Maintaining positive mental health is vital for your overall health and welfare. Here are some tips to help:
1. Sleep like a baby
If you don’t get enough sleep your body and mind cannot function to its full potential. Getting the recommended 7-9 hours sleep is required to maintain positive mental health. If we get less than recommended we lack concentration, tend to eat foods high in sugar and fat to give a boost of energy and become irritable. Click here for more information on how to ensure you get enough sleep.
2. Accept yourself as you are
Nobody on this planet is perfect and flawless and we must accept that is perfectly fine. We must treat ourselves with kindness and respect as the most important relationship you will ever have is the one you have with yourself.
3. Find your support system
Those that have good relationships with friends, family and their communities tend to lead happier and healthier lives. Surround yourself with positive people who have your best interests at heart and who you know will guide and care for you in difficult times.
4. You are what you eat
It is vital that the foods we put into our bodies are healthy and nutritious. Eating healthier will have positive impacts on your body, both physically and mentally.
5. Run Forest Run!
Exercise plays a huge role in ensuring a positive mental attitude. It releases ‘feel good’ endorphins which can help alleviate any stresses or worries that you may have. Even better to find an exercise buddy to share the fun with!
6. Reduce alcohol intake
Drinking alcohol can have a negative effect on your mental health. People who drink less or eliminate it completely find that they are in better moods, aren’t as irritable and maintain better social relationships. Click here to find out more information on the link between alcohol and mental health.
7. Talk It Out
If you are feeling low it is vital that you reach out to your support system and talk about it. There is no shame in expressing how you feel and once you talk about your problems it will feel like a release for you. “A problem shared is a problem halved.”
If you need further support remember to let us help at #talktotom. We can be your guide - contact us on (0818) 303061or via Whats App. To launch a chat now click here. You can find out more about our counselling service here.
Other services you where you can reach someone to talk to:
Samaritans offers a 24 hour listening service over text message, text 'Hello' to 087 260 9090 to get started (standard text messaging rates apply) or call 116 123 to talk to someone over the phone.
Childline text and instant messaging services are available from 10am - 4am every day to young people under 18, text 'Talk' to 50101 to talk to a trained counsellor by text message or call 1800 66 66 66.
Teenline is a non-directive, non-judgemental and confidential helpline for teenagers age 13-19. They offer a freephone listening service. You can contact them by: Calling 1800 83 36 34 (8-11pm Monday to Friday)
Visit Your GP:
We always recommend that you visit your GP if you have suicidal feelings. Don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed. Your doctor is a professional health care provider and will be familiar with how you are feeling. You mental health is just that - your health. You would visit your GP if you had been feeling physically unwell right ? Your emotional health is just as important as your physical well-being - in fact the two go hand in hand. If you don’t have a current GP you can find a list of services in your area here. You can also contact the CareDoc service on 1850 334 999
Contact the Emergency Services:
If you are an immediate danger to yourself and are going through a suicidal crisis please contact the emergency services by calling 999 or visit your nearest Emergency Department.