Jo Leach - Mental Health matters

Mental Health Matters with Jo Loach

Uncertainty.

There has been much uncertainty surrounding this pandemic and we still know exactly how things will unravel as we move forwards. As humans, we don’t tend to manage uncertainty well. We like to know what is going on, what we can expect moving forwards and to have a sense of control. The pandemic tends to scupper these which may evoke stress, anxiety and low mood.

What we can do to proactively look after our mental and emotional health in the face of ongoing uncertainty is to sustain good self care habits.

We often know what we need but don’t always do it. For example, maintaining good sleep routines, a healthy diet, drinking water, having times of rest as well as engaging in enjoyable/creative/playful pursuits, talking to friends, exercising and spending time in nature.

However, no matter how much we attempt to be preventative with our health, sometimes, too much goes on for too long resulting in a diminished ability for daily functioning.

If this presents via prolonged or extreme anxiety, depression, sleeping issues, withdrawal from support or activity, emotional outbursts, obsessive thinking or an increase in destructive behaviours, it may be time to seek help. don’t

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If so, the GP is always the first port of call. Whilst there are national shortages right now, it is important to persevere. If the waiting times for available resources are too long, going private is not the only option.

If you are able to do so, you can find suitably verified counsellors at https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk.

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If not, a Google search will bring up the details of local counselling agencies. These are challenging times for our mental and emotional health so developing awareness of our response to uncertainty can help us to recognise what is helpful or otherwise and to seek help when needed.

Jonny Garside 79 Regent Street, Stotfold 01462 732248 or 07951 473505

News from Stotfold Art Club

Welcome to the latest update from Stotfold Art Group.

These charming pastel sketches are by Art Group member John Nichol. During the first lockdown he encouraged his family (via Zoom) to produce nature pictures and, as a former teacher, he had to lead by example.

He likes to work in pastels, sometimes in watercolour and marquetry is another hobby.John lives in Letchworth GC and is an active group member, helping with the setting up of our regular meetings and annual exhibitions.

Richard Whitelock was at one time group secretary and organised the social side. His working life gave him a background in architectural planning and drawing, for local government. On retirement, this was put to good use at Stotfold Mill, where many of the models are Richard's work. In the art group he developed a distinctive style with line drawings and watercolour washes. The iconic beach huts of the British coast became his trademark and he has sold many paintings of this at the Stotfold Mill..

If you are interested in joining our friendly group, we meet each Thursday at the Roecroft Centre - 1.45 to 3.45pm.

For details contact 07734 304593

Painting by John Nichol

Fabulous beach scene by Richard Whitelock

North Herts Road Runners

The next first Sat of the month 5k on Letchworth Common will be 2nd October starting at

9am and is free and open to all abilities.

We are continuing with training on Tues and Thurs evenings under the guidance of

qualified coaches. If anyone is new to the area and would like to join our club or need any

further information please contact us on www.nhrr.org.uk or call Ian 01462 639215