Beating isolation and loneliness on World Mental Health Day
Every year, on 10th October, the world unites to recognise World Mental Health Day. It is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues, fighting the stigma surrounding them, and encouraging support and treatment. The day serves as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and it encourages us to connect with one another to offer support and understanding.
Isolation and loneliness are issues that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. These feelings often lead to mental health challenges, including anxiety and low mood, and can manifest in various ways, such as feeling disconnected from others or experiencing a deep sense of emptiness. Over time, these emotions can take a toll on our mental well-being, leading to a decline in our overall quality of life.
The good news is that help is available. The NHS Talking Therapies program is a valuable resource that provides support for anyone facing mental health challenges, including feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and low mood.
These therapies are designed to help you understand and manage your emotions, equipping you with the tools and tactics to cope with life's challenges. The professionals who offer these therapies are compassionate and trained to assist you in regaining control over your mental health.
If you're struggling with isolation, loneliness, anxiety, or low mood, remember that you're not alone, and there is help available. It's important to take the first step towards seeking support. NHS Talking Therapies offers a wide range of services to cater for your individual needs, ensuring that you receive the right support at the right time.
On this World Mental Health Day, let us remember that it's okay to not be okay sometimes. Isolation and loneliness can be daunting, but they can be overcome with the right support.
To learn more about how NHS Talking Therapies can help you tackle feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and low mood, visit their website: https://www.cpics.org.uk/feel-brighter. You'll find lots of information on the services they provide and how to access them.
Other local support and services available
Keep Your Head
Keep Your Head is a locally run website providing information on mental health and wellbeing support and local services available for all residents across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Visit the Keep Your Head website
CPSLMind (Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire Mind)
CPSLMind - A local mental health charity providing a range of services and support for people suffering with mental health problems and promoting positive mental health across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
AGE UK
Age UK provides free information, advice and support on the issues that matter to older people.
Phone: 0800 678 1602
How Are You (H.A.Y.)
HAY is a local website that brings together information on activities and support available in your local community to help boost mental health and wellbeing.
Lifecraft
Lifecraft is a local charity offering Lifeline, a free confidential helpline that you can call anonymously to talk to a trained volunteer.
Phone: 0808 808 2121 (Daily 11am - 11pm)
NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
NHS 111 is here for people who are in a mental health crisis. If you're in a crisis and need help now, call 111 and select the mental health option - 24/7, any day of the year.
