Improving mental health - practical help you can offer someone
There are a lot of practical ways to help someone who is going through a tough time. Ask them what you can do to help. You can also suggest little things you might do together such as going for a walk. Sit down and listen to them, no matter what time of day it is.
It might also help to encourage them to think about the things they can do to help their own mental health.
Supporting someone to maintain mental health
The following is a list of things which are important in maintaining our mental health. You can help by ensuring your loved one is doing these things. It is important to realise these are not solutions, just ways you can help.
Eating good food
A balanced diet helps us maintain good mental health. Is there anything you can do to make sure your loved one is eating properly? We all need fresh food and it is best to keep junk food to a minimum.
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Getting enough sleep
Encourage your loved one to get the right amount of sleep. If they are sleeping too much, encourage them out of bed even if they're tired. If they're not sleeping enough, try to help them establish a good sleeping routine. Even if someone isn't sleeping at night, it's recommended to follow an 8-hour routine. This means getting up at a fixed time each day, and not napping during the day.
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Doing daily chores
It can be very important for your loved one to stay involved in regular daily activities. This helps to keep their mind away from thoughts.
Avoiding alcohol and drugs
Alcohol is a depressant and can increase anxiety and lead to depression. Drugs can have a negative impact on our mental health. It is important to avoid alcohol and drugs when someone is feeling down.
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