Approaches to Practising Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mental health can be difficult to prioritise as statistics demonstrate approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year, according to Mind.

What are some types of mental health diagnosis?

Mental health illnesses affect individuals in a variety of ways. Some types include, but are not limited to;

• Mixed anxiety and depression

• Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Depression

• Phobias

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

• Panic disorder

A person's diagnosis may change several times during their life. Some complex conditions include:

• Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)

• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)

• Bipolar disorder

• Psychotic disorders (including schizophrenia)

As these conditions are more complicated, estimates in relation to the number of people with confirmed diagnoses can vary quite a lot. Also, personality disorder and schizophrenia are controversial diagnoses. These labels can be stigmatising. And many people feel that they shouldn't be used at all.

Are mental health problems increasing?

The restrictions designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus are having a profound impact on the way we live our daily lives, and in turn, on our mental health. There was already a mental health emergency before coronavirus, and the pandemic has only entrenched inequalities further.

A survey conducted by Mind found more than half of adults (60%) aged 25+ have said their mental health deteriorated during lockdown. Additionally, people with and without prior experience of mental health problems reported poor mental health and wellbeing during lockdowns.

As it stands, the uncertainty and effects of the pandemic are not going away overnight, learning to live and adapt daily life to accommodate the virus is significant. It is important to take personal responsibly and proactive steps in order to practise positive mental health and wellbeing and improve your overall happiness performing daily tasks, such as family roles and work responsibilities.

5 approaches to positive mental wellbeing

Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these steps and focusing on incorporating them to become regular activities could help you feel more positive.

1. Connect with others

Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can:

• Help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth

• Give you an opportunity to share positive experiences

• Provide emotional support and allow you to support others

2. Be physically active

Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

• Raising your self-esteem

• Helping you to set goals or challenges and achieve them

• Causing chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood

3. Learn new skills

Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

• Boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem

• Helping you to build a sense of purpose

• Helping you to connect with others

Even if you feel like you do not have enough time, or you may not need to learn new things, there are lots of different ways to bring learning into your life.

4. Give to others

Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by:

• Creating positive feelings and a sense of reward

• Giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth

• Helping you connect with other people

It could be small acts of kindness towards other people, or larger ones like volunteering in your local community.

5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.

Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

By concentrating on committing to one or two of these steps could change your mindset and help promote sustainable positive mental health for personal growth and development.

At UnitBirwelco, we operate an open door policy, where staff are always welcome to come and discuss their issues with managers. We are constantly reviewing our policies and practices so we can ensure a positive and inspiring atmosphere for all staff.