Hi everyone,
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week!
This year's theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is "Moving more for Mental Health," showing how important it is for us to include physical activity to maintain good mental health.
To recognise this week on the forum, we have asked some of our GamCare lived experience volunteers to reflect on the following questions. Here are some of their responses:
What are the first signs you notice when your mental health has decreased or been negatively impacted?
“I think the first signal for me is that my ability to sleep is affected and also my appetite declines.”
When this happens, what are the first things you do to improve your mental health again?
“Most definitely talk to a trusted friend, really lightens your body and mind. As well as that I probably exercise more that week.”
Why is it important to prioritise our mental health?
“Important as poor mental health affects our physical health. As professionals and volunteers we need to be at our best in order to help others.”
The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week May 2024 is “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”, What are your thoughts on this?
“Movement is one of the key ways that I promote my own good mental health. Movement and exercise definitely releases positive endorphins for me and re-energises me. Dancing is my passion and can often dance my worries and stresses away.”
Any other comments you would like to share at this time:
“I feel that life can be so stressful and fast moving for many of us. Particularly in respect of Gambling harm, mental health can really suffer for all those affected .. Each day I think it is important in recovery to reflect on positives in your life. This can be very empowering especially if they are written down and you can look back on a day that feels more challenging and see that the low days do not last forever.”
Over to you….
We would love to hear your reflections below! How would you answer the questions?
All the best,
Lulu
Online Peer Support Team
Further reflections from GamCare lived experience volunteer:
What are the first signs you notice when your mental health has decreased or been negatively impacted?
"The amount of negative thoughts and feelings increases"
When this happens, what are the first things you do to improve your mental health again?
"Talk to someone about how i'm feeling"
Why is it important to prioritise our mental health?
"So we can fully enjoy life"
The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week May 2024 is “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”, What are your thoughts on this?
“Exercise is very important in maintaining my mental health"
What are your thoughts? How would you answer the questions?
All the best,
Lulu
Online Peer Support Team
Further reflections from GamCare lived experience volunteer:
What are the first signs you notice when your mental health has decreased or been negatively impacted?
"The amount of negative thoughts and feelings increases"
When this happens, what are the first things you do to improve your mental health again?
"Talk to someone about how i'm feeling"
Why is it important to prioritise our mental health?
"So we can fully enjoy life"
The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week May 2024 is “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”, What are your thoughts on this?
“Exercise is very important in maintaining my mental health"
What are your thoughts? How would you answer the questions?
All the best,
Lulu
Online Peer Support Team
Prioritizing mental health is essential because it impacts every aspect of our lives, from our relationships to our ability to perform daily tasks. I think the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, "Movement: Moving more for our mental health," is spot on. Exercise has been a game-changer for me in managing stress and boosting my mood. Regular physical activity can make a significant difference in overall well-being.
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