How have you been feeling recently?
If the person says they have been feeling low discuss with them:
- If they know what could be causing them to feel low
- If they have been taking steps to make themselves feel better
- If they feel they need more support or a referral - advise them to make an appointment and talk to their GP
What’s been happening for you recently?
How are you feeling at the moment?
What have you been doing to make yourself feel better?
You mentioned you are feeling low, why do you think that is?
Other useful regional services:
Every Mind Matters
There are small things we can all do to help be kind to your mind, and these can make a big difference to how we feel.
Get expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental wellbeing and make them part of your daily routine Better Health - Every Mind Matters
5 Ways to Wellbeing
Connect with other people
Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can:
- help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth
- give you an opportunity to share positive experiences
- provide emotional support and allow you to support others
Be physically active
Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing by:
- raising your self-esteem
- helping you to set goals or challenges and achieve them
- causing chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood
Learn new skills
Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by:
- boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem
- helping you to build a sense of purpose
- helping you to connect with others
Give to others
Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by:
- creating positive feelings and a sense of reward
- giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth
- helping you connect with other people
Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)
Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.
How to look after your mental health
Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled. Talking about your feelings isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s part of taking charge of your wellbeing and doing what you can to stay healthy.
Exercise releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and help you concentrate, sleep and feel better.
There are strong links between what we eat and how we feel, for example, caffeine and sugar can have an immediate effect.
But food can also have a long-lasting effect on your mental health. Your brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well, just like the other organs in your body.
A change of scene or a change of pace is good for your mental health. It could be a five-minute pause from cleaning your kitchen, a half-hour lunch break at work or a weekend exploring somewhere new. A few minutes can be enough to de-stress you
Mindfulness
Paying more attention to the present moment – to your own thoughts and feelings, and to the world around you – can improve your mental wellbeing. Reminding yourself to take notice of your thoughts, feelings, body sensations and the world around you is the first step to mindfulness.
Passport to my Health and Wellbeing
‘Passport to My Health and Wellbeing' which is a way to help people along their journey and empower them to keep on top of important information.
It's a simple but effective document that helps people who are living with a long term health condition and poor mental health to describe what they need from health professionals.
Better Health - Mind Plan
Answer five questions to get your personalised plan of simple ideas to help improve your mental health.
Mind
Provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing
Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.
A Weight Off Your Mind (AWOYM)
A regional resource for those with a lived experience of serious mental illness and/or learning disability to achieve or maintain a healthy weight. A range of support materials are available in the North East and North Cumbria. AWOYM supports healthy eating, physical activity and behaviour change to improve health, life expectancy and quality of life. For further information please click the link below
Rethink
Improving the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through a network of local groups and services, expert information and successful campaigning.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
CAMHS is the name for the NHS services that assess and treat young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties. You might also see CYPMHS used which stands for Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services.
Mindful Breathing Exercises
Take a deep breath in and a long exhale out – feels good, doesn't it? Try our mindful breathing exercise video to help you feel more calm and present. (Every Mind Matters)
The Mix
The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. We are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to us via our online community, on social, through our free, confidential helpline or our counselling service.
Beat Eating Disorders
We are the UK’s eating disorder charity. Founded in 1989 as the Eating Disorders Association, our mission is to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders.
At A Loss
We provide the UK's bereavement signposting website.
Veterans Mental Health Network
The Veterans Mental Health Network will aim to bring professionals and those with lived experience together, to improve veteran’s mental healthcare in the North East and North Cumbria (NENC).
Veterans Gateway
The first point of contact for all tri-service veterans and their families. It covers area like mental wellbeing, housing, finances and more.
Recovery College Online
Provides a range of online educational courses and resources to people who might be struggling with mental health issues, families, friends, mental health workers and anyone else who might be interested in learning more about mental health and wellbeing.