Tower Hamlets Council marked World Mental Health Day on 10th October by encouraging residents to take time out for their mental wellbeing. Around one in four people in the UK will experience a dip in their mental wellbeing each year, including passing feelings of anxiety or stress. However, these normal feelings can develop into something more severe such as panic, phobia or obsessional disorder. The Council is trying to make sure that there is always support there when you need it to stop feelings spiralling out of control or to help you if they do.
Evidence suggests there are five steps we can all take to improve our mental wellbeing. •Connect – connect with the people around you: spend time with people who are important to you and take part in family fun days and events. •Be active – you don’t have to go to the gym. Take a walk, go cycling or play a game of football. •Keep learning – learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence. •Give to others – even the smallest act can count, whether it’s a smile, a thank you or a kind word. You can also take part in volunteering to give back to your community. •Take notice – be more aware of the present moment, including your feelings and thoughts, your body and the world around you.
•To speak to health trainer teams in your area contact: •Osmani Trust, The Osmani Centre, 58 Underwood Road, E1 5AW, 020-7247 8080, www.osmanitrust.org •Bromley-by-Bow Centre, St Leonard’s Street, E3 3BT, 020-8709 9845 •Stifford Centre, 2-6 Cressy Place E1 3JG, 020-7790 3632 •Poplar and Limehouse Health and Wellbeing Network, Newby Place Health and Wellbeing Centre, 21 Newby Place, E14 0EY, 020-7517 2600
•If you are experiencing feelings of anxiety, stress or depression, contact Compass Wellbeing (020-7791 9497 or www.compasswellbeing.co.uk) or visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeaAndTalk.