By Ganymede
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week (18-24 May 2020) and the theme for this year is Kindness. One thing that we have seen all over the world is that kindness is prevailing in uncertain times. We have learnt that amid the fear, there is also community, support and hope. The added benefit of helping others is that it is good for our own mental health and wellbeing. It can help reduce stress and improve emotional wellbeing.
Be kind to yourself
At a time when kindness, especially to ourselves, has never been more important, our charity partner, Samaritans has launched a new, free Self-Help app to encourage people to be kind to themselves and look after their emotional wellbeing.
The Self-Help app offers people practical ways to cope and stay safe if they’re going through a difficult time.
The app aims to provide a means of accessing support for people who may struggle to use Samaritans’ listening service, or who may find it difficult to express how they are feeling when talking to someone. It features a mood tracker that allows people to record how they feel. It also recommends evidence-based coping techniques based on how you’re feeling, as well as activities that others have found useful when experiencing similar feelings.
Helping others
When someone is carrying around worries and difficult feelings, it can feel very lonely. Having someone there to listen can help them work through what’s going on and feel better able to cope. You don’t have to be an expert to help someone open up when something’s up. The fact that you care is what matters.
Here are some tips to help you spot when something might be up, open up a conversation and be a good listener.
For more advice and information
Mental health problems can affect anyone, at any time. Samaritans is here for someone who needs someone to listen. You can call free day or night on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org