Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust is launching a winter campaign to raise awareness of loneliness, stress and anxiety. The Trust is aiming to reach young men who might not otherwise be aware of where they can go for help.
NTW wants to spread the word to everyone that no matter how negative a situation may seem, help is at hand. The Trust is sending information leaflets and posters to locations across the North East, including GP surgeries, libraries, universities, job centres and sports clubs.
In the UK men remain three times more likely to take their own lives than women, and in 2017 there were 6,213 suicides in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The North East is the region with the highest suicide rate in the UK.
Karen O’Rourke, NTW’s Patient Information Manager said: “Christmas and New Year can be one of the most fun times of year but for many this can also be a lonely, stressful or worrying time. We want to send the message that people don’t have to feel like this, and that we hope that our publicity campaign will make it easier for people to seek out the help and support which is available.”
NTW also has a range of self-help guides that are available online in a range of formats, including British Sign Language. The guides are available online at www.ntw.nhs.uk/selfhelp.
People in the North East who are in distress and need help can get in touch with NTW’s Initial Response services which are open for anyone to call, 24 hours a day.
Loneliness can have a significant impact on your mental health. It can contribute to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Here are some tips that you can take to improve your wellbeing;
Get active – Do some light exercises, join an exercise class or a walking club.
Stay connected – Make an effort to see friends an family regularly, or if you can’t get out but would like some company try texting, phoning or using the internet.
Eat well – A healthy and balanced diet will help you feel your best. It’s important to stay hydrated too.
Sleep well – You may find that your sleep pattern has changed. You can improve your sleep by reducing daytime naps, going to bed at the same time each night and reducing the amount of caffeine you drink.
Set goals – Join a Recovery College and learn new skills. A range of free courses are available to anyone who would find them helpful in their recovery from mental illness, substance misuse, trauma or distress. www.ntw.nhs.uk/recovery
Speaking to someone about how you feel can help
Psychological Wellbeing Services
For adults finding it difficult to cope, feel low, anxious, stressed, worried or are not sleeping;
You can call direct:
– Newcastle: 0191 282 6600
– North Tyneside: 0191 295 2775
– Northumberland: 0300 3030 700
– Gateshead: 0191 283 2541
– Sunderland: 0191 566 5454
– South Tyneside: 0191 283 2937
– Veterans Wellbeing Assessment and Liaison Service: 0303 123 1145
If you need help now
If you need urgent help with your mental health or learning disability you can get in touch with the Initial Response services. Open for anyone to call, 24 hours a day.
– people living in Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland can call 0303 123 1145
– if you or another person have been harmed or are at immediate risk you may require an emergency response contact 999
– Samaritans – 116 123 – 24 hours a day
