Mental Wellbeing This Winter

Looking After Your Mental Health Over the Winter Break

Winter can be a hard time for many people. Short days, cold weather, and changes to routine can affect how we feel. Getting support early can really help. It can prevent problems from getting worse and reduce the need for urgent care later on.

There are simple things you can do to support your mental wellbeing over the winter break.

Top Tips for Better Mental Wellbeing

·       Stay active: Moving your body can lift your mood and improve confidence. Try walking, cycling, or gentle exercise. Aim for around 30 minutes on most days.

·       Connect with others: Spending time with family, friends, or neighbours helps reduce loneliness. This can be in person, by phone, or online.

·       Learn something new: Trying a new skill can boost confidence. This could be cooking, crafting, or learning something online.

·       Practice mindfulness: Slow breathing, meditation, or focusing on the present moment can help reduce stress and anxiety.

·       Help others: Small acts of kindness can make you feel good too. Helping someone else can improve your own mental health.

When to Get More Help

If you need extra support, make an appointment with your GP. They can offer talking therapies, tools to support positive thinking, or review medical conditions and medications.

If you cannot wait and feel unsafe, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health crisis option. This is available 24 hours a day.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

Other Support:

The Trust Links wellbeing app is a free, easy-to-use digital tool designed to support your mental health and wellbeing.

Trust Links

Samaritans are here to listen at any time of the day or night. You can talk to them about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how difficult: call free on 116 123  or click the link below

Samaritans

Op Courage is an NHS mental health specialist service designed to help serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, armed forces veterans and their families.

Call 0300 323 0137 or email mevs.mhm@nhs.net