FOCUS ON RELATIONSHIPS DURING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK, BRIGG PEOPLE TOLD

Good relationships can support us to live healthier and happier lives with fewer emotional or mental health problems. These are the connections that we share with other people such as friends, family, work colleagues and our community. Investing in these relationships can be as important to our health and wellbeing as other lifestyle factors such as eating well, exercising more and stopping smoking.
Every year in May, Mental Health Awareness week puts mental health and wellbeing issues in the spotlight. 
This year, the awareness week (16-22 May 2016) focuses on the importance of Relationships. 
Dr Faisel Baig, mental health lead for North Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG),  explained: “Healthy and supportive relationships can help reduce the risk of mental ill-health. During Mental Health Awareness Week we should all take time to celebrate the connections, relationships and people in our lives that add to our wellbeing, who protect and sustain our mental health. Whether it’s family and friends or colleagues, neighbours or even the people you see often and say “Good Morning” to; we should all take notice of those connections that help us to feel safe and supported.”
Coun Carl Sherwood, of Brigg, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Relationships are extremely important to our health and wellbeing. Throughout Mental Health Awareness Week we are encouraging people to consider their relationships and the effect they have on health and wellbeing. Relationships are just as vital as other lifestyle factors such as keeping active and eating healthily. They all impact upon our everyday lives.”
The Mental Health Foundation has the following tips to help nurture positive relationships:
• Give your time - put time aside to nurture important relationships. We can be so busy with school or work that we don’t spend time with the important people in our lives.
• Be present - it can be tempting to check your phone, Facebook messages or even work emails when with family and friends. Try to be present in the moment and there for your loved ones.
• Listen Actively - listen to what others are saying in a non-judgemental way. Concentrate on their needs in that moment.
• Be listened to - share how you are feeling, honestly, and allow yourself to be listened to and supported.
• Recognise unhealthy relationships - are certain relationships making you unhappy? Recognising these can help you move forward and find solutions to issues.

You can find more information and resources about healthy relationships as well as other aspects of supporting your own mental health and wellbeing by visiting the Mental Health Foundation website at https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
There also lots of resources to support you if you are concerned about your mental or emotional wellbeing at http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/mentalhealth/Pages/Mentalhealthhome.aspx

PICTURED ABOVE: The entrance to Health Place, off Wrawby Road, Brigg