Mental Health and Wellbeing

Connecting with nature is a good way to enjoy the beauty around you as it reminds us that we are a part of something much bigger than ourselves.

A quick way to relax if feeling stressed or anxious is to pause and take three slow deep breaths.

God is the solution to all anxiety/despair. I hope these quotes (as best as I can remember them) will be of some help to some readers. They may not be for everyone (and if so, then pls just move on to the next person's comment). But they have helped me during some tough times:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Who by worrying, can add one hour to his life? 

Jesus I trust in You

Remember, that if the world hates you, it hated me first.

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. 

Be joyful in hope.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Pray, hope and don't worry. Prayer is the best weapon we have. Prayer is the key that unlocks the heart of God.  (Padre Pio)

Let nothing disturb you, let nothing afright you, all things pass away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things, Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices. (St. Teresa of Avila)

Now as a senior citizen, making colourful ways via fallen flower petals and other organic matter. 

Time = Circular & Seasonal

Our local SEND charity welcomes the results and their creative uses.

My mental health is awful because the Mayor and Government are actively campaigning against Brits in favour of everyone else. 

They're a bunch of talentless idiots who need to have a coup against them. Complete destruction of the social contract.

Embrace the community! Join a club, check out ads for local events/classes in your local supermarket, volunteer, see if there are any events on at your local library/community centre. It's so easy to become isolated in today's world but sometimes but sometimes you have to just put yourself out there.

Connect with nature by going for a walk anywhere there are trees, plants, birds or water. London is becoming overdeveloped but there still some good parks. Just finding somewhere that is away from noise and people rushing about can be very calming. Bring nature into your home with plants. Even a visit to a local garden centre can be a treat.

Learn some Qigong – or some kind of mindful breathing with gentle movement. 

Realise there is a bigger picture to life than the one we are sold by society. You don’t have to be religious or spiritual to do this, just curious and willing to approach everyone and everything you meet with an open heart. 

Try and treat others as you would like to be treated yourself. Give unconditionally because you truly care not because you expect something back or feel you should. 

Be willing to go with the flow of life. As Ram Dass, the spiritual teacher once said: ‘There are no errors in the game.’ What we have been conditioned to think is bad often has a helpful purpose that cannot be seen at the time. Only when you look back on your life can you see the transforming patterns. 

Connect with your senses and discover what makes you feel calm and happy – a certain fragrance, a musical song, a beautiful image, a soft fabric or toy. 

Look up! Forget about your smartphones for a while and observe the sky and its beauty; the clouds and birds. Know that you are part of this universal wonder. Stay observant to all that goes on around you and you will never be bored. 

Make something. Anything. Make food, it you like to cook, make a paper plane, make a piece of knitting or crochet (you may well find there are people around who would love to teach you how, if you don't know), get something from a charity shop and embroider on it or sew it into a different thing! There are loads of ideas for all kinds of things crafty and for gardens on Youtube and suchlike. Making things is satisfying. You can often find cheap supplies in charity shops too.

Have seen something from ThriveLDN to improve mental health of Londoners. With council tax doubled since late last year this has lead to more stress and financial pressure. Did you consider the fact that we were in the midst of a cost of living crisis at the time? Living with anti social neighbours on 2 sides adds even more stress (yes the local authority knows and has asked one - 1 - to be more considerate which has had zero effect). It would be helpful to know if there was any impact analysis before raiding our income at the same time as every other utility (Thames Water, etc.)? 

I write. I read. I walk. I sing. I dance. I learn new things. I speak to people that others may ignore. I work (I enjoy my job). I plan future things. Even though 6 sessions of counselling may be plenty for some, for some like me, it really is just a strip of plaster over a gaping wound so I pay for this myself. Best thing I have ever done but what of those who cannot afford it? Sadly, it was acknowledged that I could benefit from long term support, it was almost a shrug of the shoulders (I could almost hear them shouting next). One size does not fit all when it comes to mental health support. London does have a batch of groups helping and supporting people with their mental health. And I attend when I can. What of those who cannot get to these? So I have the ability to mix and match to help me help myself. 

• Drink plenty of water.
• Walk barefoot on the grass.
• Exercise.
• Get a good night's sleep.
• Look at the sky.
• Admire and analyze any art.
• Play an instrument.
• Eat an apple a day and keep the doctors away from you.
• Smile at yourself in the mirror.
• Read books that expand your consciousness.
• Study quantum physics and know that this is all just a projection, a quantum experience.

I have found religious organisations  really helpful. 

It takes effort, but really try to become isolated from people.   Take opportunities to join local clubs and societies and/or volunteer for one of the many many charities locally.   Libraries will have details of local groups:   Book Clubs, Environmental pressure groups, food banks, charity shops.   Volunteering doesn't cost anything so good for everyone.   It takes courage to take the first steps, but being with people with shared goals is always comforting.

Right 2 Thrive UK – Tackling Mental Health in Enfield Through Culture, Care, and Community

At Right 2 Thrive UK, we’re tackling mental health challenges head-on in some of the most deprived areas of Enfield, where persistent knife crime, fear, and trauma have deeply affected our young people. Based in Edmonton Green, we’ve created a safe, culturally grounded Wellbeing Hub where young people—particularly those from Black communities—can access early, trauma-informed mental health support.