Be sure to look after your mental health over the Christmas period
CHRISTMAS is a happy time for many people. But GROW, the World Community Mental Health Movement in Ireland, has pointed out that it is a difficult time for many, and the organisation is encouraging people to look after their mental health this Christmas and New Year.
Ellen Ryle, area co-ordinator for GROW in the South East, said: ‘Christmas and the New Year are times of festivity and celebration, but for many of us they can also be periods of anxiety, stress and loneliness.’
She said that GROW, which holds free weekly support meetings, is urging people to be kind to themselves this festive season; to reach out to others; and to remember that health and well-being begins with good mental health.
She added that the new year can often be fraught with added stress and anxiety. ‘One in four people in Ireland experience serious mental health difficulties at some stage in their lives so maintaining positive mental health and well-being is vitally important for us all,’ she emphasised.
‘At this time of the year, we sometimes get caught up with the stresses of the season. This Christmas and New Year, it is important to give yourself a present, the present of looking after your own mental well-being,’ she added. GROW suggests five ways to promote positive mental health. 1: Make a list of things to do: A list can help to organise your thoughts, and avoid additional stress. Sometimes it is also helpful to write down three positive things that you would like to do this Christmas and New Year.
2: Take time out for yourself: Christmas is a time for reaching out to others but don’t forget yourself. Don’t feel pressured to do more than you feel up to.
3: Make sure to eat right, exercise and get enough sleep: Exercise releases chemicals in your body that can make you feel good. Exercise can mean just a simple walk outdoors in the fresh air.
4: Reach out to others: Remember that a friend is as near as the nearest phone. Reaching out more often can help boost mental well-being and that of others.
5: Ask for help: Most important of all, remember it’s okay not to feel okay and it’s okay to ask for help. If you feel very low or anxious, talk to others, pick up the phone or reach out for help if things are getting too much for you.
GROW is for anyone aged over 18 who is struggling with any aspect of their mental health. No referral is required. Meetings are a confidential place to talk about how you feel. The task focused programme will give you some direction for the week.
GROW holds free weekly peer support meetings on Mondays at 7.30 p.m. in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy; on Wednesdays at 7.30 p.m. in Room 101 in Gorey Community School; on Thursdays at 10 a.m. in a meeting room in Tesco, Gorey; and on Thursdays at 7.30 p.m. in Clonard Parish Centre, Wexford.
For more details, visit www.grow.ie or call the GROW infoline at 1890 474 474, call Ellen at 087 2291718 or email ellenryle@grow.ie. Alternatively, if you are in a crisis and want to talk, contact the Samaritans’ 24-hour helpline at 116123