Mental Health Awareness Week: 10 - 16 May 2021
Everyone's experience of the COVID-19 pandemic over the last year has been different, but there's no doubt that it has been a difficult time for us all.
That's why it's so important to do what we can to look after our mental health and wellbeing – now more than ever – and to reach out if you need support.
For many of us, the gradual easing of restrictions brings longed-for opportunities (even if at a social distance) – to see friends and family in person, play sports, go shopping, eat out or get back to work.
But for some, even the happy, much anticipated changes and re-adjustment can be a real worry and difficult to manage.
Just as it took us time to find ways of coping during lockdown, we should also expect that it will take time to find our way back, and to reconnect with life.
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, so it's a good time to remember that taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body, especially during this difficult time.
 Why nature?
Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 takes place from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 May. This year's theme is connecting with nature.
During the long months of lockdown millions of us turned to nature to help us get through, with going for walks outside reported as one of the top ways to cope during the pandemic.
Research has shown that being in nature can have a positive impact on our mental health and general wellbeing, so we're encouraging everyone in Devon to take time this week to experience the outdoors, find new ways to connect with it as part of your daily routine and celebrate the effect it can have on your mental health.
Our Director of Public Health, Steve Brown, loves getting outside for a walk as often as he can. He said:
"The evidence is overwhelming, being outdoors whether that is going for a cycle ride, a long walk or even a gentle stroll has huge benefits for your physical and mental health and wellbeing.
"Being in the countryside reduces physiological markers of stress, is associated with higher life satisfaction and has been shown to reduce depression, anxiety, stress, and fatigue. Evidence also shows it is important for the emotional wellbeing and resilience of children and young people. So what's stopping you? Get outside today!"
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 Putting activity into your day and move more in May
The sun is out (hopefully!), the birds are singing, and the trees and plants are starting to bloom. With all the joys of spring in the air, it's the perfect time to head outside and add a bit more movement to your day.
So we’ve teamed up with Active Devon and the Devon Local Nature Partnership to bring you 'Naturally Healthy Month' to encourage you to move more during May and harness the power of nature to improve your health and wellbeing.
It’s about movement, not miles. Whatever you do with your day, moving your body around more has plenty of health and wellbeing benefits. It can make you feel happier, boost your mood and improve your sleep. Even a small amount of activity each day can make a massive difference.
It's also been clinically proven that being in a natural environment and connecting actively with nature is really good for us. So why not take some time over the next few weeks, even if it’s just ten minutes each day, to invest in yourself and get outside for a walk, a cycle, some gardening, wild swimming, bird watching or another activity to connect with nature.
Keep an eye on social media @activedevon @Devon_LNP, and use the hashtags #NaturallyHealthy #DevonCAN to inspire others to join in. You can also check out the Devon-wide activity finder to see what’s happening in your local area, and the Natural Devon website for more naturally healthy information and opportunities.
 Looking after your mental health as lockdown eases
The gradual easing of the coronavirus restrictions mean we can get back to the people and things we love, but even positive change can cause us to feel worried and it can take time to readjust to the things we have not done for a while.
Feelings of post-lockdown anxiety are likely to pass with time as we get used to the 'new normal' but it's important to do what we can to take care of our mental health. There are lots of things that can help you to manage these feelings and make it easier to adjust:
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Go at your own pace and relax - you don't have to make loads of plans and say yes to everything, just take it easy and only do what you feel comfortable with. Being able to see more people and go to more places is exciting, but it can also be a lot to take in all at once, so it's important to find time to relax.
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Don't avoid things entirely, make a plan - it might feel like the easier option, but avoiding things that make us anxious can make it harder to face in the longer term. Start small, and build up from there. Uncertainty can make things hard to manage, so making a plan can help us feel more comfortable and confident in what we are doing.
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Get your information from the right sources - being confused and unsure of what you are allowed to do is stressful, so stick to trusted sources like the government's website, NHS COVID-19 pages and our website for the most up-to-date information.
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Talk to someone - it's easy to feel isolated or lonely when we're struggling, but chances are that someone we know feels exactly the same. Opening up to a person we trust can be really helpful. Being aware of everybody's fears and expectations can also help to avoid conflict.
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Find a routine - during lockdown, life changed for us all and we developed new routines, and now restrictions are lifting these routines will change again. Sticking to a routine can help us cope with the change. Something as simple as going to bed and waking up at the same time each day or having a set lunch break can make a big difference.
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Focus on the present - when there is lots of change happening, we can get caught up in worrying about the future and the past, but try to concentrate on the right here and the right now. Make plans but don't dwell on 'what ifs' or what was 'supposed' to happen.
The NHS Every Mind Matters website has lots of expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
 Lockdown loneliness can make it more difficult to ease out of restrictions
The coronavirus pandemic and consequent lockdowns have paid a heavy price on people's mental health and wellbeing.
Loneliness and isolation, resultant of lockdowns, could be making re-integration to pre-coronavirus normality more difficult, warns the Campaign to End Loneliness.
The Office for National Statistics released figures last month showing that the number of adults saying that they are lonely 'always or often' has risen a lot from the beginning of lockdown to the October 2020 to February 2021 period.
Their figures also show how lockdown has especially affected young people. They are most likely to say that loneliness has affected their wellbeing. They might not think of themselves as being lonely, but that loneliness is affecting them now.
The Director of the Campaign to End Loneliness, Robin Hewings, says that there is concern that people may be left behind in loneliness, as individuals and communities find life returning to pre-COVID-19 levels.
The Campaign to End Loneliness has useful information on its website about how to combat loneliness.
As well as recommending ways to connect with other people, their website includes support and services that are available to you, and things that you can do yourself if you prefer to manage alone.
 Get outside and explore from your door!
Daily exercise has become an essential tool for helping everyone cope with life during lockdown, offering us important physical, mental and emotional benefits. Now restrictions are easing, try and keep up the routine of getting outside everyday if you can.
We live in a beautiful part of the world, with beaches and moors in easy reach, so to help you enjoy what Devon has to offer right on your doorstep we've collated some useful resources:
Whether it’s a hidden beach, new walking route or a spectacular sunset, we’d love to see what you have discovered, use #ExploreFromYourDoor on social media to get involved.
 Take Part in the Naturally Healthy Photo Competition
We are constantly told not to spend so much of our time staring at screens, so you might think picking up a camera to ease your mind is an odd suggestion.
But research has found that taking photos can actually improve your mental health. It allows you to express yourself, focus on positive life experiences and enhances your self-worth. It even reduces the stress hormone cortisol, which in turn lowers feelings of anxiety, improves sleep, elevates your mood, and reduces your overall likelihood of developing certain diseases later in life.
The entire process of taking a photo —from choosing a subject matter to discovering new angles and manipulating light—requires careful observation and focus, and this process often draws you into a peaceful, mindful state similar to that experienced in meditation.
It also doesn't have to be serious either, taking a great photo can be fun and a good excuse to get outside, explore new places and enjoy yourself.
Active Devon is hosting a 'naturally healthy' themed photo competition throughout May on behalf of the Devon Local Nature Partnership.
It's open to all adults living in Devon aged 18 years old, and entries must be received before midnight on the Monday 31 May 2021.
The competition offers the opportunity for you to explore and value the local natural environment, take some amazing photographs with your phone or digital camera, and submit them for a chance to win a great prize!
The entry process will be done via sharing on social media using the hashtag #NaturallyHealthy or submission by email. Please read the Naturally Healthy May photo competition overview and terms and conditions for full details.
 Get support if you feel you need it
Mental health is something that we all have. Life is full of ups and downs for all of us, and that influences our mental health. There's no single 'right way' to react when facing challenges, and some of us are more deeply affected by events than others. Everyone is different.
But we all need good mental health and wellbeing – it's essential to living happy and healthy lives. It can help us relax and sleep better, feel better, enjoy doing the things we want to do, achieve more and have more positive relationships. It can also help us deal with difficult times in the future.
We can all feel anxious, stressed or low at times, but it can be a problem if these feelings get worse, go on for a long time or affect our daily lives. About one in four people experience mental health problems each year, so most of us will know someone who has struggled with their mental health.
It can take time for mental health to improve, and some of us may need professional help, but there are ways to help and support someone get back to positive mental health.
The Every Mind Matters website includes practical tips and support on how to deal with uncertainty, how to cope with money and job worries and how to look after both your own and your family’s mental wellbeing.
You can also get a free NHS-approved Mind Plan. By answering five simple questions, you will get a personalised action plan with practical tips to help you deal with stress and anxiety, boost your mood, sleep better and feel more in control.
The NHS has lots of useful information about mental health on their website, including common feelings and symptoms, self-help guides and advice for certain life situations. You can also find out more about specific mental health conditions, how to access treatment and what to do if you need urgent help.
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