On Sunday I delivered a mental health & wellbeing workshop at RXBOX CrossFit Gym in Didsbury. I started the talk by creating a safe space, with a nonjudgmental & respectful atmosphere. I was genuinely blown away by how everyone opened up to the group.
I spoke about things I’ve learned from courses & workshops in Mental Health First Aid, Active Listener, Effective Mentoring Skills, Mindfulness & Emotional Resilience. I spoke about cuts to mental health services & all kinds of things we can do on a daily basis to help look after our wellbeing such as practicing gratitude, self-care & mindfulness.
I invited participants to talk about positive & negative connotations around mental health difficulties & the importance of destigmatisation, 5 things they are *truly* grateful for, & I asked people to talk about self-care & what they have done over the past week to really look after themselves. We also did the famous mindful eating of a raisin exercise.
I gave handouts with all kinds of wonderful resources such as TED Talks, further reading & a list of counselling & advice services in Manchester. I enjoyed every minute & I came away feeling very reflective, grateful & strong. Connction & community are so important when it comes to mental health & wellbeing. Here’s to more people working to destigmatise mental illness & mental health struggles, & more people feeling able to open up & ask for help when’s they need it.
Thank you everyone who came along & thank you Suze & Andy at RXBOX CrossFit Gym for this amazing opportunity.
Helpful Mental Wellbeing Resources:
Crisis and emotional support helplines and organisations…
Samaritans:
They allow people to talk about feelings of distress and despair.
Confidential and non-judgemental support.
Phone: 116 123 (Freephone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Email: jo@samaritans.org Website: www.samaritans.org
Saneline:
Out of hours mental health and emotional support and information for anyone affected by mental ill health, including family, friends and carers.
Phone: 0300 304 7000 (Local call rates 6pm-11pm, 7 days a week)
Website: http://www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/helpline/
Rethink Advice and Information Service:
Practical help and information on Issues such as the Mental Health Act, community care, benefits, debt, criminal justice and carer’s rights.
Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Local rates, 9:30am-4pm)
Finding a therapist…
The British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies:
Multi-disciplinary interest group for people involved in the practice and theory of behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy
Phone: 0161 705 4303
Email: babcp@babc.com Website: www.babcp.com
Counselling directory:
Free, confidential directory of trained, professional counsellors and therapists in the UK. You can check whether the counsellor found through this website is also registered with one of the professional/ accreditation bodies in the UK. Alternatively you can contact the relevant professional organisation directly once you have found a named professional to check details of their registration.
Phone: 0844 8030 240 Website: www.counselling-directory.org.uk
Rebel Therapy:
Therapy in Manchester for non-conformists — freelancers, artists, musicians, writers, performers, and those in non-conforming careers and lifestyles.
Gaddum:
Individual counselling. Pay what you can (£10 minimum) Located in Manchester.
LGBT Foundation:
Free individual and couples counselling for LGBTQ+ people in the North West.
Beacon:
Counselling for individuals and couples in Stockport and the surrounding area. Free or payment by donation.
Talk Listen Change:
Counselling for adults, couples, children and young people. Based in Stockport, priced on sliding scale based on income.
Manchester Mind:
Free impartial advice on benefits, debt and housing to people with mental health needs in Manchester,
Further reading:
- Practicing Self-Care Is Important: 10 Easy Habits To Get You Started – Noma Nazish
- CALMZONE – Campaign Against Living Miserably
- 20 Proven Ways to Quickly Lower Your Cortisol Levels – Jordan Falls https://www.optimallivingdynamics.com/blog/20-proven-ways-to-effectively-lower-your-stress-hormone-reduce-counteract-manage-cortisol-decrease-levels-for-brain-mental-health-anxiety-depression-cognitive-function-foods-nutrients-herbs-supplements-adaptogens-adrenals-naturally-tips
- 9 Ways To Promote Gratitude in Your Life – https://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/therese-borchard-sanity-break/ways-promote-gratitude-your-life/
- S.U.M.O. (Shut Up Move On): The Straight-Talking Guide to Creating and Enjoying a Brilliant Life, Paul McGee (2005)
- The FOMO Is Real: How Social Media Increases Depression and Loneliness
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/social-media-use-increases-depression-and-loneliness
- How To Take a Social Media Vacation: The Complete Guide To A Social Media Detox
- Is Gratitude the Secret of Happiness? – The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/oct/23/is-gratitude-secret-of-happiness-i-spent-month-finding-out
- Nutritional Psychiatry: Can You Eat Yourself Happier? Amy Fleming https://www.theguardian.com/food/2019/mar/18/can-you-eat-yourself-happier- nutritional-psychiatry-mental-health#img-1
Fantastic videos on Youtube:
- How Stress Affects Your Brain – Madhumita Murgia
- TED Talk: Cultivating Unconditional Self-Worth – Adia Gooden
- TED Talk: Sleep Is Your Superpower – Matt Walker
- TED Talk: The Power of Vulnerability – Brene Brown
Fiona Ledgard Personal Trainer 