Better Mental Health

Mental health is a topic we are all becoming more aware of; but why is it important, and where can you go for help improving your mental health?

According to The Mental Health Foundation “Our mental health is at least as important as our physical health. It strongly affects our daily lives – how they feel to us, as well as our ability do the things we need and want to, including work, study, getting on with people and looking after ourselves and others.”

Mental health problems are common

  • 1 in 4 people in England will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year.
  • 1 in 6 people experience a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week.
  • 1 in 5 people have suicidal thoughts, 1 in 14 people self-harm and 1 in 15 people attempt suicide.

Statistics taken from the Mental Health Foundation website.

There are many lifestyle factors that contribute to poor mental health such as work/life balance and stress that can eventually lead to further mental health problems. Studies have shown that some mental health conditions can be genetic, but it’s important to know that you’re not alone and help is always available.

This article lists a wide range of resources to help you improve your mental health and wellbeing.

Health and Wellbeing

Tips and ideas covering the key areas of health and wellbeing to help you manage your mental health and feel your best self. From Mental Health UK.

Read more on the Mental Health UK website >

Tips for Better Mental Health

Many of us can have a bad mental health period in their life, but it’s how we respond to it and take care of our mental health that’s important. Here are some tips for better mental health from the NHS’s guide – 5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing.

See the 5 steps to mental wellbeing article on the NHS website >

The Joy of Giving Back

One way to improve your mental health is by volunteering your time, money, or energy. Studies indicate that the very act of giving back to the community boosts your happiness, health, and sense of well-being. Embracing the spirit of giving back serves as a potent tool for self-improvement, creating a cycle of goodwill that positively influences society.

Read our full article on the Joy of Giving back >

The Feeling Wheel graphic

Identifying Feelings

Trying to identify our feelings may help us understand why we feel we need help. The Feeling Wheel, designed by Gloria Willcox, is a proven visual aid that helps people recognize, talk about, and change their feelings. This may be useful in coming to terms with your feelings, and help you to talk about your mental health, when you are ready to.

Read More

Where to go for help

At JGA we can connect you to our associates at Support Connect and Genius Within, two organisations we work closely with who can offer our apprentices support in many aspects of learning, Mental Health and Wellbeing. Your Learner Progress Advisor can put you in touch with these organisations.

There are many other established sources offering help and guidance for mental wellbeing – see our links below to just a few of those sources available:

View a PDF of additional support sites below. It includes mental health, neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ contacts.

Helpful Apps and Sites:

There are plenty of apps you can download to help with your mental health and personal and professional wellbeing.