We all need good mental health and wellbeing – it’s essential to living happy healthy lives.  Self-care and general lifestyle changes can help us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more.  They may also help to prevent problems from developing or getting worse and can help us deal with difficult times in the future.  

It’s important to remember there isn’t always an instant solution, recovering from mental health problems and maintaining good mental wellbeing takes time and focus.  Below are some tips for looking after yourself that you might find helpful.

What can I do to help myself?

Focus on what is in your control 

• tell people what helps you and how they can support you
• spot early warning signs, try to be aware of how you're feeling
• keep a mood diary to track what makes you feel better or worse
• be kind to yourself, look after yourself and try to notice the good things

Connect with others     

• feeling connected to other people is important,
• spend time with family or friends or find other ways to connect to your community
• try peer support, look for local groups that bring together people who've had similar experiences to support each other

Make time for hobbies and activities you enjoy    

• practice relaxing activities, whether that's take a bath, listen to music, walking the dog
• get into nature, either out in parks or countryside, or if you’re not as mobile, caring for plants or animals can give you great natural benefits

Look after your body

• try to get enough sleep and rest when you can
• keep physically active and try regular gentle exercise
• avoid drugs or alcohol, in the long run they'll make you feel worse
• make time for personal care and look after your hygiene
• eat healthily, it really does make a difference

Access mental health support if you need help

Here in Lincolnshire we have a number of ways you can access initial advice or just someone to talk to about problems you may be having.

We now offer two mental health helplines that are here to talk and offer advice and signposting to approriate services or other types of community support.

Adult Mental Health Helpline
In conjunction with Mental Health Matters
Call for free 24 hours a day on 0800 001 4331

The helpline is for adults who are feeling low, anxious or stressed and think that talking to another person may help them cope. The team can also help signpost to other support where necessary.

Here4you advice line
For children, young people and their families
Call for free 24 hours a day on 0800 234 6342

The advice line offers support for young people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health. It is available to children, young people, parents, carers and professionals in Lincolnshire.

Our children and young people website also has a wide range of self-help materials that young people and their families may find helpful. Visit www.lpft.nhs.uk/young-people by using this link.

Mental Health Adviser helpline
Open 24/7 on 0303 123 4000

Referrals can also be sent to Lincs.spa@nhs.net 

Telephone helpline offering mental health advice, guidance and signposting to anyone working with people experiencing mental health difficulties, whether you work for statutory, community, third sector or voluntary organisations. The adviser helpline line is staffed by registered mental health practitioners.

Self-refer to Lincolnshire Talking Therapies

Anyone over the age of 16 can self-refer or contact their GP for a referral to our Lincolnshire Talking Therapies service. We offer evidence based talking therapies for problems such as depression, anxiety, post-trauma reaction, panic, phobia and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), as well as a range of online and self-help therapies. Read more about the service and self-refer online by using this link.

This service is for mild to moderate mental health problems and cannot provide an urgent/emergency service.

Carer and relative support

The Trust runs dedicated Carer Support Groups and has a Carer Council which provide help, support and advice to others who care for someone with a mental health problem. Find out more about the carer support available by using this link

Recovery College

People over the age of 16 can access free educational courses on mental health and wellbeing through the Lincolnshire Recovery College. Their courses are designed and delivered by people with lived experience of mental ill health, qualified trainers and health professionals. To read more about the Recovery College and what courses are on offer use this link.

Community support

As well as specialist mental health services, there is also a growing number of community groups and organisations who offer activities or groups to support people's mental wellbeing. Below are a few links to other community sites that you might find helpful to find community groups and activities. 

How Are You, Lincolnshire?

How are you, Lincolnshire? (H.A.Y) is an online directory of professional support services and activity groups across Lincolnshire to help people boost their mental health and wellbeing. This includes hobby groups and support networks, access to practical support such as housing and debt advice as well as Night Light Cafes and Community Hubs.

Find out more on the HAY Lincolnshire website

Shine Lincolnshire 

Lincolnshire-based charity which aims to support people with poor mental health to live well through accessing a range of support services.

Visit Shine Lincolnshire website by using this link

Connect2Support

Offers a directory of groups and services in Lincolnshire for both mental health, physical health or social care.​​​​​​​

Visit Connect2Support Lincolnshire by using this link 

Hub of Hope

A national directory of groups and services which may support your mental wellbeing.​​​​​​​ 

Visit Hub of Hope website by using this link