Introduction
All our lives, we all have experiences of good and poor mental health. When we are feeling in good mental health, there are steps we can take to try to keep it that way.
Five steps to good mental health
Connect
Evidence shows that good relationships are important for our mental wellbeing. Try to spend time with friends and family. This isn’t always easy if you don’t get along with your family or have been isolated from friends but you may be able to meet new people and build new relationships.
Find local opportunities to connect to your community. Filter the results using your postcode.
Be active
Being active is great for your physical health and fitness, and evidence shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing. Even with limited mobility, there is often something we can do to be more active.
Stay Strong, Stay Steady sessions are special classes which help to reduce falls and improve balance, strength and confidence.
Keeping active can help you to improve your sleep. If you’re struggling with this, download this free guide to help you to get a better night’s sleep.
Take note
Becoming more aware of the present moment can help us enjoy the world around us more and understand ourselves better.
Keep learning
Research shows that learning throughout life is associated with greater satisfaction and optimism, and it improves the ability to get the most out of life.
Give
Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness, small and large, are associated with positive mental wellbeing. You may like to do this through volunteering or by joining our Good Neighbourhood scheme.
Try out the Five Ways to Wellbeing app which offers a practical way to help you feel good about yourself and function well.
The Little Book of Mental Health contains useful tips, advice and information to help you manage your emotional wellbeing.
NHS Choices has a list of mental health helplines that you may also find useful.
If you are concerned about your mental health, you should consult your doctor.
Helpful Links
If you feel worried about your mental health or are considering taking your own life, you can call your GP surgery and arrange to speak to someone immediately. The Samaritans offer completely confidential emotional support 24 hours a day. Phone 116 123 for free or email jo@samaritans.org.uk
Talk with someone
Urgent support
Urgent support – Every Mind Matters – NHS
Somerset Mindline
Open 24 hours a day, everyday – for anyone experiencing mental or emotional distress.
Phone 01823 276892
Email support@openmentalhealth.org.uk
Samaritans
Open 24 hours a day, everyday – offering completely confidential emotional support.
Phone 116 123 for free
Email jo@samaritans.org.uk
Talking therapies
Talking therapies or psychological therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained and accredited NHS practitioners. They can help with common mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression.
A GP can refer you, or you can refer yourself directly to an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT) without a referral from a GP.
Helping someone else
If you know someone struggling with their mental health, there are lots of things you can do. Find out how you can help and support them with this NHS information.
Somerset Emotional Wellbeing Podcasts
GP Safety Lead, Dr Andrew Tresidder started hosting the ‘Somerset Emotional Wellbeing podcast’ in May 2020. This free show has been created to support the people of Somerset (and beyond) with their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Episodes of the Somerset Emotional Wellbeing podcasts run every two weeks, featuring a variety of guest hosts, alongside Dr Tressider.
Find more information and to listen to the podcasts – and other ways to listen