‘Talk to someone you trust’ – that is the message from Durham County Council for people who may be struggling with their mental health.
The local authority is supporting Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from Monday (May 9) to Sunday (May 15), 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 do have lived experience and I have 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.
The full guide can be found online at www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/five-steps-to-mental-wellbeing.
On Monday May 9, Investing in Children will be hosting a free event on behalf of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Partnership at Spennymoor Town Hall.
The event is designed to help families and organisations which work with children and young people find out what mental and emotional wellbeing support is available.
With a session for professionals at 2pm, and a session for young people and their families at 4.30pm, the event will provide the opportunity to meet others and learn about the support that is available within County Durham.
For more information about this event, or to book a place, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/children-young-peoples-mental-health-awareness-week-networking-event-tickets-311655218147.
The council has also been working with Stamp It Out to do a series of activities ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week, including delivering a training module and engagement sessions with organisations.
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.
“Throughout Mental Health Awareness Week we will have lots of advice, information and support available that people can access, but these services are also available for anyone who needs them beyond the national week.”
For more information on how people can take care of their mental health, or where to find support services, visit www.durham.gov.uk/nowyouretalking.