myWellbeing

Self-harm

Self-harm is when somebody intentionally damages or injures their body. It's a way of coping with or expressing overwhelming emotional pain. It’s not always about wanting to end one’s life, although often people who do attempt to end their own lives, have a history of self-harming. Self-harm doesn’t always involve obvious harm, such as cutting. It can also include hair pulling, skin picking, eating too little or too much, exercising too much or abusing drugs and alcohol. It's important to approach it with care, as it often signals deep emotional pain and a need for increased support and understanding. Learn more by visiting:

• Harmless
• Lifesigns
• National Self Harm Network
• Sane
• Samaritans
• Violet Project

Suicide

Suicide is the intentional act of taking one's own life. It often results from feelings of despair, hopelessness, or overwhelming emotional pain that someone believes they cannot manage or escape from. There are many contributing factors that can lead to someone feeling suicidal, including mental health conditions, trauma or significant stress in life. It's a serious health concern and those expressing suicidal thoughts or behaviours, should be given immediate attention and support. It's important to approach suicide with care, sensitivity and without judgment. You can find out more by visiting:

• Campaign Against Living Miserably
• Papyrus
• Samaritans
• Violet Project

Loss

Losing someone we’re close to can be an intense and painful experience, often described as grief. Grief is the natural emotional response to loss, and it includes a wide range of emotions from disbelief and anger, to sadness and acceptance. Everyone grieves differently, and there's no right or wrong way to feel. The loss creates an emptiness, and it can take time to find a way to live with that absence. It's a journey of healing and learning how to remember and honour the person while moving forward in life. For more information, please visit:

• Cruse
• Bereaved through Alcohol and Drugs (BEAD)
• Widowed and Young (WAY)
• Child Bereavement UK
• Samaritans
• Violet Project

Loneliness

Loneliness is an emotional state where a person feels a deep sense of emptiness and disconnection from others, even if they're surrounded by people. It's not just about being alone, it’s about feeling alone. It can impact both our mental and physical health, and can be caused by various life events. Other factors include the way a person sees the world and the way a person moves among social circles. For more details, please visit:

• British Red Cross
• Mumsnet
• NHS Better Health

Feeling isolated

Feeling isolated is when someone has limited contact with others, leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. It can be a result of personal choices, circumstance, or mental health conditions. Long periods of isolation can have a bad effect on someone’s emotional and physical health. Connecting with others, even in small ways, is important for our overall wellbeing.

• British Red Cross
• Mumsnet
• NHS Better Health

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves. It can lead to hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), delusions (strongly held false beliefs) and disorganised thinking or speech. It's not about having a ‘split personality,’ as some misunderstandings suggest. The exact causes of schizophrenia aren't fully understood, but it's believed to be a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and external factors. Managing schizophrenia often requires medication and therapy, and with the right support, many people with the condition can lead fulfilling lives. Find out more by visiting:

• Hearing Voices Network
• National Paranoia Network
• Rethink Mental Illness

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition with extreme mood swings, ranging from emotional highs (often called mania) to lows (often called depression). During mania, the person may feel overly energetic or impulsive, while during depressive episodes, they may feel extremely sad or hopeless. The cause is complex, usually involving genetics and the external environment. Treatment often includes medication and therapy. Find out more by visiting:

• Bipolar UK
• Samaritans
• Carers UK

Hoarding tendencies

Hoarding is a behaviour where individuals collect and keep large amounts of items, often leading to clutter that can disrupt their living space and daily life. It's not just about being disorganised. For people with hoarding tendencies, parting with possessions can cause great distress. The reasons for hoarding can vary, however it often stems from a deep emotional attachment to objects or a fear of losing important items. It can also be linked to anxiety, depression or trauma. You can find out more by visiting:

• Hoarding Support
• Hoarding Disorders UK
• Hoarding UK
• Samaritans

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is a depression that parents can experience after having a baby. It’s a common issue that can also affect fathers and partners. After giving birth, many experience mood changes. It’s sometimes called the ‘baby blues’ and is usually a short-term emotional dip. However, some might people can experience more long term effects including anxiety and panic attacks. It’s important to get help if needed, as it can impact both the parent and baby’s wellbeing. You can learn more about the issue by:

• Action on Post Partum Psychosis
• The Breastfeeding Network
• NCT

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition triggered by witnessing or experiencing a terrifying event. Symptoms can include:

• Reliving the event through nightmares or flashbacks
• Steering clear of situations or places that are reminders of the trauma
• Feeling on edge, becoming easily startled or having difficulty sleeping
• Having negative thoughts and feelings, becoming detached from others, feeling guilt or a persistent negative mood.

Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. Factors like personal history, brain chemistry and the nature of the experience can all play a part in how someone responds to a situation. Treatment often involves therapy, medication, or a combination of both. You can find out more by visiting:

• NHS Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• PTSD UK
• Birth Trauma Association
• Combat Stress
• Disaster Action
• Havoca

Better Days Services

Our free Better Days programme offers expert advice and practical information across a wide-range of support services from mental health, financial or debt advice, to employment and digital skills. Simply click the button below to find out more. You can also call us on 0800 678 1221.

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Events

Visit our events page to find out about a variety of activities in your area from; drop-ins, jobs fairs, meet up groups, fun days, training and awareness sessions and much more!

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Self-referral

If you need help or advice at any time, the Better Days programme is here to support you, please complete the self-referral form and a member of our team will contact you.

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