Understanding Mental Health What is mental health?
Mental Health Can Effect Anyone
Mental, or emotional health, refers to your overall psychological well-being. Good mental health is enjoying life to the full and includes self -confidence and self-esteem; the way that you feel about yourself. This is reflected in your ability to manage your feelings and how you deal with difficulties. Being mentally or emotionally healthy is much more than being free from stress, depression and anxiety. Good mental health is an essential part of our well-being.
What are mental health problems? Good mental health isn’t just being free from mental health problems. It is perfectly normal to feel “low “from time to time but sometimes life events such as divorce, death of a person close to us, retirement, being unwell, being overwhelmed by any situation, can trigger anxiety and depression. About one in four people will have mental health problems at some point in their life.
What can be done to improve mental health? One size does not fit all; what may work for one person may not necessarily work for you. So if you feel that life is overwhelming it is important that you speak to your G.P. for advice. However, your lifestyle does affect your mental health so making time for fun, exercise and relaxation will help you cope with negative feelings and help you take a positive control of your life. General advice to help support good mental health: - - - - - - -
Increase physical activity Eat a healthy diet Get enough sleep and relaxation Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and drugs Reduce coffee and sugar Invest in time for yourself Learn stress control techniques
How may exercise and physical activity improve mental health? Research shows that being physically active and exercising is as effective as anti-depressant medication in treating mild to moderate depression. It has been shown that exercise releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel positive. Exercise will also give benefits of: - a boost to your self-esteem and confidence - improved sleep - a sense of achievement - motivation - reduced anger and frustration - a better and healthier appetite - meeting people – an improved social life And best of all its fun! Make activity part of your life. It can be a little intimidating making a change so take the opportunity to get expert advice from the Nexus instructors who will be able to design a programme specifically for you. If you would like more information please contact Lesley Simpson our Health Promotions Manager at lesley.simpson@nexuscommunity.org or visit www.mind.org.uk
Nexus Community is a division of Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL). GLL is an employee-owned charitable social enterprise that exists for the benefit of the community and is a non-profit distributing organisation. We are proud to work with and provide services on behalf of:
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