A drawing of a brain with lots of colourful flowers to mark Great Mental Health Day in London

What do you do to improve your mental health?

Share how you look after your own mental health and how you support others.

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Added by Talk London

Great Mental Health Day is about celebrating the small things we can do to boost our own wellbeing and support each other through difficult times.

The fourth edition of Great Mental Health Day is taking place on 31 January 2025.  

This year’s theme is 'Small Actions for Others' and is a reminder that simple gestures, like checking in on one another, can make a big difference to someone’s mental wellbeing. 

The Mayor supports Thrive LDN – a citywide movement to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Londoners and led by the London Health Board.

Join the discussion

For Great Mental Health Day, Thrive LDN wants to hear from you about your mental wellbeing.

  • What do you do to improve your own mental health?
  • What makes you feel connected to others?
  • What do you do to support others in your community?

Let us know in the discussion below. You can also comment on other members’ contributions or click the heart icon to show support.

Your contributions will help Thrive to promote mental wellbeing by sharing examples of Londoners' stories.

Did you know?

One in four people will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime. And all of us will experience times when we feel low, worried or anxious.

Signs that you may be struggling with your mental health include:

  • problems sleeping
  • losing interest in things you used to enjoy
  • being tearful, irritable or restless
  • feeling tired
  • changes in appetite
  • negative thoughts and feelings.

Looking after your mental health is important. These tips and tools can help keep you mentally well.

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Comments (158)

Avatar for - Vaquita

Better social life

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Better social life

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Thanks for sharing, Ian8534.

What does a good social life look like to you?

You may find some helpful resources to support you and others to stay connected on this Thrive LDN web page.

Talk London

Avatar for - Vaquita

my mental health is always suffering nothing works

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my mental health is always suffering nothing works

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We’re sorry to read this. Please know that support is available for whatever you are going through. You're only one click away from more direct support such as NHS talking therapies or urgent helplines: https://thriveldn.co.uk/help-yourself-and-others/

We hope you can find something that works for you.

Take care,
Talk London

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Hi everyone

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and we wanted to share more about how you could become a champion for wellbeing in London.

Conversations about mental health are difficult, but for some they are life-saving. Many Londoners are already having these talks.

City Hall wants to help make sure you can approach them with confidence and compassion.

What can you do?
Take the pledge to champion positive mental health on this City Hall web page. In doing so, you join thousands of Londoners who are making a difference to mental health and wellbeing in their own communities.

By signing up, you’ll receive regular information, including the latest wellbeing training, resources and events, inspiration from fellow Londoners and updates on the work we’re doing at City Hall to better support mental health.

Thanks for joining in!
Talk London
 

 

Avatar for - Koala

I like to make a simple checklist of items to do in the morning which really help me to feel like I've accomplished something & started my day proactively!

Example of my morning:

  • Make my bed
  • Drink a coffee whilst sitting/walking...
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I like to make a simple checklist of items to do in the morning which really help me to feel like I've accomplished something & started my day proactively!

Example of my morning:

  • Make my bed
  • Drink a coffee whilst sitting/walking outside
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Thank you for sharing, that sounds like a great way to start the day.

Talk London

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  • I've gone off of social media apps mostly and only use a few but make minimal posts.
  • Try to go for a daily walk
  • Decluttering my space and selling old belongings online 
  • Avoiding takeaways - making sure I'm eating healthy foods so I'm...
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  • I've gone off of social media apps mostly and only use a few but make minimal posts.
  • Try to go for a daily walk
  • Decluttering my space and selling old belongings online 
  • Avoiding takeaways - making sure I'm eating healthy foods so I'm looking after my body
  • Going to the gym - if I'm finding it hard to go I find that booking classes helps.
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Thanks for sharing T.hmardi, these sounds like really great ideas! 

Walking was mentioned by a few others in this discussion too.

Where's your favourite place to go for a walk in London?

Talk London

Avatar for - Staghorn coral

I like visiting art museums, galleries, and anything cultural. There are a lot of free events in London but usually very busy or sold out and hard to access for people with mental health issues. a lot of museums don't have concessions. I...

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I like visiting art museums, galleries, and anything cultural. There are a lot of free events in London but usually very busy or sold out and hard to access for people with mental health issues. a lot of museums don't have concessions. I think in current times of crisis art should be free to all, and it has health benefits!

I have no income and try to access as much free as I can but a lot can still be done like more funding for art therapy workshops, ceramics, painting, performance, etc... to me they are as important to my mental health as eating well and maintaining good fitness.

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Avatar for - Colombian spotted frog

I walk my commute, I walk alond the Thames path part of it. Although chunks of the Thames Path have been closed recently in Tower Hamlets and I have to take diversions along some pretty horrific main roads-which takes away some of the...

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I walk my commute, I walk alond the Thames path part of it. Although chunks of the Thames Path have been closed recently in Tower Hamlets and I have to take diversions along some pretty horrific main roads-which takes away some of the positives! Generally though, walking to work is amazing for my mental health. It Gives me time to think, time to myself, time to be outside, time to listen to music and podcasts-I love it. 

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Avatar for - Tiger

For me I find just not reading news sites to be good for my health as there is just so much bad news being reported!

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For me I find just not reading news sites to be good for my health as there is just so much bad news being reported!

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Thanks for sharing shadowman2016.

A few others in this discussion have mentioned this too, as well as going off social media apps. 

If you'd like to read more about improving wellbeing and resilience, Thrive LDN have created a space with inspiration and resources: https://thriveldn.co.uk/help-yourself-and-others/

Talk London

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Hi everyone, 

Today we mark London’s second ever Great Mental Health Day!  

We wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences around supporting mental health and wellbeing.  

So many of your comments highlight that for many of us our communities, friends and families have played the most important role in in getting us through difficult times together. 

This is what Great Mental Health Day is all about – celebrating the power of community kindness and telling the story of how Londoners have come together during challenging times.  

Today there are hundreds of free events and initiatives taking place across London, from small groups to large scale walk-in events in sports and community centres. Find out what is going on in your borough: https://thriveldn.co.uk/communications/campaign/great-mental-health-day-2023/ or join an online event: https://thriveldn.co.uk/latest/news-and-blog/all/great-mental-health-day-2023-online-events/  

You can also access free resources and online tools to promote good wellbeing throughout the year: https://thriveldn.co.uk/help-yourself-and-others/  

As we continue to face challenges like the cost of living crisis, looking after our mental health and wellbeing is more important than ever.  

Please keep adding your ideas to this discussion to help and inspire others, or share this with friends and family who may wish to contribute too. 

Thank you,
Talk London and the Health and Wellbeing Policy team 

Avatar for -

I try to go out as much as possible but due to other actions this is proving more and more difficult. The pavements are now no longer safe due to being used by escooter users and cyclists plus many pavements are now in such a poor state...

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I try to go out as much as possible but due to other actions this is proving more and more difficult. The pavements are now no longer safe due to being used by escooter users and cyclists plus many pavements are now in such a poor state. Earlier this year I went down one pavement and it caused damage to my mobility scooter which had to be repaired at my cost. Coupled with this the ULEZ expansion means that the frequency with which I visit my children and grandchildren will be greatly reduced. All in all I may be in a position to leave my home perhaps twice a month. Very depressing.

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Avatar for - Tiger

Yep, wholeheartedly agree! There has been an explosion in e-scooter use with seemingly zero enforcement of any kind of standards.

As for the state of the roads, some of them would not look out of place in a third world country. It must be...

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Yep, wholeheartedly agree! There has been an explosion in e-scooter use with seemingly zero enforcement of any kind of standards.

As for the state of the roads, some of them would not look out of place in a third world country. It must be horrible to cycle on.

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Avatar for - Orangutan

It has been a long road throughout my mental health and in the past two years I have written three self-help blog books on subjects that I feel that I had to address. I share a little of my story and though-provokingly work through a...

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It has been a long road throughout my mental health and in the past two years I have written three self-help blog books on subjects that I feel that I had to address. I share a little of my story and though-provokingly work through a solution for my imbalanced brain. www.scriptureofbalance.co.uk/

This was after the death of my Beloved Father.

When I go through mania, I tend to write my articles on Medium and then transfer them to my website. I have written over 170 blogs and keep up the site as it is advertised on my NELCA NHS work profile. https://www.northeastlondonhcp.nhs.uk/elhcp-patient-&-carer-representat…

I did a research project at the beginning of the year in Art Therapy, bearing in mind I had not drawn for over 40 years of my life as I thought I couldn't.
This project was for five months, two days a week and once It was over, I haven't stopped drawing.

I use my own project to reach people so that they know that they are not alone in their thoughts.

I have worked for the past ten years, voluntarily at St Joseph's Hospice in Hackney as a Complementary Therapist in the Neurological Group for a couple hours every other Monday. I love to encourage patients.

The voluntary work that I do for the community.

I work as a Patient Representative for the Northeast & North Central Cancer Alliance. I do some work in Patient Advisory and Psychosocial harm also helping to improve services.

I work for the Psychologial Services (NHS) for Newham, Hackney and Tower Hamlets as a Patient participant. We are trying to improve the psychological services in NE London. Once a month I chair a focus group and take part on the interview panels for psychologists.

I volunteered as a befriender for Newham Renewal Programme to encourage people throughout the pandemic.

These projects are what help to keep me grounded. They also help me to connect with people who are struggling and let them know that they are not alone.

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Avatar for - Orangutan

Correction self-discovery and thought-provoking books, not self-help

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I go for walks.
I co-ordinate a course at the University of the Third Age - U3A

Avatar for -

I talk to people around me and socially interact in diverse conversations. However I do like to choose isolation at times walking dog for fresh air and excercise. All help with reduced Anxiety Stress and Anger management techniques. I also...

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I talk to people around me and socially interact in diverse conversations. However I do like to choose isolation at times walking dog for fresh air and excercise. All help with reduced Anxiety Stress and Anger management techniques. I also listen to people who feel they need to share their problems it often helps to share a veiwpoint.

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I play a lot of music and see friends. I look after my grandchildren. I read a lot

Avatar for - Adelie penguin

Hi everyone,My mame is Mobarak Hossain.I'm new here.Actually i want to move London which is my dream.Is there anyone can help me?

Avatar for - Sea turtle

I love taking long walks in Londons fab gardens and riding my bike

Avatar for - Ringed seal

first of all thank you so much.I listen a lot to music and go for walks in the park. Greenery, nature and access to local parks is so important for our mental health. This recent weekend there was a local festival in my area and listening...

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first of all thank you so much.I listen a lot to music and go for walks in the park. Greenery, nature and access to local parks is so important for our mental health. This recent weekend there was a local festival in my area and listening to the free live music was so good for my mental health. It brought me real joy.

I think as the cost of living rises and rises, it is important that there are free events in London for people to enjoy, especially music, singing, dancing and art. And especially as we head into the dark and cold months of winter.

I also love going to the Library and browsing through the books. A library is so important for a local community's wellbeing and we must strive to keep our libraries in London open as much as we can.

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Avatar for - Adelie penguin

I'm also loving those things which you mentioned on discussion.but😞😞😞😞

Avatar for - Tiger

Good ideas

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Avatar for - Adelie penguin

Avoid the news. Money and work are the sole things that damage my mental health.

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Avoid the news. Money and work are the sole things that damage my mental health.

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Avatar for - Tiger

I listen a lot to music and go for walks in the park. Greenery, nature and access to local parks is so important for our mental health. This recent weekend there was a local festival in my area and listening to the free live music was so...

Show full comment

I listen a lot to music and go for walks in the park. Greenery, nature and access to local parks is so important for our mental health. This recent weekend there was a local festival in my area and listening to the free live music was so good for my mental health. It brought me real joy.

I think as the cost of living rises and rises, it is important that there are free events in London for people to enjoy, especially music, singing, dancing and art. And especially as we head into the dark and cold months of winter.

I also love going to the Library and browsing through the books. A library is so important for a local community's wellbeing and we must strive to keep our libraries in London open as much as we can.

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Avatar for - American pika

Why did you delete my say to what’s This we’re Ll true base on what these people has done to me. Can you see kj d kind of immorality you posses. Instead of correcting their corrupt practices. Now you chose to delete the truth. Can you see...

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Why did you delete my say to what’s This we’re Ll true base on what these people has done to me. Can you see kj d kind of immorality you posses. Instead of correcting their corrupt practices. Now you chose to delete the truth. Can you see how bid S you are.
Be sensible be sensible or you have no sense at all. You wanted to say positive if what was given was negative. No positive will happen bwcUae it was out numbered by negativoty that started with you.
Swallow your sensibility your taking about.

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