Wimbledon GPs Support Mental Health Awareness Week

This year's theme is 'mindfulness'

GPs in Wimbledon are supporting Mental Health Awareness Week this month which runs from tomorrow (May 11) to Sunday May 17.

Mental Health Awareness Week is organised by the Mental Health Foundation and aims to raise awareness of mental health to fight discrimination and stigma and promote good mental wellbeing.

Dr Andrew Murray, Merton Park GP and Clinical Chair of Merton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime.

“Mental health problems can include low mood and depression, stress, anxiety, anger and panic attacks,” he said.

“Most people who feel low will start to feel better after a few days or weeks but if these feelings persist or get in the way of everyday life then it is time to seek help.

“If you have been feeling depressed for more than a few weeks or your anxiety is affecting your daily life, make an appointment to speak to your GP.”

The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2015 is mindfulness.  Mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment, without getting stuck in the past or worrying about the future.

It is a mind-body based training that can help you observe the way you think and feel about your experiences, whether good or bad. This can help change the way you manage and react to stressful situations, giving you a valuable tool to stay mentally healthy.

Bring mindfulness into these daily activities:

  • ·         Go for a walk: try and walk mindfully, noticing the sounds around you and the feel of your foot on the ground. Give your brain a break by thinking about your body and the present moment, rather than speculating ahead about what you’re about to do.
  • ·         Eat a mindful meal: try and slow down and taste the food in your mouth. Really explore the texture; the colour; the smell. You’ll find that if you slow your actions down, your mind will slow down too.
  • ·         Turn off technology: instead of watching TV or texting for hours, why not try changing your routine? Do something that allows you to concentrate on the sensations in your body like going for a walk or taking a bath.
  • ·         Capture moments on camera: taking photos is a great way of being mindful of precious moments as they go by. They’re also a good way of reminding yourself to notice the small things in life.
  • ·         Take a course: Find a course in your local area at bemindful.co.uk. Alternatively, the Mental Health Foundation’s web-based course can be found at www.bemindfulonline.com.

To learn more about the research behind mindfulness visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/mindfulness

If you've had thoughts of self-harming or are feeling suicidal, contact someone immediately such as your GP, a friend, a relative or someone else you can trust. If you've already taken an overdose or cut yourself badly, dial 999.

The Samaritans operates a service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for people who want to talk in confidence. Call 08457 90 90 90.

To find out more about Mental Health Week visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk.

May 10, 2015