Mental Health Awareness
We all have mental health, and just like our physical health sometimes it’s not as strong as others.
One in four of us will experience poor mental health each year and two thirds of us experience a mental health problem in our lifetimes, and stress is a key factor in this.
There are day-to-day things that we can do to strengthen our mental health, like exercise, eating healthily and spending time with friends and family.
“It is important for us to look after out mental wellbeing and to talk about it because we all face the same issues and I think it is something that a lot of people have to deal with. By talking about it and looking after ourselves, it gets easier.”
“Positive thinking has impacted my mental health by keeping me focused and grounded in the now.
“Looking after your mental health is vital but talking about it is even more vital.”
Oxfordshire Mind, an Oxford-based mental health charity, offers suggestions to tackle stress.
One of its suggestions is to take part in regular exercise. Oxford has award winning parks, leisure centres, plenty of outdoor activities and sports parks that residents can access to support their physical and mental health goals. There are health walks and a range of free and discounted activities through GO Active Get Healthy.
“Poor mental health strikes the old and the young and can be just as crippling as poor physical health. It has many causes, and many solutions. Everyone should take steps to look after their mental health - set aside time to relax, take a walk with a friend, have a hobby, get enough sleep, and seek help if you need it.”
Cllr Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for Healthy Oxford
Oxfordshire County Council has a directory of services available for people looking for mental health support.