Looking after mental health important this time of year

Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement
minding your head at Christmas

As Christmas approaches, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to look after their mental health and that of their family and friends during the holiday season.

Fiona Teague, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement at the PHA, said: “Many of us will be looking forward to this festive period, but for some this can be a difficult time perhaps because of stress, bereavement, or feelings of isolation or loneliness, and with the added impact of the cost of living crisis, people may be feeling the effect on their mental health and wellbeing. So, it is as important as ever to make sure to take time out to think of how we may take steps to protect our mental wellbeing and how we can look out for those around us.”

Taking time out to remember a few simple ways to help protect your mental wellbeing over the holidays could make all the difference. The ‘Take Five Steps to Wellbeing’ can offer us a helpful guide:

  • Connect. Make time for family and friends over the Christmas period;
  • Be active. It may be cold outside, but that doesn’t mean you can’t exercise; Go for a walk or run, cycle, play a game, garden or dance. Exercising makes you feel good;
  • Take notice. Stop, pause, or take a moment to look around you;
  • Keep learning. Don’t be afraid to try something new, rediscover an old hobby or set yourself a new challenge over the holidays;
  • Give. Don’t be afraid to give and accept support – being available for others if they need support should encourage them to be there for you too.

Fiona continued: “It is important to look out for behaviour that could indicate that someone is under pressure and really needs help. If you are worried about someone, start a conversation with them and talk to them about your concerns. Ask them how they are feeling and if there is anything you can do to help them.

“It is also important that everyone knows services are available. Whether it is for you or someone you know, help is available all year round no matter what you are going through.”

A range of advice and information on support services across Northern Ireland are available on www.MindingYourHead.info and if you or someone you know is in distress or despair and in immediate need to talk to someone, call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000.The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and a trained counsellor is ready to talk to you. You can find out more about the support available from Lifeline on www.LifelineHelpline.info

“People often use alcohol to relax, but instead of helping us to cope it can make things worse,” Fiona said.

“If you choose to drink, know your limits, get to know your alcohol units and stay within the safer drinking limits and avoid excessive or binge drinking. It can have a serious effect on you and those around you.”

To find out more about alcohol, or to get help from a professional, either for yourself, or someone you care for, visit www.DrugsAndAlcoholNI.info

Information on the  ‘Take 5 steps to wellbeing’ is available at www.pha.site/fivesteps