The week of the 9th-15th May 2022, marks the official Mental Health Awareness week this year, but of course, looking after our mental health is extremely important all of the time.
The theme of loneliness was chosen this year because of the way it affects the mental health of millions of people across the UK. Loneliness is a normal part of life, with most of us feeling lonely at some point.
We can all feel lonely at times. We can even feel lonely when we’re surrounded by others. In fact, millions of us hide our feelings of loneliness from friends and family. This Mental Health Awareness Week, the campaign wants to let everyone living in loneliness know that by coming together we can tackle loneliness and help prevent mental health problems.
Find out more about the national campaign or to get involved at Mental Health Awareness week
Join the conversation on social media using #IveBeenThere #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #SmallStepstoReconnectinFife
Watch the video below
To watch the video click on the white arrow in the centre
Hints and tips around loneliness
Keep busy with things that make you feel good:
Keeping busy with things you enjoy can be energising and positive, but things such as working too hard or watching too much TV only serve as a temporary distraction and can actually make loneliness worse.
Don’t overlook the little connections:
Connecting with others can be hard when you’re feeling lonely. However, even connecting at a low level, for example talking to the check-out operator at a shop, can make a difference.
Talking therapies can help:
Talking through your feelings with a counsellor or therapist can help you cope with your feelings of loneliness. Talking therapy can be hard to get – but if you can find a professional, it can really be of benefit.
Practical help
Listed below are details of websites which provide practical advice and tips on how to help reduce feelings of loneliness.
- MIND booklet useful tips, suggestions and videos for managing feelings of loneliness and details of where you can go for support
- Redcross: Understanding and helping to overcome loneliness
- Clear your head: Ideas to try to help cope better with any changes in your world
- Clear your head: Keep calm as things get busier
- Every mind matters: Advice on how to reduce feelings of loneliness and where to get support
- Help and advice on how to cope with loneliness and improve your mental health
- Video - Mental Health Awareness Week
Community based services
During Mental Health Awareness Week Fife Health & Social Care Partnership, and partner organisations are highlighting a range of services which people can access within their community.
Click here to listen to more.