Top tips for mental wellbeing

This year Mental Health Awareness Week brings a host of unique issues and it’s natural that some people might be struggling. Here’s some expert tips if you’re feeling a bit low:

• keep a routine
• get some sunlight and fresh air
• think of jobs or activities to fill your time
• plan healthy meals and eat sensibly
• drink water regularly
• watch your alcohol intake
• try some exercise

It can help to think about positives about the current situation, like these:

• “I like the way that it has brought communities together.”
• “Life is more peaceful and there’s less traffic noise.”
• “It’s lovely to see nature around and to enjoy regular walks.”
• “Using technology is a challenge, but it’s good to keep in touch.”

If you’re finding things difficult, talk to your GP or call NHS 111. Alternately, try some of these services:

Fareham and Gosport Mind Wellbeing Service: Confidential emotional support. 01329 281445 or adminfg@solentmind.org.uk

Italk: 023 8038 3920 or info@italk.org.uk. Use the ‘self-referral’ button at www.italk.org.uk

Every Mind Matters: Advice on how to look after your mental health. www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters

Connect to Support Hampshire: This website is a link to the most comprehensive directory of support and services for all sorts of areas that might be a challenge in your life – not just mental health. https://www.connecttosupporthampshire.org.uk/

Solent Mind: Providing remote support for both new and existing service users. Their website www.solentmind.org.uk contains a Coronavirus resource hub and they also have a helpline open from 10am – 2pm Monday to Friday – call 023 8017 9049.

The Lighthouse: In Southampton, adults in a mental health crisis or emotional distress can text LIGHTHOUSE and their postcode to 07451 276010 between 4.30pm and 12am to access the Lighthouse service. Find out more at https://www.southernhealth.nhs.uk/locations/thelighthouse.

Havant’s Adult Safe Haven: Support in South Eastern Hampshire. Call 07887 417255 (or the new Freephone number, 0300 303 1560) Monday to Friday 6.30pm-10.30pm and weekends 1pm-10.30pm. You can also access Positive Minds via Adult Safe Haven, an online support tool for people dealing with low level mental health problems such as worry, stress and anxiety.

Portsmouth Positive Minds: Support is available on 023 9282 4795.

Isle of Wight Safe Haven: 01983 520168 or email safehaven@twosaints.org.uk from 10am-10pm on weekends and bank holidays. There’s also a 24/7 mental health crisis number – 01983 522214.

Andover Mind Wellbeing Centre: Support on Saturdays and is monitoring any Sunday calls at present. 01256 476 572

Andover Mind Carers and Dementia Advice service: Currently operating 7 days a week – please contact on: 01264 332 297 (option 3) or enquiries@andovermind.org.uk.

Talking Therapies: Support is also available from talking therapies services. Although these services may not be available over the phone over the bank holiday, in many areas you can refer yourself online and many services have useful resources and information on their websites:

• Southampton – Steps 2 Wellbeing http://www.steps2wellbeing.co.uk 0800 612 7000
• Hampshire – iTalk https://www.italk.org.uk 023 8038 3920
• Portsmouth – Talking Change https://www.talkingchange.nhs.uk 0300 123 3934

For the Isle of Wight:

• An Isle of Wight mental health leaflet has a section on local support numbers (and national) that might be useful.

• A new website dedicated to mental health on the Isle of Wight mental health has been launched iwmentalhealth.co.uk, which has a range of mental health information locally and nationally.

• A new Isle of Wight children and young people’s mental health Freephone crisis line provides immediate access to safe and confidential support for young people experiencing difficulty with their mental health between the ages of 11 to 17. The freephone number is 0300 303 1590, and is available Monday to Thursday from 3pm to 8.30pm.