Looking after your mental health
All of us have had uncertainties and big changes to our daily lives over the last couple of years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
And tens of thousands of people in our area have been affected by paused operations and procedures. For those with existing mental health problems, the changes and delays have added to their challenges.
Now money worries are adding to the pressure, which can cause feelings of anxiety, depression and shame for those worst affected.
Even if you are not sure whether or not you have a specific mental health problem, it's important to seek help as this will play an important part towards getting and staying well.
You can get in touch with your GP or refer yourself for talking therapies with the NHS.
What to do if you are in a mental health crisis
Call 111 and select the mental health option for the First Response Service - a 24-hour service for people in a mental health crisis. This service is for anyone, of any age, who is registered with a GP in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough.
You might be in crisis if:
- You are thinking of hurting yourself or suicide seems the only option
- Someone you know has made threats to hurt you or someone else.
- You are experiencing extreme distress that seems overwhelming.
They can offer advice over the phone, put you in contact with the crisis services or even refer you to a Sanctuary - safe places run by Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire Mind.
Caring for someone? You can call 111 on their behalf too.
Dealing with anxiety and uncertainty
UK charity The Mental Health Foundation and the NHS Every Mind Matters website have practical advice on how to deal with anxiety and uncertainty, improve your mood and look after your wellbeing.
You can find help on topics including:
Five top tips
1. Stay connected
Spend quality time with friends, family and loved ones. If you can't meet face to face, call a loved one, friend or neighbour – take time to listen how they are too.
2. Talk about your worries
Sharing your concerns with someone you trust can really help.
3. Look after yourself
Try to keep active, eat a balanced diet and take time to relax and get some restful sleep.
4. Manage your news intake
With so many stories out there, and 24-hour coverage, it’s easy to feel overloaded and stressed. If it's having a negative effect, take a break from the news or limit how much you watch or listen to.
5. Keep doing the things you enjoy
From a family board game to a jigsaw puzzle, a podcast to a cycle ride – it’s important to spend time doing something you enjoy. Connecting with nature and getting some green time helps reduce stress and boosts our mood.
Read more from the Mental Health Foundation
Read more on the Every Mind Matters website and get your free Mind Plan
Managing your mental health at work
Your employer has a duty of care towards you to make sure that your mental health is not harmed by your work environment.
Many employers have staff wellbeing programmes in place which may include things like Mental Health Champions, free counselling or access to leisure activities.
The national charity Mind offers advice on how you can be mentally healthy at work, with suggestions for what you can do and where you can get support if you experience poor mental health.
Advice on how to be mentally healthy at work
Staff Support Hub
If you work in healthcare, social care, the voluntary sector or not-for-profit sector in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and need someone to talk to, our Staff Support Hub is here for you.
Local organisations offering mental health support
Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire Mind
Provide community wellbeing support, from counselling and advice to good mood cafes and crisis support.
H.A.Y Cambridge, East Cambs, Fenland and South Cambs
The How Are You district websites bring together everything that promotes positive mental health and wellbeing. They spotlight local activities and courses as well as support and services for local people from the NHS, local authority, third sector and community organisations.
- Cambridge www.haycambridge.co.uk/
- East Cambs https://hayeastcambs.co.uk/
- Fenland www.hayfenland.co.uk/
- Huntingdonshire: https://hayhunts.co.uk/
- South Cambs www.haysouthcambs.co.uk/
Lifeline
A free, confidential and anonymous telephone helpline service that is available on 0808 808 2121. The Line provides listening support and information to someone experiencing mental distress or if you are supporting someone in distress. Open 11am – 11pm every day.
Rethink Mental Illness
Provides carer support including a telephone support line (07783 267013) run by carers for other carers.
Find support online
Keep Your Head website
A central point for information on keeping well, self-help and support services in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough for adults, children and older people.
Qwell
Free online support and wellbeing for adults in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough through CPSL Mind. Register to access online peer support, self-help resources, an online magazine and chat-based counselling.
Shout 85258
This is a confidential national charity providing 24/7 texting service for any mental health issues, but it can now be accessed locally.
People can text HEAR to 85258 locally. People can text SHOUT to 85258 nationally.
For under 25’s it launches in November 2023. For over 25’s it launches early 2024.
Samaritans
Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
Can we help you?
Not sure what your options are? Get in touch with our Information Service and we will put you in touch with services and support organisations that can help.
