This year’s theme is suicide and suicide prevention. Every year close to 800,000 people globally take their own life and there are many more people who attempt suicide. Did you know that suicide is the leading cause of death among young people aged 20 – 34 in the UK? It is also the second leading cause of death among 15 – 29 year olds globally. These statistics by ‘time to change’ are staggering and this is why it is so important to look after your own mental health and wellbeing.

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR 5 TIPS ON HOW YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING.

1) Exercise

Exercise is fantastic for your mental health. It stimulates chemicals that improve your mood, and it can help improve your memory and increase your overall productivity. Regular exercise can also help reduce your stress levels and improve symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

2) Healthy Eating

Eating well does not only have an impact on your physical health but it also plays an important part on your mental health too. Improving your diet can have a significant influence on your mood, energy levels and it will help make you think more clearly. Make sure you also drink enough fluid throughout the day to keep you hydrated and concentration levels up.

3) Work-life Balance

A good work-life balance for your mental health and wellbeing is vital as it reduces stress and fatigue. A survey which was carried out by the Mental Health Foundation shows when working long hours more than a quarter of employees feel depressed (27%), one third feel anxious (34%), and more than half feel irritable (58%). This is why it is vital that you make time for yourself and take a break. Even taking a quick walk on your lunch and getting some fresh air can make you feel more energised and focused for the rest of your day. Not only does a good work-life balance have a positive impact on you but it also has a huge impact on your work too. Employers who have a great work-life balance are more efficient, productive, and motivated. Most importantly, it will make you feel happy.

4) Music

Listening to music you enjoy, releases dopamine. Dopamine is a feel-good chemical in your brain that gives you an instant mood boost. Background music whilst you are focusing on a task can help improve your overall productivity.

5) Sleep

Sleep is essential as it helps us to recover from mental and physical exertion. Lack of quality sleep can not only have an impact on your mental health, but it can also weaken your immune system, lower your energy levels and concentration.

You can improve your sleep by:

• Exercising regularly.
• Avoid drinking caffeine before bed.
• Build a regular sleeping pattern.
• Avoid looking at your phone before you go to bed.

Here at S-SA, we want to help break the stigma this Mental Health Awareness Day and help spread the message that it is okay not to be okay. If you do feel like you have nobody to speak too about your mental wellbeing, there are many people that can help you.

• Mind have an information line where you can ask questions about a range of mental health topics.
• Samaritans offer confidential emotional support 24 hours a day.

If you are looking for additional information on how you can improve your mental wellbeing, the Mental Health Foundation offer great information and advice on a wide range of mental health topics.