Friday, 10th October marks World Mental Health Day and it provides an opportunity to put Mental Health centre stage at a local, national and world level.
Mental Health Ireland’s vision is for an Ireland where mental health is valued as an essential part of personal wellbeing and the health of the nation. It is normal and indeed natural at times to feel down , and that feeling vulnerable is an inherent part of being human.
Mental Health Ireland’s ‘Plan to Protect your Mental Wellbeing’ encourages everyone to become aware of their mental wellbeing by following five simple steps:
- CONNECT with others around you.
- BE ACTIVE on a daily basis – A healthy body makes for a healthy mind.
- TAKE NOTICE of what’s happening around you ……SMELL THE ROSES…..TUNE IN TO THE EXPERIENCE
- KEEP LEARNING. Learning challenges the brain, a stimulation that will play its part in warding off depression.
- GIVE BACK to your community. Selfless acts foster a sense of belonging and you start to believe that you are part of something larger than yourself.
It is also important to eat well, get sufficient ‘downtime’, be aware of the stress ‘triggers’ in your life and whatever you do, DON’T ‘beat yourself up’ when things go wrong!!! Engage in meditation or other spiritual practice.
Check out www.mentalhealthireland.ie for a list of activities and events to mark Mental Health Week.
Timirí 