It’s been a while since we updated our blog, it’s unfortunate that due to COVID-19 and the temporary closing of gyms and schools, most of our projects are currently on hold. That’s not to say the Ingle Runners have hung up their trainers and the Brendan Ingle Foundation has come to a total halt. May 18th-24th marks the official Mental Health Awareness Week, and we feel compelled to share some information with you, our followers around this campaign. This year, the Mental Health Foundation have focused on the theme of kindness. Here is a link to their homepage which is full of useful resources and information! https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week
Whether you have previously had issues with your mental health or not, we find ourselves in incredibly testing times. We aren’t living in our normal routines and unable to access our usual outlets such as the gym, social arenas like bars and restaurants, and we can’t see our families for a much needed hug! Some people will be feeling lonely and isolated, others will feel a pressing anxiety for what the future may hold, and many will be having financial worries too. Before the Coronavirus pandemic was declared, 792 million people world wide were effected by mental health issues. It’s hard to even imagine what the numbers are today.
There are plenty of steps we can take to maintain good mental and emotional health, such as exercise regularly, eat wholesome nutritious food, express your feelings and emotions to your friends, family and colleagues, do your best to strike balance in your lifestyle, find a hobby or passion that you can focus on (this can be something as simple as knitting, reading a book, volunteering and so on.) However we understand that these things are often easier said than actually done…
Mental Health is invisible, it comes in many different forms and disorders and there is a vast spectrum of ways in which it takes hold of peoples lives. To name only a few, depression & anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), eating disorders, Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Social Anxiety and Post-traumatic Stress Order. It’s important to remember that although we cannot see it, that doesn’t mean it’s not there. Follow the link to the website for Mind Charity to get a little more information on different types of mental health problems… https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/
Sometimes when a person is suffering they struggle to reach out for help, they may feel like they’re the only person feeling this way, they might think they are a burden, or that there simply is no way out of that dark place… During lockdown, AND on the other side, make a point of reaching out to those who might be on their own or you could need help.
Helplines:
Samaritans: 116 123
Mind Charity: 0300 123 3393
Sheffield Rethink helpline: 0808 801 0440
NHS Single Point of Access: 0114 223636
Remember, you are not alone.