If you or someone you know is in danger of suicide, please seek help immediately. You should:

  • Call 999;
  • Call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000;
  • Use your local emergency department.

Don’t try to manage your or someone else’s suicidal thoughts on your own. Remember, thoughts about suicide are just that – thoughts. They won’t last forever and often they pass quickly. Many people who have had serious thoughts about suicide have said that they feel completely different only hours later.
You can read more by following the links below:

Give

This week we are focusing on how we can GIVE as one of the 5 Steps to Wellbeing to support our mental and emotional wellbeing.

We can Give small acts of kindness to ourselves, friends, family, our household or community and this can help to promote positive mental and emotional wellbeing by:

  • creating positive feelings and a sense of reward;
  • promoting self-worth and purpose; and
  • helping us to connect with others

You can Give to yourself by practicing self-care, looking after your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing and being kind to yourself.

A range of HSC approved apps for fitness, nutrition, sleep and mental health can be accessed here.

Even the smallest acts of kindness can have a positive impact on both our own mood and mental and emotional wellbeing and that of others too.  Simple things such as a smile or saying thank you and taking the time to listen to others can make a real difference. 

There are lots of small things you can do every day to GIVE to others:

-          thank others, smile and be kind;

-          give a compliment;

-          take time to listen to others;

-          send a letter, poem or care package to a friend or family member;

-          cook a meal or bake for others in your household; and

-          donate your pre-loved clothes

World Mental Health Day

10 September 2020 is World Mental Health Day.

It is important to look after our mental and emotional wellbeing, not just today but every single day.  The Minding Your Head website has a range of resources and information on how to maintain and improve mental and emotional wellbeing.

On World Mental Health Day we are encouraging everyone to talk about their mental and emotional wellbeing and to reach out when you are struggling to cope.  Talking to a friend or family member about how you are feeling can help us to feel better and make a big difference.

If you feel that you can’t talk to anyone you know or would prefer to talk to someone anonymously you can contact the Lifeline crisis helpline and speak to a counsellor immediately on 0808 808 8000.  Lifeline is the Northern Ireland free-to-call crisis helpline that provides immediate support for those in crisis, distress and despair. Lifeline is available to anyone across Northern Ireland 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Lifeline can also provide advice for people who are concerned about someone else who is in distress. 

It is important to remember that mental health services are continuing to operate at this time and if you are concerned about your physical or emotional wellbeing you should contact your GP.

A list of local services in your Health and Social Care Trust area can be found here.

The Covid Wellbeing NI Hub is an online wellbeing space that brings together information, resources and self-help guides on a range of health and wellbeing topics, to include:

-       Mental and emotional wellbeing

-       Physical wellbeing

-       How to help others

-       Alcohol and drugs

-       Bereavement

-       Loneliness and isolation

-       Relationships

-       Self-Help Guides

-       Tips on ways to ‘Take 5’ steps to wellbeing

-       Helplines info

-       And many more

The Helplines NI website provides a directory of helpline services operating across Northern Ireland.  The helplines provide information, support, advice and guidance on a wide-range of health and wellbeing needs.  The website also includes details of both national and local Coronvirus (COVID-19) specific helplines.  

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