MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

It's Mental Health Awareness Week 💚

This week, we'll be turning our Instagram green to raise awareness and spread kindness. We want to normalise speaking out about mental health and talking about how you feel. We'll be posting positive content each day to keep you smiling and to remind you that you aren't alone.

We've also put together a 7 Day Mental Health Challenge for you to try out!

DAY 1: CLEANSE YOUR BODY

- Cook some healthy meals. You could meal prep for the entire week!

- Stay hydrated! Drink some hot water with lemon.

- Plan your week.

DAY 2: TIDY YOUR SPACE

- Clear out a cupboard.

- Declutter your bedroom.

- Donate 5 things you don't need anymore to charity.

DAY 3 : SOCIALISE

- Message someone you haven't spoken to in a while.

- Plan a video call with your best friends.

- Make plans to meet with somebody soon.

DAY 4 : REST

- Meditate before bed.

- Read a book somewhere comfortable.

- Get 8 hours of sleep.

DAY 5 : SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX

- Put your phone on silent.

- Log out of social media for the day.

- Write a list of 10 things you're grateful for or have to look forward to.

DAY 6 : RE-ENERGIZE

- Spend at least an hour outdoors.

- Go to the gym and try a new exercise or class.

- Drink plenty of water.

DAY 7 : PAMPER DAY

- Use a hair or face mask.

- Watch your favourite film.

- Paint your nails.

- Take an hour to yourself.

If you're concerned about yourself or a loved one, these helplines and support groups can offer expert advice:

Anxiety UK

Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.

Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 10pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm)

Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Bipolar UK

A charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.

Website: www.bipolaruk.org.uk

CALM

CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.

Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)

Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Mental Health Foundation

Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.

Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Mind

Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.

Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)

Website: www.mind.org.uk

No Panic

Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Offers a course to help overcome your phobia or OCD.

Phone: 0844 967 4848 (daily, 10am to 10pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider's Access Charge

Website: www.nopanic.org.uk