We all need a helping hand sometimes and it’s okay to reach out for support. We’ve got you.
Sometimes events in life can throw us curve balls and often it happens when we least expect it. It can include things like someone getting sick or passing away, to losing a job or having a relationship breakdown. At other times, mental health issues can play a part in how we’re feeling and getting on in life too. The effects can reach into different areas of our lives and it may be challenging to manage it on our own. We’re all different and each of us has our own way of coping with life’s ups and downs. We understand that and want you to know we’re here to help in a number of different ways, depending on the support you feel you need.
Our digital peer-to-peer support program, Togetherall, offers a unique, anonymous platform for sharing and supporting each other. To join this compassionate community, click on the button below and discover the power of shared experiences and mutual support
Our Better Days programme has partnered with Togetherall to give you access to FREE wellbeing support. Hundreds of residents have taken advantage of this support - and you can too. Discover how TogetherAll can help in the video.
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Anxiety is a feeling of unease, like worry or fear, which can be mild or strong. We all have feelings of anxiety at some point in our lives, but for some of us, it can be overwhelming and constant. It's like an alarm system in the body that goes off as a warning signal. Sometimes, there isn't even a clear reason. To learn more about anxiety, you can visit the following websites:
Stress is a response to challenges or demands. It's a feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure. While a little bit of stress can be motivating, too much for too long can be harmful and affect our wellbeing. Think of it like a rubber band, a little stretch can give it energy, however if it’s stretched too much for too long, it might snap. To learn more about stress, please visit:
Depression is a persistent deep feeling of sadness or loss of interest in activities. It's more than just feeling down, it can affect our thoughts, feelings and ability to function. It can make simple tasks difficult, such as getting out of bed or eating. Sometimes there's no clear reason for feeling this way, however it’s important to understand that your emotions are real and can be overwhelming. You can find out more about depression by visiting:
Self-harm is when somebody intentionally damages or injures their body. It's a way of coping with or expressing overwhelming emotional pain. It’s not always about wanting to end one’s life, although often people who do attempt to end their own lives, have a history of self-harming. Self-harm doesn’t always involve obvious harm, such as cutting. It can also include hair pulling, skin picking, eating too little or too much, exercising too much or abusing drugs and alcohol. It's important to approach it with care, as it often signals deep emotional pain and a need for increased support and understanding. Learn more by visiting:
Suicide is the intentional act of taking one's own life. It often results from feelings of despair, hopelessness, or overwhelming emotional pain that someone believes they cannot manage or escape from. There are many contributing factors that can lead to someone feeling suicidal, including mental health conditions, trauma or significant stress in life. It's a serious health concern and those expressing suicidal thoughts or behaviours, should be given immediate attention and support. It's important to approach suicide with care, sensitivity and without judgment. You can find out more by visiting:
Losing someone we’re close to can be an intense and painful experience, often described as grief. Grief is the natural emotional response to loss, and it includes a wide range of emotions from disbelief and anger, to sadness and acceptance. Everyone grieves differently, and there's no right or wrong way to feel. The loss creates an emptiness, and it can take time to find a way to live with that absence. It's a journey of healing and learning how to remember and honour the person while moving forward in life. For more information, please visit:
Loneliness is an emotional state where a person feels a deep sense of emptiness and disconnection from others, even if they're surrounded by people. It's not just about being alone, it’s about feeling alone. It can impact both our mental and physical health, and can be caused by various life events. Other factors include the way a person sees the world and the way a person moves among social circles. For more details, please visit:
Feeling isolated is when someone has limited contact with others, leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. It can be a result of personal choices, circumstance, or mental health conditions. Long periods of isolation can have a bad effect on someone’s emotional and physical health. Connecting with others, even in small ways, is important for our overall wellbeing.
Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves. It can lead to hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), delusions (strongly held false beliefs) and disorganised thinking or speech. It's not about having a ‘split personality,’ as some misunderstandings suggest. The exact causes of schizophrenia aren't fully understood, but it's believed to be a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and external factors. Managing schizophrenia often requires medication and therapy, and with the right support, many people with the condition can lead fulfilling lives. Find out more by visiting:
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition with extreme mood swings, ranging from emotional highs (often called mania) to lows (often called depression). During mania, the person may feel overly energetic or impulsive, while during depressive episodes, they may feel extremely sad or hopeless. The cause is complex, usually involving genetics and the external environment. Treatment often includes medication and therapy. Find out more by visiting:
Hoarding is a behaviour where individuals collect and keep large amounts of items, often leading to clutter that can disrupt their living space and daily life. It's not just about being disorganised. For people with hoarding tendencies, parting with possessions can cause great distress. The reasons for hoarding can vary, however it often stems from a deep emotional attachment to objects or a fear of losing important items. It can also be linked to anxiety, depression or trauma. You can find out more by visiting:
Postpartum depression is a depression that parents can experience after having a baby. It’s a common issue that can also affect fathers and partners. After giving birth, many experience mood changes. It’s sometimes called the ‘baby blues’ and is usually a short-term emotional dip. However, some might people can experience more long term effects including anxiety and panic attacks. It’s important to get help if needed, as it can impact both the parent and baby’s wellbeing. You can learn more about the issue by:
Post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition triggered by witnessing or experiencing a terrifying event. Symptoms can include:
Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. Factors like personal history, brain chemistry and the nature of the experience can all play a part in how someone responds to a situation. Treatment often involves therapy, medication, or a combination of both. You can find out more by visiting:
Our free Better Days programme offers expert advice and practical information across a wide-range of support services from mental health, financial or debt advice, to employment and digital skills. Simply click the button below to find out more. You can also call us on 0800 678 1221.
Visit our events page to find out about a variety of activities in your area from; drop-ins, jobs fairs, meet up groups, fun days, training and awareness sessions and much more!
If you need help or advice at any time, the Better Days programme is here to support you, please complete the self-referral form and a member of our team will contact you.
Our Better Days events are happening in communities just like yours! Whether you're looking for support with health and well-being, employment, financial advice, or energy-saving tips, we've got something for everyone.
These events are brought to you by Orbits Thriving Communities Team and our dedicated delivery partners, ensuring you receive the best guidance and support. join Us Today: Don't miss out on the opportunity to improve your well-being and knowledge. Check your local area now and be a part of our Better Days events!
For those seeking support in mental well-being, our Breathing Space program is here for you. Make a self-referral today to start your journey towards a healthier mind.
Aspire4U provides our Breathing Space programme to customers in Bexley, Kent and Norfolk. Mind delivers our programme in all of our other communities. Simply fill in our online form to begin.
Our digital peer-to-peer support program, Togetherall, offers a unique, anonymous platform for sharing and supporting each other. To join this compassionate community, click on the button below and discover the power of shared experiences and mutual support