News Release, 4 October 2004
To mark World Mental Health Day on Sunday 10 October, The Mental Health Foundation launches 10 top tips to remind people to look after their mental wellbeing.
Did you know?
- 1 in 4 people experience some kind of mental health problem in any one year
- According to the World Health Organisation, depression will be the second-largest health problem worldwide by 2020, just behind heart disease and ahead of cancer.
- In the UK, a third of all lost working days are due to stress, anxiety and depression.
- The cost of inadequately addressing mental health problems in the UK adds up to £93billion a year when taking into account lost economic output and the cost of health ands social care provision.
Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said:
"It is really important to look after your mental wellbeing as it may help to prevent serious mental health problems from occurring. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so don't ignore it and don't think you're on your own."
10 top tips from the Mental Health Foundation
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Eat a balanced diet and drink sensibly
Improving your diet can protect against feelings of anxiety and depression.
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Maintain friendships
Just listening and talking to friends who are feeling down can make a huge difference. So make sure your devote time to maintaining your friendships both for their sake and your own.
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Maintain close relationships
Close relationships affect how we feel - so nurture them and if there is a problem within a relationship, try and resolve it.
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Take exercise
The effects of exercise on mood are immediate. Whether it is a workout in the gym or a simple walk or bike ride, it can be uplifting. Exercise can also be great fun socially.
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Sleep
Sleep has both physical and mental benefits. Physically it is the time when the body can renew its energy store but sleep also helps us to rebuild our mental energy.
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Laugh
A good laugh does wonders for the mind and soul.
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Cry
It is good to cry. Even though it may feel terrible at the time, a good cry can release pent up feelings, and people often feel better afterwards.
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Ask for help when you need it
The longer you leave a problem, the worse it will get. Don't be scared to ask for help from a family member, friend or professional.
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Make time for you
Do you sometimes feel like you have no time for yourself? Make time for your hobbies and interests.
- Remember, work isn't everything
Ninety one million working days a year are lost to mental ill-health in the UK so take it easy.
Return to news releases 2004
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
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