Mental health problems are common, and research suggests that 1 in 4 of us will experience poor mental health in any given year. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Just like our physical health, mental health is something we all have and that we should take care of.
Where can I get support?
If you feel you would benefit from additional support with your mental health there are many external organisations which can help. These can be found below:
In addition, we have a network of Mental Health First Aiders who are a point of contact if you, or someone you are concerned about, are experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress.
They are not therapists or psychiatrists but they can give you initial support and signpost you to appropriate help if required. You can contact them here.
You can also refer to our Healthy Lifestyle sections to find out ways to reduce your risk of developing mental or physical ill-health.
For managers there is the Supporting Staff Wellbeing toolkit, a framework to guide you through enabling wellbeing in those you manage.
Training
There are two training sessions available for staff. Booking is via Cerinet
13 of the best podcasts for mental health – whether you’re struggling with your mental health or trying to support someone who is, listening to a podcast can help you to find support and a sense of community
Mental Health Foundation Podcast – a wide range of topics including body image and challenging the myths around OCD.
Mental Health Foundation Podcast – a wide range of topics including body image and challenging the myths around OCD.
CALM – a meditation and relaxation aid to boost confidence and reduce stress and anxiety
Headspace – provides a basics course into meditation and mindfulness
Feeling Good: positive mindset recommended by the NHS- mindfulness to help you build confidence, energy and a positive mind-set
SilverCloud – an online course to help you manage stress, anxiety and depression.
Sam -is an app that offers a range of self-help methods for people who are serious about learning to manage their anxiety.
Daylio Diary Mood Tracker – enables you to keep a private diary without having to type a single line. Pick your mood and add activities you have been doing during the day. You can also add notes and keep an old school diary. Daylio is collecting recorded moods and activities in the statistics and calendar. This format will help you to understand your habits better. Keep track of your activities and create patterns to become more productive. (Free to install. Contains adverts and in-app purchases)
Stay Alive – This app is a pocket suicide prevention resource, packed full of useful information to help you stay safe. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide. (Free to use)
Rise Up + Recover – is an eating disorder app for people struggling with food, dieting, exercise and body image. The app is based upon self-monitoring homework, a cornerstone of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). (Free to use)
MindShift – Struggling with anxiety? Tired of missing out? There are things you can do to stop anxiety and fear from controlling your life. MindShift is an app designed to help teens and young adults cope with anxiety. It can help you change how you think about anxiety. Rather than trying to avoid anxiety, you can make an important shift and face it. (Free to use)
Grief and Bereavement
Losing someone can be one of the most difficult and painful times in life. There is support available to help you through the grieving process.
Loneliness
Loneliness has become known as a ‘silent epidemic’.
If we’re lonely we can have feelings of sadness, emptiness or distress about being by ourselves and disconnected from the world around us. There is, however, a difference between unwanted social isolation (loneliness) and social isolation, because some of us choose to be alone, yet don’t feel lonely.
Work Related Support
Free and confidential mental health support for social care staff.
A charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of teachers and education staff.
Helplines
For mental health advice or concerns, for you or a loved one, call 111 option 2 between 9am and 11.30pm, 7 days a week and speak to our dedicated team. For people of all ages across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.
SANEline services – SANE 0300 304 7000 4pm-10pm
