‘Talk to someone you trust’ – that is the message from a North East council for people who may be struggling with their mental health.
Durham County Council is supporting Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from Monday 9 May to Sunday 15 May, by sharing the different steps people can take to improve their mental wellbeing.
With this year following the theme of loneliness, the council has launched a new campaign, ‘Now You’re Talking’, to encourage people to talk to someone they trust about how they’re feeling, and about their experiences of mental health.
A quarter of people face mental health problems at some point in their lifetime, and it is more common than people think. One of the best things people can do if they are struggling is to talk about what they are experiencing with someone they trust.
Michael Chapplow, a clerical officer at the council, became a mental health first aider after struggling himself. He said: “The opportunity to become a mental health champion came at a time when I was really struggling mentally, and it resonated with me. I have experienced and struggled with confidence and anxiety issues my entire life. Different things work for different people but talking about it is the single most important thing I have done. Many people struggle with the issues I have mentioned and talking to others can help you come up with solutions you never thought of to overcome it. A problem shared is a problem halved is a cliché that people use a lot, however, if you share the problem with someone you trust, you will do a lot more than half it.”
Another way people can improve their mental health is by practising the NHS’s five steps to mental wellbeing. From connecting with others, being physically active, to learning a new skill, the NHS has outlined small actions people can take to make a big difference to their wellbeing.
Cllr Paul Sexton, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for adult and health services, said: “Just like our physical health, a person’s mental health changes constantly and is affected by what is happening around us. Mental health problems are more common than people think and can happen to anybody. There are lots of things you can do, and support you can access, if you are struggling with your mental health. Above all, it is important to speak to someone you trust and let them know what you are feeling. This can feel like a daunting first step, but it is one of the best you can take towards feeling better.”
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
