Book a free Mental Health Awareness course place and help promote better mental health
In difficult situations like lockdown, it’s important to be able to support each other’s mental health.
With that in mind, we at Source Solutions are proud to announce that we are giving away free, funded places on our online Level 2 Mental Health Awareness course. The offer is open to anyone in the UK who is not already on a funded apprenticeship. Just email Sally@sourcesolutions.co.uk with your name and the title “I would like to apply for a free MHA course” to kick off your free course application.
Email to apply for a free course
What you learn on this course will help you protect your own mental health and support those around you. It’s also equivalent to a GCSE and is accredited, meaning it is recognised by employers and looks great on a CV, and it can lead on to further widely-recognised mental health first aid qualifications.
Mental health during lockdown
We don’t need to tell you that being forced to stay at home and avoid contact with others is a challenge to a person’s mental health. It can make you feel alone, isolated and trapped. This is especially true if you are living alone, but even those with support who appear to be doing fine can be struggling.
As Britain goes into its third lockdown, our colleagues, friends and families need more support than ever. That’s why we have pulled together some advice on how to use and provide that support during these hard times.
Advice on protecting and improving your mental health in lockdown
Exercise – Exercise can make a huge difference to your mental wellbeing, as well as your physical health. It releases endorphins that make you feel good, it helps you feel in control and it can take our mind off sources of stress. The government has allowed us all out once per day to exercise, so take the opportunity to get outside. Sunshine, fresh air and wide-open spaces all promote good mental health and relieve the trapped in feeling we are probably all at least a little familiar with by now.
Socialise when and how you can – Be sociable. Get as much face time as you can with those in your household so as not to cut down your already reduced level of human contact. Beyond that, use the web and your phone to spend time with your family and friends. Online video chats can be a great healer for those feeling isolated.
Be mindful of your own feelings – Pay attention to what you’re feeling. When you’re happy – great. Focus on the source of the happiness, remember it, be grateful and think of it when you’re not feeling so positive. If you are down, think about why. Recognise the negative things that are not really important and don’t let them bother you. Meanwhile, plan to resolve the important problems in a non-stressful way.
Create a routine – When furloughed or working from home, it’s tempting to let everything slide, squeeze in work when you can and not do much. This may seem like a relaxing option, but it can cause depression in the long term. Routines, starting with getting up, dressed and ready for the day, will make you happier and more productive. You can even take up a hobby or achieve that goal you have been putting off for ages.
Try specialised relaxation exercises – These can be a great rapid cure for negative feelings. Controlled breathing, body relaxation and mindful meditation are great ideas, and you can find out how to do them in this blog by Mind, a mental health charity.
Reach out for help – No matter how isolated you feel, you are never alone. Family, friends, colleagues and members of your local community are always there to help you in your time of need. We know it can be difficult to pick up the phone or click the contact button in dark times but take the leap and you’re already halfway to getting that essential help.
If you can’t think of anyone to contact, or don’t want to talk to people who know you, call the Samaritans on 116 123– The Samaritans are always there to talk anonymously and openly to you when you need support. If you feel depressed, anxious, isolated or like you can’t go on, ring 116 123. Learn more at Samaritans.org
Advice on Supporting others’ mental health in lockdown
In these hard times, it’s important to reach out to others and support them and it’s good for your mental health too.
Look out for signs of problems – One of the most important things you can do for people is be aware when they are not okay. Everyone is different, but signs can include:
Restlessness and agitation- Sudden anger and aggression
- Feeling tearful
- Being tired or low on energy
- Not wanting to talk to or interact with people
- Not wanting to do things they usually enjoy
- Using excessive alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings
- Finding it hard to deal with everyday things
- Not replying to messages or being distant in conversations
- Talking about feeling helpless, hopeless or worthless
- Talking about feeling trapped by situations or being unable to escape their thoughts.
- A change in routine, such as changing the amount they sleep or eat
- Engaging in risk-taking behavior like gambling
Connect with people frequently – It always helps to ring, message and video-call those you care or worry about regularly, especially if they are showing the signs of struggling outlined above. Remember, you can meet one other person per day for exercise, as long as you are both alone and outdoors.
You can form a support bubble if needed – In some situations, you can also form a support bubble with one person and meet with them as you would a person in your own household if it is essential to their mental health. Learn more on how you can do this here.
Don’t be afraid – Don’t be anxious about talking. Just follow the advice from Samaritans; “Trust your instincts and strike up a conversation … There’s no right or wrong way to get started.”
It will often be welcomed by the other person and is almost always helpful. Even if they’re not ready to talk, it can help to know that you are there and you care about them.
Be open and attentive, not pushy or insistent – Don’t push the person to get help or do certain things. Just be there for them and listen to what they have to say without judgement.
Learn to be there for people through our free course – Mental Health Awareness L2
The course we are giving away free passes to gives participants a solid grounding in mental health issues. If you are one of the lucky recipients of this free training giveaway, you will learn what mental health is, how common mental health issues affect people, and how to look after your own mind. You will also gain the skills to support the mental health of friends, family and colleagues.
This online course takes CPD accredited. As well as giving you important life skills that are more needed than ever, this widely recognised and valued qualification will increase your employability. It also creates a great grounding for progressing on to Mental Health First Aid qualifications and training.
To apply for a free Mental Health Awareness cours, just send an email to Sally@sourcesolutionsuk.co.uk or click the link below. Be quick as funding is limited!
Recent Comments