3 minute read
Mental Health
FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH
By Dr Julie Taylor
The winter months can be more difficult for our mental health. The colder, shorter days can make us want to sleep and eat more, and impacts on our motivation to exercise or socialise with friends, despite the resolutions we may have made. In addition, the impact of COVID on our mental health has been significant. We have been socially isolated for long periods, there has been uncertainty about what we can and cannot do and uncertainty is often very stressful. We may have been ill ourselves. Many people will have lost loved ones during this period and may feel that they weren’t able to be there or grieve properly.
Staying motivated Try to keep motivated and do what you can to boost your morale. Doing something that gives you energy can help to boost your mood. This might be exercise, a new challenge or project – anything you enjoy. Planning your day each morning can give you small goals to aim for, create a routine and keep you productive.
Be kind One thing the last few years have taught us is the importance of kindness and compassion. Being kind to others, such as helping out in your community, can improve your mental health. Even something as simple as giving up your seat on the bus, making a colleague a cup of tea or praising someone when they have done something good can increase your own feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Try a simple act of kindness and see how it makes you feel.
Kindness needs to start with yourself. Celebrate small achievements, even if that it just in your head. Book some time off of work, go for a walk or run alone or even shutting the bathroom door for a bath/shower away from the kids to give yourself some valuable ‘me time’. quite distressing for some. Try not to ruminate on the ‘what ifs’ and negative stories. Some people find mindfulness helps them to focus on the present and manage their thoughts and feelings. There are mindfulness course and self-help guides that you can access. For some exercises and tips https://www.mind.org.uk/informationsupport/drugs-and-treatments/mindfulness/ mindfulness-exercises-tips/
Feeling overwhelmed? When things are overwhelming – stop and take time to find your feet and think about the next step. One step at a time and you will soon have walked further than you imagined. Try to avoid coping mechanisms that are not helpful in the long term, such as smoking, drinking and over eating. Reach out early if you are struggling; especially with things like debt, finances and your mental health.
If you need help with your mental health, there’s lots of support out there, from your GP surgery to organisations such as Mind and Mental Health Matters. You can self-refer to NHS talking therapies without speaking to your GP at https://www. nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-apsychological-therapies-service/
If it is urgent and you cannot wait to speak to your GP, contact the Samaritans on 116 123, call 111, or you can call the 24 hour helpline on 0800 783 9111 (Kent and Medway residents). Check https://www.kmpt.nhs.uk/need-help/ for more information.
DR JULIE TAYLOR IS A GP PARTNER AT THE ORCHARD PRACTICE DARTFORD, CLINICAL DIRECTOR OF DARTFORD MODEL PCN AND A BOARD MEMBER OF THE DARTFORD, SWANLEY AND GRAVESHAM INTEGRATED CARE PARTNERSHIP.
- RESPONSIVE WEBSITE DESIGN
- MAGAZINE & PROGRAMME DESIGN
(CURRENT DESIGNERS OF THE OFFICIAL DARTFORD FC MATCH DAY PROGRAMME AND DARTFORD LIVING MAGAZINE)
- PROMOTIONAL
LITERATURE DESIGN
FULLY OPEN FOR DINING IN
Our convenient location in the town centre means you’re never too far from savouring one of our chef’s specials or platters, made with the freshest ingredients and cooked to absolute perfection. We’ve been cooking up a storm since 1974
SUNDAY TO WEDNESDAY 12PM TO 10PM THURSDAY TO SATURDAY 12PM TO 11PM
WWW.EFESDARTFORD.CO.UK | (01322) 471458
