January is traditionally a time for resolutions and new beginnings, and is a chance to reflect on the year gone by.  However for many people, New Year can be a difficult time.  It’s post-Christmas, and back-to-work-and-school.  The combination of continued bad weather, unpaid bills, broken resolutions, coupled with the economic downturn, make this a difficult time of year when people feel more vulnerable, unable to cope and are at risk of harming themselves, or not looking after themselves properly.

John Myles – Independent Chair of the Adult Protection Committee explains: “Self-harm and self-neglect are categories of harm recognised in the Adult Support and Protection Act, which exists to support and protect adults at risk of harm.  If you or someone you know is being harmed or neglected, call the Adult Protection Phone Line on 01383 602200.”

It’s important that everyone takes time out to think about their physical and mental health, and how to keep healthy and safe.  Here are a few practical ways to look after your mental health and wellbeing:

• Talk About Your Feelings     Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled. Talking about your feelings isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s part of taking charge of your wellbeing and doing what you can to stay healthy.
• Eat Well     There are strong links between what we eat and how we feel – for example, caffeine and sugar can have an immediate effect.  But food can also have a long-lasting effect on your mental health.
• Keep in Touch     Friends and family can make you feel included and cared for. They can offer different views from whatever’s going on inside your own head. They can help keep you active, keep you grounded and help you solve practical problems.
• Keep Active     Experts believe exercise releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and help you concentrate, sleep, look and feel better. Exercise also keeps the brain and your other vital organs healthy.
• Drink Sensibly     We often drink alcohol to change our mood. Some people drink to deal with fear or loneliness, but the effect is only temporary.
• Ask for Help     None of us are superhuman. We all sometimes get tired or overwhelmed by how we feel or when things go wrong. If things are getting too much for you and you feel you can’t cope, ask for help.