It’s Mental Health Awareness Week! The theme of the week (16-22 May) is relationships.
Good, supportive relationships are key to our mental health; investing in relationships is as important as investing in our physical health.
The Mental Health Foundation has written a number of relationship tips, which we will be tweeting throughout the week (follow us @MH_Concern). Don’t worry if you’re not a tweeter – we have also shared them below!
1. Give your time
Put aside time to nurture important relationships. We can be so busy with school or work that we don’t spend time with the important people in our lives.
2. Be present
It can be tempting to check your phone, Facebook messages, or even work emails when with family and friends. Try to be present in the moment and there for your loved ones.
3. Recognise unhealthy relationships
Are certain relationships making you unhappy? Recognising these can help you move forward and find solutions to issues.
4. Listen
Actively listen to what others are saying in a non-judgmental way. Concentrate on their needs in that moment.
5. Be listened to
Share how you are feeling, honestly, and allow yourself to be listened to and supported.
A booklet containing the relationship tips, along with other information about MHAW, can be downloaded here: MHAW16 leaflet (PDF, 117kB).
Mental Health Foundation are also offering a daily relationships challenge for the week, sending out daily tips and steps we can all take to improve our relationships. To take part, text ‘TIPS’ to 70300 (initial text charged at standard UK rate, free thereafter. Visit mentalhealth.org.uk/tips for full terms and conditions).