundraising (helping out at events) Helping out at one of our centres Befriending an adult Mentoring a younger person For more information contact Sharon Fraine: 01708 457777 volunteering@haveringmind.org.uk Contact us For more information on Havering Mind please contact us on 01708 457040 or email reach.us@haveringmind.org.uk visit our website www.haveringmind.org.uk Twitter.com/haveringmind Charity No. 1108470 4