February Newsletter

Understanding the Basics of Mental Health

Mental health is defined as an individual’s psychological, behavioural and mental wellbeing. The state of a person’s mental health determines how they think, feel and act. Developing and maintaining good mental health is important at every stage of life.

Common Mental Health Problems

Depression is the most widespread mental illness globally, affecting an estimated 300 million people. Symptoms include a persistently low mood, loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and interests, feelings of hopelessness, memory and concentration problems, and changes in eating and sleeping patterns.

Often, those with depression will also be affected by anxiety (and vice versa). Generalised anxiety disorder is characterised by excessive fear and worry, which interferes with concentration, sleep and the enjoyment of everyday life. Other well-known anxiety disorders include panic disorder, social anxiety and phobias.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is also a prevalent mental health condition, developed as the result of experiencing a traumatic event.

If you or someone you care about experience a mental illness, it’s important to seek proper treatment, such as a combination of therapy and medication. If you’re looking for tips to help look after your mental health on a daily basis, here are some easy-to-follow tips.

Looking After Your Mental Health

Stay active: Regular exercise and physical activity help to boost “feel-good” chemicals in your brain. Do some moderate exercise regularly to improve your mood and lower stress levels. Even something as simple as going for a walk or jog is helpful.
Eat a balanced diet: Eating well is important for your brain as well as your body. Nutrients like vitamin B12 and magnesium help to improve the mood, so it’s important to include plenty of fresh, nutrient-rich foods in your daily diet.
Get some sunlight: Sunlight is a great source of vitamin D, which helps your brain to release chemicals like endorphins and serotonin. Spend some time in the sunshine regularly, but be sure to protect your skin.
Manage stress levels: Be aware of the things that stress you out, and make sure you have ways to cope with that stress. This might mean taking some time to meditate after work, or switching off your phone and other devices over the weekend.
Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and drugs: Take care of your physical and mental health by avoiding addictive substances that can dramatically alter your mood.
Make time for fun: Take time to do the things you enjoy, whether it’s a creative hobby or spending time with your loved ones.
Ask for help when you need it: It’s important to recognise when you’re struggling with your mental health, and when that happens, reach out and ask for help and support. This might mean talking about your feelings with your loved ones, speaking to a counsellor, or asking your doctor about your symptoms and discussing possible treatments.

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EWP) is available 24 hours if you want to discuss your own or a family member’s mental health. We are here to support you.

Sources:

How to look after your mental health. Retrieved from: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-to-mental-health

10 Top Tips for Good Mental Health. Retrieved from: https://www.peoplefirstinfo.org.uk/health-and-well-being/mental-health/10-top-tips-for-good-mental-health/

The Top Five Most Common Mental Illnesses. Retrieved from: https://www.talkspace.com/blog/the-top-five-most-common-mental-illnesses/

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Caring Families

Food gives us energy, but not all that energy affects our bodies in the same way. For example, sugars break down quickly and cause a fast release of energy, which soon wears off. Foods that take longer to break down provide a slower, longer-lasting release of energy that will keep you going.

Some of the best food sources for sustained energy are whole grains, oats, bran, brown rice, corn, beans, lentils, potatoes and other root vegetables. Include these fibre-rich foods in your diet multiple times a week, to keep your energy levels healthy.

Consumer Tip

If you really want to get out of debt, stop using credit cards. The more you swipe, the more the balance climbs. Even if you continue to use your card, avoid leaning on perks such as the ability to take cash advances.

“Unlike when you withdraw cash from your bank account via debit card, a cash advance via credit card generally costs you a steep cash-advance fee as well as a steep interest rate.”

Having a hard time letting go? Try freezing the cards (sealed) in a freezer safe tub. By the time you are able to access them again, hopefully you will have changed your mind about spending.