Ignore the solstice, get out and get active
The days may be on the turn now that the summer solstice has passed, but there’s still plenty of time to make use of the summer months to get out and get active, even if it is raining. That is the message from the Public Health Agency (PHA), which says that getting out and about and spending time with family and friends can help your mood.
Madeline Heaney, Regional Lead for Mental Health Promotion, PHA, explained: “We haven’t had much of a summer so far with all the rain, so it is hard to believe that the days are already starting to get shorter. However, there are still several months to take advantage of the warmer weather by getting out and trying different things. This can really help improve your emotional wellbeing.
“Keeping in touch with friends and family is important. Consider joining groups or developing new interests, many of which can be free of charge, such as local library book clubs, walking groups or volunteering opportunities.
“Regardless of the time of year though, there are simple ways you can protect your mental wellbeing that could make all the difference.”
These include:
- Don’t be afraid to give and accept support – being available for others if they need support should encourage them to be there for you too.
- Make time for family and friends.
- Knowing who you are, think about and try to do what makes you really happy, and learn to balance what you can and cannot change about yourself.
“More information on looking after your mental health and on the support available across Northern Ireland can be found at www.mindingyourhead.info
“You can also ring Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. This is a confidential service, where trained counsellors will listen and help immediately on the phone and follow-up with other support if necessary. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Lifeline website is at www.lifelinehelpline.info” concluded Madeline Heaney.
ENDS
For further information, please contact PHA Communications on (028) 9055 3663
- Please include the lifeline number in your article (and any subsequent coverage on the subject of promoting mental health and suicide prevention):
Call Lifeline: 0808 808 8000 if you need confidential support services and advice. This is a free helpline service available 24/7. You can also access the website www.lifelinehelpline.info - Please abide by the Samaritans/Irish Institute of Suicidology media guidelines on suicide: www.samaritans.org/pdf/IrishMediaGuidelines2009.pdf. These are not the same as the PCC guidelines
- Protect Life: A Shared Vision was launched in 2006, this is currently being refreshed www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/phnisuicidepreventionstrategy_action_plan-3.pdf
- Promoting Mental Health Strategy: http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/promoting_mental_health.pdf