How To Improve Mental Health
Good mental health is a key influence on finding and remaining in a job. However, unemployment has a detrimental impact.
- In January 2021, 43% of unemployed people had poor mental health. This was greater than for people in employment (27%) and for people who were on furlough (34%).
- Moving into employment from unemployment helps reduce poor mental health. However, this is not true for all forms of work. Moving from unemployment into poor quality work can lead to a deterioration. (The Health Foundation – Unemployment and mental health. April 2021)
At Careers Springboard we recognise the impact that unemployment can have. Redundancy can be a shock, you can lose your sense of status, social network, financial security, confidence, self-belief and it can have an impact on your home life. This can lead to stress, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week (10th – 16th May) is an annual event about starting conversations around mental health. This year’s theme is Nature. During the pandemic 45% of people reported being in green spaces had been vital for their mental health. Being in nature is known to be an effective way of tackling mental health problems and of protecting our wellbeing.
Ideas to increase your time in nature
- Join a local walking, running or rambling group.
- Eat meals outdoors
- Take photographs of nature
- Volunteer for a conservation project via The Chiltern Society, Groundwork, or The Wildlife Trusts
- Find local woodland trails
- Grow vegetables
What can you do to help others?
- If you’ve not heard from someone for a while send them a message or give them a call. Listen to how they’re feeling. Just be there to listen. Here’s some great advice about how to listen using the acronym SHUSH which Samaritans use.
- Do you live near to other Careers Springboard members? If so, arrange to go for a walk, or meet up outside for a coffee.
- Help them to build connections. Our weekly webinars and coffee mornings are a great opportunity to build a supportive network of others who are facing similar challenges. Sometimes people need a nudge to attend, so send them a message beforehand asking if they’re attending, or saying you’re looking forward to seeing them.
- Remind them that Careers Springboard funds counselling services for its members. Details can be found in the members section of the website. If you’re not a member please register for free.
Mental Health Resources
Every Mind Matters – includes a free Mind Plan with tips to help you deal with stress and anxiety, improve your sleep, boost your mood and feel more in control.
Samaritans – Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Lindengate is a Buckinghamshire-based registered charity that offers specialised gardening activities to help those with mental health needs. Their approach has been shown to promote health and wellbeing, facilitate social inclusion and offer participants opportunities that can help them gain in self-confidence and self-esteem.
