Mental Health Awareness Week happens every year, and it's the biggest opportunity for the whole of the UK to come together to focus on getting good mental health. The week aims to tackle stigma and help people understand and prioritise their own and others' mental health.
More than 14 million people in the UK who live with long-term health conditions also experience mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Here we look at 5 ways to support your mental health whilst living with a long-term health condition.
1.Createavity Studio
Callie Di Nello is a Storyweaver, Coach, Playologist and Founder of CreaTEAvity Studio. Through this, she offers art journalling courses, creative & mindful arts therapeutic sessions, playshops & workshops, a creative well-being library, meditation and retreats.
Createavity Homepage: https://www.createavity.com/
Createavity Studio: https://www.createavity.com/studio
Createavity - Connecting: https://www.createavity.com/connecting
Also an Integrative therapist and transformation coach, specialising in bariatric support and cancer survivorship. Gut health expert, hypnopsychotherapist, transformation coach and creative arts practitioner Callie runs the 'Why Weight for Well-being programme’.
Within this, you are encouraged to ‘nourish your body ~ nourish your potential’ through structured programmes that include 1-1 support with personal transformation coaching, a sleep programme and collagen loading.
The best way to get started and find the right options for you is to book a virtual cuppa. These 30-minute sessions are a chance to chat through the options and work out what is best for you, ask questions and get to know Callie. A warm reception awaits you with an abundance of joy, love and support personalised to your own goals and life battles you’ll struggle to match.
Why Weight for Wellbeing: https://www.whyweightforwellbeing.co.uk/
2. Mobilates - Get Moving with Health Conditions and Mobility Problems
The theme of this year's mental health awareness week is ‘getting moving’ and that’s exactly what Mobilates is all about. An accessible pilates group specifically designed for those who have long-term health conditions and mobility problems in mind.
Pilates is a series of exercises inspired by callisthenics, yoga and ballet. It promotes mobility and strength of all the major muscle groups in the body in a balanced fashion, whilst also having a key focus on the deep core muscles. It improves posture, flexibility, strength, balance and body awareness.
All Mobilates sessions are adapted to suit the specific needs of each participant. Delivered by experienced and highly qualified instructors — Leanne and Kerry both live with LTHCs themselves and bring all their own experiences to classes to support participants. There are options for online classes or in-person if you live in Kent or Devon. There is also an active social group, crafting, book club and monthly togetherness sessions to help you develop friendships and support mental wellbeing.
Mobilates Homepage:https://www.mobilates.com/
Mobilates - Testimonials: https://www.mobilates.com/testimonials
Mobilates - Meet the team: https://www.mobilates.com/meet-the-team
3. Thrive With Alice - Anxiety Prevention
If anxiety is a problem for you then this programme can help you to feel in control, happy, excited and positive about your future. It's a 6-8 week programme of 1-1 sessions with Alice Manuel who is a Thrive Programme Coach.
Thriving is about living your best life, making the most out of every single day and having a skillset that allows you to choose your own path through life.
There is also an option to work through the programme yourself through a quiz, manual and then another quiz at the end. Connecting with a coach is encouraged to ensure you get the most out of the programme.
Thrive With Alice: https://thrivewithalice.co.uk/
Thrive with Alice: The Programme: https://thrivewithalice.co.uk/the-programme/
Thrive With Alice: Who is it for: https://thrivewithalice.co.uk/who-is-it-for/
The Thrive Programme: https://www.thriveprogramme.org/
4. Local Projects - Getting out into nature
The Blue Prescribing Project is a wetland health programme specifically co-designed and delivered by the Mental Health Foundation and Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. They promote a range of mental and physical health benefits through facilitated wetland nature engagement at the London Wetlands Centre and a self-management course.
The overall aim is to improve health by harnessing the link between people and nature. Benefits can include improved mood, reduced stress levels, and increased self-esteem and confidence.
Projects like this are running in communities across the country.
Blue Prescribing Project: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/programmes/adults/blue-prescribing-project
Blue Prescribing Project Flyer: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/2022-07/Blue-Prescribing-Project-Flyer-PDF.pdf
5. Silver Cloud - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
SilverCloud by Amwell is an evidence-based digital mental health platform you can access on your mobile, tablet or laptop 24/7.
Individuals can use the SilverCloud platform in a variety of ways and across a wide range of mental health and wellness topics;
Programmes can be explored independently with a referral from one of the various sources
Access might be provided whilst awaiting an appointment with a therapist
Programmes can be used in between therapy appointments
As a tool post-therapy to help stay on track.
Silvercloud Programmes: https://www.silvercloudhealth.com/uk/get-access-to-silvercloud-programmes
These are just a few ideas that you can try. There are so many options and opportunities that you can tap into. Finding options and opportunities that are suitable and interest you can be found through your GP, hospital, local wellbeing support groups, social media and general Google searches.
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