Mental Health Week in Leitrim 2018

Celebrating World Mental Health Week In Leitrim

8^th – 14^th October 2018

Promoting Mental Wellbeing in Leitrim

Everyone in Leitrim is invited to participate in a range of activities to raise awareness about the very important topic of mental health. Events and activities promoting a positive sense of wellbeing will commence during World Mental Health Week and continue throughout the Autumn. People from all walks of life are encouraged to take time out to learn, talk, reflect and engage with others around the issue of mental wellbeing. We hope that through open dialogue and participation in some of the activities outlined in this brochure, local communities will recognise the importance of maintaining good mental health in today’s hectic and stress filled society.

Research has indicated five aspects of everyday living which are seen to have a positive impact on our mental health. The Five Ways to Wellbeing were developed based on evidence relating to individuals behaviour. If individuals change their behaviour so as to incorporate more Five-Ways-type activities into their day-to-day lives, the evidence suggests that their wellbeing will improve. When you have these positive experiences you can change how you think and behave, becoming emotionally more resilient.

Events are taking place all over Leitrim and range from interactive experiences like movies and footbal games to Educational Workshops and Public Talks.

 

The list of Events taking place in Leitrim is available HERE.

 

 

For more on the Five ways to Wellbeing…

 

The “Five Ways to Wellbeing” are simple, accessible and achievable for everyone…

• Connect
• Be Active
• Take Notice
• Keep Learning 
• Give

 

Connect

Feeling close to, and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need. Social relationships are critical for promoting wellbeing and can help reduce the risk of mental ill health for people of all ages. With this in mind, try to do something different today – and make a connection.

• Talk to someone instead of sending an email
• Speak to someone new
• Ask how someone’s weekend was and really listen when they tell you
• Phone or meet someone you care about for a proper catch up

 

Be active

Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups. Exercise is also essential for slowing age-related cognitive decline and for promoting well-being. It doesn’t need to be particularly intense for you to feel good – slower-paced activities, such as walking, can have the added benefit of encouraging social interactions as well as providing some level of exercise. Find an exercise you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility!

 

Take notice

‘Taking notice’ of the world around you, in the here and now, can directly enhance your wellbeing. Many of us spend so much time thinking about things in the past or worrying about the future that we don’t enjoy the moment. Try taking some time every day to savour the moment and the environment around you.

• Go for a walk and make a conscious effort to notice the landmarks and landscape
• Have a ‘clear the clutter’ day
• Go somewhere pleasant for lunch, away from your normal setting, and really savour the environment and the tastes and textures of your food
• Take notice of how people around you are feeling or acting

 

Keep Learning

Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life. Signing up for a night class or pursuing a new interest or hobby is a great way to boost your wellbeing. However, you don’t have to sign up to a formal activity to learn new things. Here are a few more ideas which you could try building in to your regular activities

• Set up a book club
• Do a crossword or Sudoku
• Research something you’ve always wondered about
• Learn a foreign language

 

Give

Participation in social and community life – by volunteering for example – is strongly linked with improved wellbeing. Research has shown that carrying out an act of kindness once a week over a six-week period is associated with an increase in wellbeing.

• Your time
• Your words
• Your presence

 

 

Brought to you by Mental Health Ireland, HSE and Leitrim Development Company

www.alive2thrive.ie

www.sligoleitrimdirectory.ie