World Mental Health Day

Take a look at this simple guide from The Mental Health Foundation about what mental health is and tips for looking after yours.

We aim to make it easy for our colleagues to access the right information and support in a timely way when life starts to feel unbalanced.  We offer all NTU colleagues access to an Employee Assistance Programme, that can provide advice and counselling, and to SilverCloud, an online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy programme. Both services are free to use and accessible 24/7.

The World Health Organization is promoting ’40 seconds of action’ on World Mental Health day this year, so why not take 40 seconds out of the day to take positive action in support of good mental health. Stuck for ideas? How about:

• Give someone a positive message - take 40 seconds to give someone a piece of positive feedback, or simply smile and say thank you as you go about your day. Simple acts of kindness and recognition promote positive physiological changes in the brain associated with happiness for both givers and receivers of kindness.
• Take a break and encourage colleagues to do the same.  Even a simple 15-minute walk outside can have a positive physical and mental benefit, especially for colleagues in sedentary roles.
• Social interaction is a powerful ally to positive wellbeing, so why not take 40 seconds to ask if fellow colleagues would like to plan a social event? The Mental Health Foundation promotes talking and socialising, and research shows that people who are more socially connected are happier, physically healthier and live longer. Their Tea and Talk workplace pack will help you get started to create a mentally healthier workspace.