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Everyone is different, and that’s what makes this world beautiful. However, it also means that each and every one of us handles life differently. There isn’t a magic and unique solution that works for all of us. That being said, it does not mean that we cannot help each other and share some tips. For Mental Health Week, we’re sharing 5 tips that help us when things are gloom.

Connect with nature:

We do love nature here at Together TV. Whether it’s on your own or with a community, an activity like gardening is great for clearing your mind while being active. Need inspiration? Tune in on Together TV and get tips from Charlie Dimmock on Garden Rescue, or Alan Titchmarsh on Love you Garden. We know not everyone had a garden, so check out our Community Gardens Map below and find your local garden.

Try a new hobby

Join a dance class, an art centre, a band, or a book club! Learning something new will give your brain something else to focus on so it has time to breathe. And the beauty of it is: you don’t even have to be “good” at it, just find something that brings you joy and peace of mind.

Connect with family and friends

Engage with people who bring you good energy. It can be your family, your friends, or even your local community group, as long as they help lift you up and are here for you. Caring for others and having them care for you is priceless.

Talk about it

Talking about our feelings and expressing our thoughts out loud is not always easy, but if you are ready to share what’s on your mind, it will lift a weight off your shoulders. You can talk to a professional or a friend. It all depends on what makes you the most comfortable, as you might need to let yourself be vulnerable. Showing that side of you does not, in any way, make you weaker or less able. If anything, it shows a sense of understanding and willingness to let others help you.

Take time for yourself

Be selfish (sort of!). Taking time for yourself does not make you careless or “mean”. Listen to your body and your brain: if you need to take time for yourself, take it. Just like your body gets tired after a physical activity, your brain also needs time to recover (from social interactions, from work, from household tasks…).

We hope these tips will help you get better, or help others. If you want to do all of the above in one go, don’t hesitate to join our Sunflower Challenge! It is a great opportunity to (re)connect with nature, on your own or with your loved ones/local community, and gives you time to relax.

If you are struggling and need help, or want to learn more, here are some helpful resources:

Samaritans: available 24/7 to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts.

Visit www.samaritans.org, call 116 123 (free from within the UK and Ireland, 24/7) or email mailto:jo@samaritans.org.

Mind: offers advice, support and information to people experiencing a mental health difficulty and their family and friends. Mind also has a network of local associations in England and Wales to which people can turn for help and assistance.

Visit www.mind.org.uk, call 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm, except bank holidays), text 86463 or email mailto:info@mind.org.uk.

Mental Health Matters: delivers high-quality mental health and social care service across the UK. Their resources include a breakdown of different mental health problems and offer a webchat service as well as a hotline.

Visit www.mhm.org.uk and www.mhm.org.uk/helpline-webchat.

To talk directly to someone:

Call Samaritans on 116123

Shout: Text MRF to 85258

Papyrus Hopeline UK: 0800 068 4141

NSPCC Childline: 0800 1111