Being Mentally Well - Self-Help - Park Avenue & Kings Heath Practice

Being Mentally Well - Self-Help

Being Well – My Action Plan*

Writing an action plan can improve your well-being. Your GP/nurse may highlight some things they think could be included. However it is your wellbeing plan and you are in control. Start today at the bottom of the page and continue overleaf. Look at it regularly to help you to stay on track.

Five Ways to Wellbeing provide some examples that you may like to put into your wellbeing plan, see http://www.actionforhappiness.org/10-keys-to-happier-living for more ideas.

Give

Not just about money! Visit the volunteer centre – get involved and make a contribution or perhaps
practice weekly acts of kindness http://www.voluntaryimpact.org.uk/volunteering/

Relate and Connect with others

Talking and sharing your feelings with someone you trust often helps. MIND community navigators
have details of local counsellors or ask your Nurse or GP for psychological therapy referral
Plan to meet up with friends or family
If communication is hard, try a letter as a way of preparing what to say to someone.

Exercise and care for your body

If you are taking medication, take it at the same time of day, don’t stop without GP advice.
http://www.northamptonshiresport.org/get-active- to find various types or group exercise.
http://www.walkinginnorthants.co.uk/groups.php- for walking groups.

Awareness

Breathing exercises & relaxation techniques e.g. breathe in on 7 and out on 11
Online mindfulness http://palousemindfulness.com/

Try something new – Learn or be creative

Adult education - Learn2b have a range of free wellbeing courses telephone 01604 368023 or email: Learn2b@northamptonshire.gov.uk
Read yourself well – self-help books/audio books are available from local libraries
Access computerised cognitive behaviour therapy (e.g. http://www.livinglifetothefull.com)
Plan to do things today that help you feel/remain well
Keep a diary - what are you learning, what is helping you feel better?
Turn worries into challenges and try to set goals to solve them

Well-being plan: Aim for three changes you can make that will help you to feel better and help you stay well. http://www.firstforwellbeing.co.uk Tel: 0300 1265000 for more information

	What am I going to do?	How will this help me?	When will I do this by?
1

Plan for when things are not going so well: Identify your red flags (early warning signs) if you are starting to spiral downwards (such as your thoughts, feelings, reactions) and develop an action plan of what to do when things get tough.

If I really can't cope I will: Think about who you can call for support and what distractions and calming activities will help you to get through the day or through the next few hours.

Talk to: NHS 111 , Samaritans 116123

Watch http://www.connectingwithpeople.org/stayingsafe

CAMHS Live provides a safe and fully confidential live online chat service for young people aged 13-18 year olds or their parent/carer to seek guidance and further information with regards to any emotional wellbeing or mental health issue that the young person may have. CAMHS Live is accessible via a link on Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust website. From here a ‘live’ and private online conversation can take place with a fully trained CAMHS mental health worker – www.nhft.nhs.uk/CAMHSLive