Mental Health : Positive

Good mental health is vital to our overall well-being. It impacts how we think, feel, and interact with the world around us. When our mental health is strong, we're better equipped to navigate life's challenges, build meaningful relationships, and make choices that contribute to a fulfilling life. 

Methods for promoting good metal health include : 

Prioritising self care and developing healthly coping mechanisms

Seeking support when needed

Self Care and Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Prioritising self-care is absolutely crucial for your mental health. Just as you regularly service your car to keep it running smoothly, you need to tend to your own well-being to maintain optimal mental function. Methods of self care will vary from person to person, but everyone is capable of finding what works for them. 

Healthy coping mechanisms are strategies that help you manage stress, emotions, and challenges in a constructive and positive way. They allow you to navigate difficult situations without resorting to unhealthy behaviors.

Some examples include : 

Mindfulness

Mindfulness involves paying attention to what is going on inside and outside ourselves, moment by moment. Mindfulness allows us to become more aware of the stream of thoughts and feelings that we experience, and to see how we can become entangled in that stream in ways that are not helpful.

Physical Activity 

Physical activity is a vital form of self-care as it reduces stress, improves mood, increases resilience and enhances self-esteem. The key is to find activities you enjoy. Whether it's dancing, swimming, hiking, or simply taking a brisk walk, the important thing is to move your body.

Quality Sleep

Quality sleep goes beyond just the number of hours you spend in bed. It's about how well you sleep, not just how long.  It's about falling asleep easily, sleeping through the night with minimal interruptions, getting long enough and waking up feeling refreshed.

Experiencing Nature

Connecting with nature can provide a sense of peace and tranquility, allowing you to disconnect from the demands of daily life and reconnect with yourself. Whether it's a simple walk in the park, a hike in the woods, or simply gardening, incorporating nature into your routine can have a profound positive impact on your mental health.

Engaging with Hobbies

Hobbies offer a valuable outlet for stress relief, allowing you to disconnect from daily worries and immerse yourself in something enjoyable. Engaging in hobbies can boost your mood, increase your sense of accomplishment, and provide a sense of purpose and meaning. Hobbies offer a chance to explore your interests, develop new skills, and simply enjoy the present moment.

Journaling

Journaling provides an emotional release, increases self-awareness, improves emotional regulation, stress reduction, and enhances problem-solving skills. By writing down your thoughts and feelings, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and navigate life's challenges with greater clarity and emotional resilience.

Seeking Support

As much as people wish they could always be self reliant, there may come a time where a person simply cannot cope on their own. By seeking support from family, friends and professionals when needed, help can be found whatever the circumstances. 

The links below are again posted here to support any young person with concerns regarding their (or others) mental health : 

Childline

ChildLine is a counselling service for children and young people. You can contact ChildLine anytime and in these ways; You can phone, send an email, have a 1-2-1 chat, send a message to Ask Sam and you can post messages to the ChildLine message boards. 

SAMH

SAMH is Scotland’s national mental health charity. They offer a range of services, including community-based support, information, and advocacy, with key programs focusing on anti-stigma, respect, and suicide prevention.

YoungMinds

YoungMinds is a UK wide charity fighting for children and young people's mental health. YoungMinds is committed to ensuring that all children and young people have the support they need to achieve good mental health.

The Mix

The Mix is the UK’s leading digital charity for under 25s, reaching over 6 million young people each year. Whatever issue a young person is facing, Thier support is free, confidential and anonymous and can be accessed wherever young people are.