Featured In: The Coalville Times, Friday, June 18, 2021

HEALTH MATTERS WITH DR HANNA ROBBINS

LOCKDOWN pressures have affected everyone’s mental health over the last year. Even before Covid, men’s mental health was a concern, with high rates of depression, anxi- ety and other mental health issues.

Some groups of mostly male workers have been hit particularly hard in terms of income and little support for this loss for example, taxi drivers and tradespeople. Men are more likely to have jobs that cannot be done from home, putting some groups of mostly male workers at greater risk from Covid-19. All of this has added to the challenges over the last 12 months. This year’s Men’s Health Week focuses on mental wellbeing with 5 CAN DO Challenges which are scientifically proven to help us feel better:

• Connect with other people. Call a friend you haven’t since lockdown #connectmonday
• Active – get moving, go for a run/walk/ride #activetuesday
• Notice – take notice of what’s around you – turn off your phone for an hour, drink your morning cup of tea outside and listen to the birdsong #noticewednesday
• Discover something new – read a new book, watch a new movie #discoverthursday
• Offer something for someone else – random acts of kindness being #offerfriday

If you are struggling with your mental health, or finding it difficult to cope day to day, please reach out for help. These organisations are a starting point; we are all here to support you.

• Let’s Talk (recovery-focussed talking therapy) 01509 561100
• Mental Health Matters (general support for mental health) 0300 323 0189
• Turning Point improve our own well Mental Health Helpline (emotional support) 0808 800 3302
• Samaritans Freephone 0116 123 [email protected]
• Refer yourself to a mental health assessment service: 0116 2953060
• Phone your GP, we are open and we are here to support you

For more information about Men’s Health, see https://www.men- shealthforum.org.uk/