"Promoting Positive Mental Health in Waterford", in conjunction with the HSE’s #Littlethings campaign has been launched in Waterford.
Several organisations have come together to endorse the #Littlethings campaign and to collaborate on promoting positive mental health in their own work, in their everyday lives and in the wider community.
The endorsement of the hashtag Littlethings (#LittleThings) brings together several prominent entities from the city, county and South East; including Beat 102103.
Little Things promotes little steps we can all take to protect our own mental health and support others.
Speaking at the launch today, Chair of the multi-agency committee Dr Tony Lee said:
"The #Littlethings campaign is about just promoting simple messages, like little things making a difference.
When a friend is distant catch up with them, maybe at an early stage where they're just showing early signs of having a mental health - if they're distant catch up with them.
Share a cup of tea when them, encourage them to get a little more sleep, encourage them to improve their mood by getting on the mover, having more exercise.
There are 9 messages in all, these are all easily available by accessing #Littlethings."
Here are some of the #Littlethings that can make a big difference;
Keeping Active - being active every day, something as simple as a walk, is proven to have a positive impact on your mood.
Talking about your problems - problems feel smaller when they are shared with others, without having to be solved or fixed. Just talking about it will do you good.
Looking out for others - Lending an ear to someone else in trouble, or catching up with someone who seems distant, can change their day, or their lives. You don’t have to fix it for them - just listening is a huge help.
Doing things with others - Taking part in a group activity that you enjoy is proven to have a positive impact on how you feel, be it a game of football, joining a choir, volunteering.
Eating healthily - A regular healthy, balanced and nutritious diet will help both your physical, but also your mental health
Staying in touch - Catching up with friends and family is good for our mental health, reminding us that we’re part of a community
Drinking less alcohol - For the average Irish drinker, reducing alcohol will have a positive impact on their health and mental wellbeing, making it easier to cope with day to day difficulties and stresses.
Sleeping well - Getting a good night’s sleep of 7 or 8 hours, as often as you can, will have a positive impact on how you feel. Protect your sleep if you can, it will do you good.
Further help is available at http://www.yourmentalhealth.ie/ or Smaritans freephone 116123.
PHOTO: Members of the committee promoting positive mental health from L to R: Regional Suicide Resource Officer Tracy Nugent, Gabrielle Cummins CEO of Beat 102-103, Dr Tony Lee of the Lions Club and Avril Halley Samaritans.
