CARE IN THE COMMUNITY

Community connections

Stamford GP Dr Dan Petrie explains the importance of maintaining good mental health

WE ALL NEED to look after our mental health. But how many of us either don’t have the words to explain our feelings and emotions or anyone close enough that we feel we could open up to, even if we are articulate enough? From our experience, lots of us.

Our belief at MindSpace Stamford is that maintaining mental health is all about community. It starts in childhood. We need to nurture children and promote emotional literacy and how to maintain well-being, giving it as much importance as academic work.

We need adults to have a shared language which is why MindSpace promotes the use of the NHS 5 ways to mental well-being. It gives a base for conversations, understanding and, ultimately, improving your emotional state. By being active, connecting, giving, slowing down to take notice and being open to learning new things, evidence would suggest you can support yourself for a better wellbeing if you are just a little bit down or severely mentally ill. This is based on the social concept that good mental health is made in your life, not fi xed by a doctor or nurse.

Loneliness and social isolation are killers, it’s as simple as that. You are more likely to die young from being lonely than smoking 15 a day or having diabetes. Poor mental health is both a cause of loneliness and an outcome of struggling with it, but it doesn’t have to be. MindSpace Stamford is now a partner of the local NHS mental health support services and uses the principle that ‘community is the answer.’ We are promoting and encouraging safe spaces where it’s OK to not be OK. All of us, neighbours, colleagues, friends and family can learn how to support one another.

MindSpace started for me as a hobby to help support Stamford residents with their wellbeing and mental health. But it became more real to my family when my wife Cassie was hospitalised in 2016, the fi rst of several admissions. We now have an understanding of what really matters and a better idea of things that help (or don’t – not ‘fi xing it’ was my biggest challenge.) As a family we have worked out priorities, and made life changes to refl ect them including part-time working, travelling less and spending more time as a family. This has made life better for each of us.

A lot of what our rushed, frantic society tells us is good (or we just get swept into) is so bad for our wellbeing. But stopping is often hard, or just not even considered. When did you last pause to think about your real priorities? A lot of stress comes from the gap between what you feel you should be doing and what you’re actually doing. Do you need to work less to spend more time with family? This might mean a cheaper holiday or a second-hand car. We all have choices; some aren’t easy, but they are yours to make.

Christmas can be tough because of high expectations and pressure. But take it back to what really matters, interpersonal connections. This is the biggest thing you can do to ensure this Christmas is better for your wellbeing, and reach out to someone if you are alone. I’d also suggest a Boxing Day walk to blow the cobwebs away and enjoy some fresh air. My family will be joining me for Stamford’s Santa Fun Run this month trying to raise £5,000 because in 2022 we want to be able to open the MindSpace premises on Broad Street every day, especially in the evenings when people struggle more. Please support us if you can; thank you.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/family-petrierunning-for-mummy?qid=f4be7a1e6297485ba5 4bc3df2cb31662 www.mindspacestamford.com