Healthy mind
Looking after your mental health is not something you should just do if you are struggling, or feeling low, anxious or stressed
Staying on top of your mental wellbeing is good for you now but may also help you deal with difficult times in the future. Over time, it can also reduce your risk of physical health problems.
This page has some evidenced based tips and resources to help you look after your mental wellbeing.
Tips
Talk about how you are feeling
Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled.
Let your friends and family know how they can support you, whether it is listening to you when you are having a bad day, helping you keep on top of your commitments, or being aware of your triggers (things that set off your difficult feelings or behaviours, or make them worse)
Spot your early warning signs
If you can, try to be aware of how you are feeling, and watch out for any signs you might be becoming unwell. These will be individual to you, but it can be useful to reflect on what these may be so you can get support as soon as possible.
Keep a mood diary
Tracking your moods can help you to work out what makes you feel better or worse. You can then take steps to avoid, change or prepare for difficult situations. You can create your own mood diary or find one online – there are many freely available on the internet and as apps for your phone. See the resources section below for some suggestions.
Build your self-esteem
Taking steps to increase your self-esteem can help you to feel more confident and able to cope
Ask for help
None of us are superhuman. We all sometimes get tired or overwhelmed by how we feel or when things do not go to plan. If things are getting too much for you and you feel you cannot cope, ask for help. Your family or friends may be able to offer practical help or a listening ear. If you do not have someone to talk to or you feel overwhelmed check out the Talk to someone section on this site
Resources
Our My Wellbeing College
Local service which you can self-refer to, offering confidential psychological therapy services, helping you work through difficult feelings. Addressing issues such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, relationship issues, sleep problems, phobias, difficult life changes, post-natal depression, post-traumatic stress , OCD, and health anxieties.
Visit My Wellbeing College site
The Cellar Trust
The Cellar Trust has developed a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Training Platform in collaboration with Living Well and a network of voluntary, community and public sector training providers from across the Bradford district.
The platform hosts and signposts to a wide range of training resources available across the district and designed to support mental health and wellbeing, enabling individuals and organisations to choose the ones that best support their needs.
Take a look at the Cellar Trust training courses and see what’s available now or contact training@thecellartrust.org for further information.
Healthy Minds
Healthy Minds’ mission is to create a united approach to improving the mental health and wellbeing of all people in Bradford and Craven.
The Healthy Minds Wellbeing Assistant offers tailored suggestions on services and self-help apps based on how you are feeling, so you can find what you need, when you need it – quickly and easily.
Try the Health Minds wellbeing assistant to find services right for you
Mind in Bradford
Support and advice for mental wellbeing across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven.
The MindEd COVID-19 Resilience Hub
Content designed to be rapidly accessible and provide quick help when needed.
Visit the MindEd Covid-19 Resilience Hub
Free Wellbeing Apps for NHS Staff
NHS staff have been given free access to a number of wellbeing apps to support with their mental health and wellbeing. Click each link below for more information, including how to access support and when this free offer expires.
Visit the NHS page with information about free wellbeing apps for NHS staff
Breathworks
An NHS approved organisation that delivers mindfulness and compassion training, has created a virtual mindfulness ‘quiet place’ for NHS workers. You can join for support and a moment of calm.
Hub of Hope
The Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database. It is provided by national mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma, and brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place for the first time.
Link to the Hub of Hope to find local and national support services
Help for Heroes
Help for Heroes Field Guide to Self-Care: Body, Emotion and Mind in Action is for the men and women working tirelessly providing healthcare around the UK right now.
Link to Help for Heroes self care guide
NHS Every Mind Matters
Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. We have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
Visit the Every Mind Matters resource pages