Today marks the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week 2022, the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health.
The week, which is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is in its 22nd year and runs from May 9-15.
This year, the theme for the week is loneliness. Across the country, people will be reflecting on loneliness and how it impacts our mental health. Long-term loneliness is closely linked to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
We would encourage supporters to check on friends and family, having a conversation and with each other. Wrexham AFC will be running its Dragon Chat peer support group on Thursday at 7pm; everyone is welcome to attend, there is no sign-up and all sessions are free.
The RCF will also be running a walking football session for over 40s at Glyndwr University 11am-12pm. We have also compiled the following resources should anyone require support, or you can contact Dragonchat247@gmail.com should you require further advice. This email should not be used if you are in a crisis or emergency, please use the urgent help advice below.
Urgent help
In cases of emergency where risk is imminent call 999.
If any person has taken an overdose, they need to be taken to nearest District General Hospital immediately for treatment, (if required).
If a person has self-harm and the injury requires medical treatment go to the appropriate medical setting (G.P, Minor Injury Unit or Accident & Emergency Department) depending on the injury.
If a person expresses suicidal thoughts and goes missing, call the Police on 999 or 101 and report what has happened. Make sure you tell the Police about any previous overdoses, suicidal ideation or destructive behaviour that has caused injuries C.A.L.L helpline 0800 132 737.
https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/suicidal.htm
It is important to remember we all have mental health just as we have physical health, and it is important for us to look after our mental health just as we would our physical health. There are ways we can look after our mental health such as engaging following the five ways to wellbeing where possible. Everyone will engage in their own activities which maintain their mental health and there are some suggestions below of activities which can be engaged with.
Five ways to wellbeing
Evidence shows if we can do five simple things each day it can improve our emotional and mental wellbeing. The five ways to wellbeing are:
Connect - Laugh together, support each other, play a game, use social media to video chat, share positive experiences.
Be active - Engage in exercise, do some gardening, walk up the stairs, dance in your living room, yoga.
Learn - Watch a documentary, follow a recipe, learn a new fact, listen to someone talking about their passion for a particular subject.
Give - Share ideas, share advice, share knowledge, make a loved one a cuppa, call someone on the phone.
Take notice - Be aware of the present moment, take note of what you can see, touch, hear, smell and taste. Take notice of when you are not feeling OK and use the opportunity to connect, get active, learn, or give and help you to feel that bit better.
Look after yourselves, be kind to each other and reach out to those close to you in this current climate. Should you have any concerns for your mental health, please see your GP in the first instance for support.
Anxiety/depression
Information relating to anxiety and depression -
https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/anxietyhelp.htm
https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/depression.htm
Breathing exercises and mindfulness
Relaxation and breathing exercises can help manage stress but do require regular practice:
https://soundcloud.com/mindful-health/2-a-10-minutes-breath
Sleep
Advice about sleep:
https://cerebra.org.uk/download/sleep-a-guide-for-parents/
https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/sleep.htm
Self-help guides for a range of mental health conditions
A range of mental health self-help guides available in both Welsh and English:
http://www.selfhelpguides.ntw.nhs.uk/abhb/index.php
Domestic abuse
Support if you are experiencing domestic abuse:
https://gov.wales/live-fear-free/domestic-abuse-wales
Children and young people
The past two years have been particularly challenging for our younger supporters and here are some resources specifically to support young people with their mental health:
https://www.camhs-resources.co.uk/?msclkid=54d3829bcf0c11eca5818b0aeb0c2527
Should parents require any specific advice please contact Dragonchat247@gmail.com and we will offer advice and signposting information which will be confidential.
Dragon chat
https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/dragon-chat/?msclkid=0d384d58cf0e11ecaf9255110f4e3772
Walking football
https://thercf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_5760.jpg
The above was kindly compiled by Steve Lloyd, who is the founder and host of Dragon Chat and one of the Club's valued volunteers. He is also a qualified mental health nurse.