Good mental health is more than the absence of a mental health problem. It’s about thriving – not just surviving – when life challenges us with stresses and strains.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, which is running Mental health Awareness Week between 8-14 May 2017, there are 10 steps that everyone can take to improve their mental health:
- Talk about your feelings: If it feels awkward at first, give it time. Make talking about your feelings something that you do. ‘Talk Together Bromley: Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ is a free NHS evidence-based talking therapy service for people aged 18 years and over, who are anxious, stressed, have low mood or suffer from depression. If you are registered with a GP in the borough of Bromley, and would like support from Talk together Bromley you can refer yourself either by calling 0300 003 3000 or by clicking here.
- Keep active: Exercise is believed to boost feel-good chemicals in the brain; it can boost self-esteem, concentration and help you to sleep, look and feel better. Walks in the park, gardening or housework all count as ‘being active’. Try to do about 30 minutes’ exercise at least five days a week.
- Eat well: A diet that’s good for your physical health is also good for your mental health. For tips on eating well, visit: NHS Live Well or, for local help, see the information on Bromley My Life.
- Drink sensibly: Drinking will not help you to solve problems, it creates them. Get advice on healthy drinking from NHS Live Well or, for local help, see the information on Bromley My Life.
- Keep in touch: Strong family ties and supportive friends can help you deal with the stresses of life. If you’re feeling out of touch with some people, visit the Mental Health Foundation for some tips on talking about your feelings.
- Ask for help: Family or friends may be able to offer practical help or a listening ear.
You should consider getting help from your GP if difficult feelings are:
- stopping you getting on with life
- having a big impact on the people you live or work with
- affecting your mood over several weeks.
If you need urgent help, or you are worried about someone, you can call the 24- hour Mental Health Urgent Advice Line on 0800 330 8590. You can also get emergency help at the Princess Royal University Hospital Accident and Emergency department located at Princess Farnborough Common, Orpington, Kent, BR6 8ND, Tel: 01689 863486.
- Take a break: A few minutes can be enough to de-stress you. Give yourself some ‘me time’; listen to your body: if you’re really tired, give yourself time to sleep.
- Do something you’re good at: Enjoying yourself helps beat stress.
- Accept who you are: We’re all different. It’s much healthier to accept that you’re unique than to wish you were different. Good self-esteem helps you cope when life takes a difficult turn.
- Care for others: Caring for others is often an important part of building and maintaining relationships. Find out more about volunteering opportunities at www.do-it.org.uk.
Additional services in Bromley:
Adult mental health services
During normal working hours (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) you can telephone the Bromley Locality Mental Health Services:
Bromley West: 57 – 63 Croydon Road, London, SE20 7TS (formerly known as Yeoman House). Public Phone number: 020 8659 2151
Bromley East: Carlton Parade, Orpington, Kent, BR6 0JB. Public Phone Number: 01689 892300
If necessary, arrangements will be made for you to have an assessment.
Services for children and young people
Bromley Y is a long established local charity offering free therapeutic support to young people between the ages of 0 – 18 years.
Bromley Y aims to provide a safe, friendly environment for children, young people and their families to explore the difficulties that they may be experiencing, helping them to identify new ways forward.
Click here to find out more.
Older adult’s mental health service
If you are a current service user you can contact the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT )Team at Bridgeways in Bromley on 020 8629 4900.
Further information
Mental Health Awareness week: advice on holding a fundraising or information event
Mind: Charity Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Mind offers confidential help and legal advice. Local branches also operate.
Telephone: 0300 123 3393 (MIND Infoline) 020 8519 2122 (MIND London Office)
Website: www.mind.org.uk/
NHS111: Call 111, available 24 hours every day
Sane Line: 0300 304 7000 (6pm – 11pm every day) www.sane.org.uk
Samaritans: 116 123 (24 hours every day) www.samaritans.org
Bromley and Lewisham Mind, phone: 01689 811 222, email: email@blmind.org.uk, website: http://www.blmind.org.uk opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am -5pm
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