Mental Health and Wellbeing
When we talk about our mental health we are talking about how we think, feel and act and, in particular, how we cope with the normal stresses of life. Our mental health is an important part of our overall wellbeing and how we function in our lives as a whole. Mental health is something we all have and something that is important to look after, in the same way that we look after our physical health.Minding our Mental Health
Many of us are still getting used to the disruption of our daily routines caused by the spread of COVID-19 and the measures that have been introduced to help keep us all safe.
It's normal to be worried or to feel stressed during this difficult time, but there are many things we can do to help us mind our mental health and wellbeing and to keep ourselves well.
For more support on minding your mental health, go to yourmentalhealth.ie. Here you will also find dedicated advice for minding your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Switch off - switching off and giving some time to yourself to do the things you enjoy doing is so important in looking after your mental wellbeing. Simple activities like being creative, learning something new, spending time in nature or practising relaxation, can help to restore and revive our spirits and help us to keep ourselves well.
Keep in contact - connecting with other people is really important for our mental wellbeing and has never been as important as it is now. Having someone to connect with can provide emotional support or gives you an opportunity to provide support to others. Planning a certain time or day that you talk to a family member or friend, will give you something to look forward to and will make you more likely to reach out and make that connection.
For more information on keeping well, visit gov.ie/healthyireland.
Free online Stress Control Programme - Stress plays a role in all our lives so learning how to manage and control it is key. The next online Stress Control programme starts Monday 31st May 2021. Please see the full schedule of dates below. For more information on accessing the sessions visit stresscontrol.ie.
HSE Mental Health Campaigns, developed in collaboration with partner agencies:
The Little Things Campaign highlights that we all experience difficult times in our lives, and that when we do, there are some simple, evidence-based little things that can make a big difference to how we feel. These little things can help us to cope in the face of adversity. There are also supports/ services we can use if we need to.
The ‘Mind Monsters’ campaign aims to help adolescents and young adults through tough times, and give them support on how to look after their mental health. By focussing on things that are known to cause stress and anxiety in young people, the campaign highlights the mental health benefits of taking regular study breaks, getting enough sleep, spending less time on devices and sharing a problem with someone you trust.
HSE Mental Health Services
Most people with mental health problems can be treated by their GP. Those needing additional therapeutic interventions can be referred to HSE Mental Health Services, when necessary.
Page 35 of the HSE Mental Health Services, Family, Carer and Supporter Guide shows the pathway through the Mental Health System.
For more information on the Mental Health Services in Galway, click here.
Additional information and support services
National and Local Policies and Plans
Connecting for Life is Ireland’s national strategy to reduce suicide 2015-2020. In 2017, the Connecting for Life Galway Mayo Roscommon Suicide Prevention Action plan was launched. This plan sets out how the national strategy will be implemented locally.
In 2019, the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention published a National Education and Training Plan, which sets out a suite of standardised training programmes to be delivered in Ireland in suicide prevention, intervention (responding to a crisis) and postvention (bereavement support).
Click here for more information on the suicide prevention training programmes being run in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon through the HSE, working in partnership with other organisations. These include:
- safeTALK (a three/four hour suicide alertness training programme)
- ASIST (a two-day suicide first-aid skills intervention programme)
- Understanding Self-Harm (a one-day awareness training programme)
Community Healthy & Wellbeing Boards
Galway Sports Partnership working with Mental Health Ireland and HSE Ireland Suicide Prevention Office (HSE West) supported by Healthy Galway City and Healthy Galway County have developed the Community Health & Wellbeing Boards.
These Boards highlight the ''Five Ways to Wellbeing'' to help improve your mental health. The boards also provide information on the support services available at both local and national level for that time when people might need their support.
You can see a short video on the ''Community Health & Wellbeing Boards'' already in the community here.
If your club or group would like to have one for these boards in your facility please complete the expression of interest form on line at the link below.
Click here to complete Expression of Interest form.
The boards are made of corri-board and measure 1200mm x 800mm. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor display.
For more information contact Jason:
jason.craughwell@galwaycity.ie or call 091 536459
Resources
Learn more about the free online Stress Control Programme and upcoming courses at stresscontrol.ie
Mental Health Ireland have developed a range of resources for Minding Our Mental Health during COVID-19.
Mental Health Ireland Family Wellbeing Toolkit
National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) advice & resources for keeping children and young people well during Covid-19
Useful website: yourmentalhealth.ie, gov.ie/together
A range of printed materials, including information on mental health, are now available to download, or order, from healthpromotion.ie/publications
Suicide Prevention in the Community: A Practical Guide offers guidance to people who want to actively work towards preventing suicide in their community.
