Feel Good Friday

[MAS_Nurse]

Hello everyone, how are you all doing?

Well, here we are at the end of another week and the beginning of the weekend. I'm sure that many of you will have been aware that yesterday was the World Health Organisation's designated World Mental Health Day, with a particular focus on suicide prevention. Mental health affects all of us, no one is immune, so learning how to take care of and improve our mental health is really important. Do check out some of the links below for tips on how to stay well mentally.

As carers, it is easy to neglect your physical and mental health needs under the strain of looking after loved ones, and often putting their needs before yours. May we encourage you that if you are struggling with your mental health that you speak to your GP and get support. They can help you access a range of therapies locally such as talking therapies and mindfulness courses, as well as if required medication. Also, Mind UK charity run local support groups to drop-in for a chat. A problem shared is a problem halved. Often we feel ashamed or afraid of the stigma of revealing that we are struggling with mental health problems, but keeping it inside will only build up to boiling point when you can hold it no longer. The words of this poem are very apt and encourages us to stop and take time out to rest, to 'get realigned' to face tomorrow.

One main reason for this community is use it as a safety valve, a way to let off steam, to share and learn from each others experiences, and find the care and support you may need right now. So do please pop by from time to time and let us know how you are doing.

Have a good weekend and take care of yourselves,

MAS Nurse and Moderator

Links for more support:

Mental Health Foundation:

mentalhealth.org.uk/campaig...

Mind UK charity: mind.org.uk/

Carers Trust UK: carers.org/

[Hellebelle]

Hi MAS Nurse,

Thank you for the poem. It's very relevant today with all the pressures and uncertainty of modern life. Life events can have a profound effect on mood and even the most resilient person can some times struggle to cope with life.

Sending lots of love to all the carers out there and all those suffering with mental or physical conditions. It's so important to reach out and get support if you need it.

[sassy59]

Hello MAS_Nurse, really wet and windy today but it’s Pete’s birthday. He’s 68 today and it’s great to be able to celebrate together and with family. Off to lunch later with our daughter and grandson so should be fun.

Thank you for the wonderful poem and I wish everyone good mental and physical strength to get through life’s trials and tribulations.

Have a lovely weekend all and take care. Xxxx

[Jennymary in reply to sassy59]

Hi sassy, birthday wishes to Pete, hope he enjoys his day x

[sassy59 in reply to Jennymary]

Thank you so much. All good so far. Xxx

[Hidden in reply to sassy59]

Many happy returns to Pete sassy59 and I hope you had a really nice day, x

[sassy59 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Callendersgal, Pete had a lovely day surrounded by family. Xxxx

[Hidden]

Hi MAS_Nurse,

What a lovely, kind verse that is. A great reminder that everyone needs some tender loving care and rest and recuperation sometimes. And really necessary both physically and mentally. I hope that everyone heeds its words and is kind to themselves and remembers not to get too bogged down in that really difficult job of being a carer. I'd like to join Hellebelle and sassy59 in wishing love to all.