Published on: 3rd October 2016
Would you know what to do if a friend or a family member experienced an episode of mental ill health? Do you think you’d have the confidence to approach them and talk openly in the same way you would if it was a physical health problem?
This year’s World Mental Health Day is celebrated on 10 October and Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT), the county’s main provider of mental health and learning disability services, is encouraging everyone to talk about their feelings and open up to someone.
The theme for this year’s global awareness campaign is ‘psychological first aid’ and the importance of taking that first step towards getting help, for people who feel they may be experiencing problems.
Common mental health issues can affect anyone. In fact one in four people at some point in their life will suffer from depression, anxiety or stress. Despite this, mental health still carries a lot of stigma and people are ashamed to talk about it.
Dr John Brewin, Chief Executive at LPFT said:
It’s important not to feel that you’re alone with your problems. Conversation with family or friends is a great starting point to seeking help. Equally, if you think that someone close to you is struggling with anxiety, sadness, anger or panic attacks – reach out to them and ask if they’re ok. Sometimes it can be a welcome trigger to a long postponed conversation about mental health.
There are plenty of options when looking for support with common mental health problems. People living in Lincolnshire can self-refer to LPFT’s free talking therapies service or talk to their GP to make that first contact.
Dr Vindi Bhandal from South West Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group said that a holistic, rounded approach to providing healthcare is of utmost importance in this day and age.
It is quite natural for people to speak to their GP about physical health, but it’s important to remember that healthcare professionals are as interested in your mind as they are the rest of your body,
she said.
We are here to help with any problem related to mental health including if you feel sad after a bereavement, if the pressures of life are making you stressed and anxious, or if you feel overwhelmed and depressed.
This year during World Mental Health Day LPFT will be raising awareness of the importance of talking about mental health. Come and meet our teams and learn what support is available locally.
What's on this World Mental Health Day
| Saturday 8 October 2016 | Boston Pescod Square The performance will be repeated twice between 10am-2pm |
Drama and street art performance from voice2change patient involvement group. |
| Monday 10 October | Boston Blackfriars Thearte and Arts Centre 1pm-4pm | Tea and talk event hosted by steps2change talking therapies and voice2change patient involvement group. Come and talk to our staff and patients and learn more about what support is available locally. |
| Monday 10 October 2016 | Sleaford Foyer 81 Eastgate, Sleaford 10.30am-3pm | Bring your friends and family for a fun filled time. Fundraising, raffle, tombola, stalls and more. Raising awareness of mental health issues and local support available. Information stands from LPFT (incliding Integrated Community Mental Health Team, Older Adults Team, steps2change and Recovery College) and other services. For more information contact Jo 01529 415318 |
| Monday 10 October 2016 | Lincoln Tesco, Wragby Road Asda, North Hykeham both stands open 9.30am-4.00pm |
Information stands from our services. Come and see us, talk to health professionals including staff from steps2change talking therapies and Recovery College. |
| Monday 10 October2016 | Lincoln - Discovery House St Georges Hospital Site, Long Leys Road 5pm-8pm |
Careers event at Coffee Beanz Cafe located at Discovery House. Come along and find out more about LPFT and jobs in mental health and learning disability services. It is also a great chance for nursing students and other students on placements to discover what opportunities we have to offer. If you'd like to learn more please contact Ade on adrian.tams@lpft.nhs.uk or call 07976 588532. |
| Monday 10 October 2016 | Skegness Tesco 9.30am-4.00pm | Information stands from our services. Come and see us, talk to health professionals including staff from steps2change talking therapies. |
| Monday 10 October 2016 | Football & Mental Wellbeing Launch | Just turn up and have a game of football to help raise awareness and kick the stigman surrounding mental health. Taking place from 12pm to 4pm at Ruston Sports & Social Club, Lincoln, LN6 8RN, the Trust is delighted to support this event. For more information contact Michelle Marshall, Football Development Officer (Disability) at michelle.marshall@lincolnshirefa.com |
