March 20 marks the International Day of Happiness, with the world celebrating the theme of “Keep Calm. Stay Wise. Be Kind” at a time of global uncertainty. Usually, approximately one in four people in Britain experience a mental health problem every year. The coronavirus pandemic has caused a significant impact on the mental health of many.
A study by Mind showed that 51% of adults and 55% of young people without previous experiences of mental health problems, had reported mental health declines as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The WHO’s Dr Mike Ryan has said that the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on mental health “has not been counted yet” but will have an effect “for many years to come”.
Lawrence Curtis, Healthy Minds, Healthy Bods (HMHB), a social enterprise in Highbury, also warned of a potential mental health crisis.
We spoke to Tom Newmark, CEO of the Peel Centre and part of Islington’s Direct Action Project, who are tackling the stigma around mental health, and asked for his advice to look after your mental health.
Here are his 5 ways to look after your mental health:
Talk about how you feel
“When we have a physical problem like a broken leg, we are comfortable to speak to doctors, and it should be the same for mental health,” says Tom, “there is a real stigma around talking about things people may think of as private. But there really should be someone to talk to.”
Find someone that you are comfortable to talk to: whether that is a doctor or professional, or if it’s a family member or friend that can share their support. Talking can also encourage others to come forward, and people will feel less alone.
Exercise regularly and stay active
The release of endorphins when exercising means we feel good when we exercise and can help us feel calmer and clear our minds. It is no wonder that regular exercise has better helped in treating mild to moderate depression than antidepressants.
Dedicating at least an hour a few times a week to exercises and activities that you enjoy can help to maintain positivity.
The NHS have suggested these free exercises and activities that you can do every day.
Educate yourself
“We’re very lucky in Islington to have a range of services to use that people don’t know much about,” Tom says, encouraging Islington residents to educate themselves on these free services.
Some of these services can be found on the Direct Action Project that Tom works with, as part of their Mental Health Awareness Project challenging the stigma of mental health.
Another big organisation is Islington Mind, which has been operating in Islington since 1981, to improve the quality of life of Islington residents experiencing mental distress.
Currently, they are providing support during the pandemic, with their six-month Enablement Covid Recovery Project, which provides broad support ranging from welfare to wellbeing.
Services directed at parents, young people and other communities can be found in the Islington council directory.
Make the most of digital services
“There are also plenty of NHS approved, free digital services that can help to keep on top of your mental health,” Tom says, recommending the app Kooth. The app means you can chat with counsellors, write a daily journal, and speak to the online community about how you are feeling.
The app is aimed at young people and was created by XenZone, who provide other online mental health services.
More NHS approved apps can be found on their website.
Eat well
A balanced diet gives your brain the right mix of nutrients it needs to keep you healthy. Thus, it’s important to stay hydrated with water and have at least three meals a day.
Cooking as an activity can also be a great way to connect with people and make the experience more enjoyable.
During the pandemic there have been many online cooking classes springing like the ones offered by Borough Kitchen.
