What do you do to improve your mental health?
Share how you look after your own mental health and how you support others.
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 took place on 30 January 2026.
This year’s theme is 'everyday spaces’ and is a reminder of the trusted local spaces which are often where connection happens and support begins.
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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Log into your accountNadiaOfficial
Community Member 3 days agohmmm, when I think about mental health and patien wellbein, I'm drawn to some professional practices that I find concerning, I'll explain.
When information is written in the margin about a patient let it be based on facts alone, personal...
Show full commenthmmm, when I think about mental health and patien wellbein, I'm drawn to some professional practices that I find concerning, I'll explain.
When information is written in the margin about a patient let it be based on facts alone, personal opinions are subjective and at times inaccurate, and to those who read it, please do fact check. For the unsuspecting patient, this is information written about you, that you will never see in your records, not even with a SARs.
Conducting recorded, video or third party patient appointments without the patient knowledge or expressed permission, is a violation of human rights anywhere else, why not in this setting.
Even though once qualified as a GP you are not required to update skills and knowledge, do it anyway, showing up as the best version of yourself can only enhance your patient better health and wellbeing.
On another note; It's important that all Londoners engage in an activity that requires movement, regardless of age. Walk, swim or sit in a chair. As a group very motivational on your own, no problem use a nhs app and get started and boost your mood. Think Captin Tom.
If it's hot put on your sun cream, if it's cold put on your coat, go out and speak to someone at least once a week at your nearest library. Human contact and movement are a free and necessary component to mental health and wellbeing.
Show less of commentAnonymous
Community Member 2 weeks agoTrue
Mindful-Neighb…
Community Member 2 weeks agoI agree
Show full commentI agree
Show less of commentTheSource
Community Member 1 month agoBut apart from that?
TheSource
Community Member 1 month agoWhat I do to help is talk to people, anyone may be suffering mental health problems, you may be the only person who speaks to them, keep it light, but acknowledge those around you.
goya12
Community Member 1 month agoThe local library and library based reading groups are really important for mental health. They divert attention of young people away from the manosphere, addictive computer gaming and dangerous online influencers. Also great if there is...
Show full commentThe local library and library based reading groups are really important for mental health. They divert attention of young people away from the manosphere, addictive computer gaming and dangerous online influencers. Also great if there is a Foyle's or a Waterstone's in every town.
Show less of commentLucky-Londoner-1361
Community Member 1 month agoWhen I feel overwhelmed, the thing that helps most is building something. It gives me control when everything else feels uncertain.
YOVAEDZING
Community Member 1 month agoJust a simple walk in the park or a short chat with neighbors makes a big difference for me. Staying connected is key.
TheSource
Community Member 1 month agoStay connected is the part I acknowledge most. The effect of nature on us all is also something we need to enjoy. Neighbours are important in a world were too much isolation dominates our society.
Voice
Community Member 2 months agoI try not to give in to despair, as this is the work of the devil. Having faith is very important for peace of mind. Trusting in God, that He knows us, loves us and that in all things, and in all ways, He works for the good of humanity...
Show full commentI try not to give in to despair, as this is the work of the devil. Having faith is very important for peace of mind. Trusting in God, that He knows us, loves us and that in all things, and in all ways, He works for the good of humanity. Suffering is temporary, even if it lasts years/decades. Where there is suffering, there is divinity. I try to draw comfort from the suffering undertaken willingly by Our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ on the cross, and that he did it out of love for me (and everyone else). It can be hard to grasp/ comprehend, but it is very humbling and helps keep me grounded. I pray and try to enjoy Christian art and music as these are so beautiful and uplifting. I like the prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi.
Show less of commentVoice
Community Member 2 months agoAlso, Easter is coming soon and we can look forward to the glory of the Resurrection, when Jesus triumphed over death.
Show full commentAlso, Easter is coming soon and we can look forward to the glory of the Resurrection, when Jesus triumphed over death.
Show less of commentMohamedAboshanab
Community Member 2 months agoMental health is something I’ve learned you have to actively protect, especially living in a fast-paced city like London.
For me, it starts with creating space. Even something simple like going for a walk, switching off notifications, or...
Show full commentMental health is something I’ve learned you have to actively protect, especially living in a fast-paced city like London.
For me, it starts with creating space. Even something simple like going for a walk, switching off notifications, or taking time away from constant noise makes a huge difference. Canary Wharf can be busy, but even there you can find quiet moments if you look for them.
Staying connected is also key. Whether it’s a quick call, meeting someone for coffee, or just checking in with people around me — those small interactions matter more than we think.
I also believe having purpose helps a lot. Working on projects, helping others, and building something meaningful gives structure and direction, especially during stressful periods.
When it comes to supporting others, I try to be present. Sometimes people don’t need solutions — they just need someone to listen without judgment.
At the end of the day, it’s the small daily habits that really add up. You don’t need big changes, just consistency.
Show less of commentTBickle
Community Member 2 months agoMy mental health would improve dramatically if I didn't have to listen to the Mayor gibbering about rejoining the EU. We left. Get over it, you silly little non-entity.
Liz Mann
Community Member 2 months agoRecently I have joined discussion groups on Ravelry which are about yarn crafts. It's lovely. These types of things must exist for other types of craft too. I recommend them. British Banter is a Ravlery board for us Brits in particular, and...
Show full commentRecently I have joined discussion groups on Ravelry which are about yarn crafts. It's lovely. These types of things must exist for other types of craft too. I recommend them. British Banter is a Ravlery board for us Brits in particular, and covers knitting, crochet, weaving etc. but also has strands where you can post about almost anything and get friendly answers. Everyone there is supportive!
Show less of commentTheSource
Community Member 1 month agoSounds really interesting Liz, and fun.
Show full commentSounds really interesting Liz, and fun.
Show less of commentPositive-Neigh…
Community Member 2 months agoI try to remain focused and plan for the worst, without delving too far into that train of thought.
"Praying" to the Father because He cares about me is very helpful as well.
Anonymous - deleted by community member
Community Member 3 months agoLeeSW1
Community Member 3 months agoTapping.
TheSource
Community Member 1 month agoSimon Cowell does that on his TV show!
Dolphinlady73
Community Member 3 months agoI go to my Line dancing class, I am so busy learning the steps to the new dances, I am less stressed and worried by the end of the class.
TheSource
Community Member 1 month agoUp here for thinking down there for dancing type of thing!
wiggins
Community Member 3 months agoI try to remain positive & focus on at least one good thing a day rather than something that may have not gone well. I try to get out into the open on regular basis - even just a walk down the road - it does clear your mind a bit & blows...
Show full commentI try to remain positive & focus on at least one good thing a day rather than something that may have not gone well. I try to get out into the open on regular basis - even just a walk down the road - it does clear your mind a bit & blows cobwebs away.
Maybe do something 'nice' for someone else: volunteer for a charity perhaps, give something back to your community. Or even just say hello to someone
Show less of commentTheSource
Community Member 1 month agoSounds like its working Wiggins, well done.
Show full commentSounds like its working Wiggins, well done.
Show less of commentCheerful-Citiz…
Community Member 3 months agoI was recently diagnosed with cancer and found that the MacMillian cancer support online community helpful while waiting for my treatment plan.
TheSource
Community Member 1 month agoStay positive Cheerful-Citizen-7453
Show full commentStay positive Cheerful-Citizen-7453
Show less of commentDoga96
Community Member 4 months agoPersonally? I improve my mental health by reminiscing about the life I could’ve had, had it not been for Labour/Conservative policies pushed through the UK Government—turning this “life” into a torturous, long‑running policy experiment in...
Show full commentPersonally? I improve my mental health by reminiscing about the life I could’ve had, had it not been for Labour/Conservative policies pushed through the UK Government—turning this “life” into a torturous, long‑running policy experiment in poverty, sanctions, and human rights violations.
Takes a deep breath and exhales.
There’s nothing more soothing and euphoric than:
Very therapeutic. Hugely restorative. Five stars.
Nothing says "mental health" like being driven into hitting rock bottom, spending a night in the ER, having legal action quietly blocked, or being told to budget, get a job, level up, or "voluntarily" enlist to the military
Show less of commentCamus Art
Community Member 5 months agoCreative Health is key both as preventative and curative models of care, this can be funded through community based arts initiatives across London. There could be a centrally funded Creative Health Access Fund that helps make this happen...
Show full commentCreative Health is key both as preventative and curative models of care, this can be funded through community based arts initiatives across London. There could be a centrally funded Creative Health Access Fund that helps make this happen. There are already many initiatives that are happening that would need this support to grow and support local residents.
Show less of commentAnonymous
Community Member 5 months ago000
Cheerful-Citiz…
Community Member 6 months agoI think this year's theme 'Small Actions for Others' is a good reminder that simple gestures, like checking in on one another, can make a big difference to someone’s mental well-being.
I spend time doing things that are good for me even if...
Show full commentI think this year's theme 'Small Actions for Others' is a good reminder that simple gestures, like checking in on one another, can make a big difference to someone’s mental well-being.
I spend time doing things that are good for me even if I don't feel like it e.g. swimming and yoga.
I feel connected to my community by volunteering.
I support my mother as her carer and work part time with adult social care.
Show less of comment