Resolve to look after your mental health in the New Year

Resolve to look after your mental health in the New Year

The New Year is often seen as a time for new beginnings and starting afresh and it’s great to make a new start. It can also be a challenging time for some, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people of the importance of looking after their own mental health and that of their family and friends in 2012.
 
Mary Black, Assistant Director of Public Health, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement, PHA, said: “Most of us look forward to the New Year as an opportunity to review the past year and resolve to make improvements. For some however, this can be a challenging time; there may seem to be little room for positive change, perhaps because of losing your job, financial difficulties, loss of a loved one or feelings of stress, isolation or loneliness. The New Year is a time when we all need to look after our own mental health and look out for our relations, friends and neighbours.

“This is an ideal time to get out and about and to start getting a bit more active as the days start to get longer. Keeping in touch with friends and family is important, consider joining or developing new groups and interests, many of which can be free of charge, eg local library book groups, walking groups or taking up volunteering opportunities.

“It is important to look out for behaviour or feelings that could indicate that you, or someone you know, is showing signs of stress or problems under the surface. More information on looking after your mental health and the support available across Northern Ireland can be found at www.mindingyourhead.info

Taking time out to remember a few simple ways to protect your mental wellbeing during the New Year could make all the difference. These include:

  • Giving and accepting support – being available for others if they need support will encourage them to be there for you too.
  • Make time for yourself, family and friends – and talk to them about how you feel.
  • Get to know who you are, think about and try to do things that make you really happy; laugh regularly.
  • Cultivate and encourage optimism in yourself and others, try to avoid over thinking and comparisons with others – learn to balance and accept what you can and cannot change about yourself.
  • Exercise regularly, preferably with someone else.

Some people may experience more troubled feelings at this time of the year, even thinking about suicide. It is very difficult to predict when someone is feeling so unwell but the following signs and risk factors could help identify that someone is thinking of suicide – the more warning signs and risk factors, the higher the possible risk:

  • a suicide attempt or act of self-harm;
  • expressing suicidal thoughts;
  • preoccupation with death;
  • depression;
  • becoming isolated;
  • alcohol and/or drug abuse;
  • sudden changes in mood or behaviour;
  • making ‘final’ arrangements, eg giving away possessions.

If you, or someone you know, is in distress or despair, call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. This is a confidential service, where trained counsellors will listen and help immediately on the phone and follow-up with other support if necessary. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also access the Lifeline website at www.lifelinehelpline.info

Further information

Contact the PHA Press Office on 028 9031 1611

Notes to the editor