Hertfordshire Constabulary supporting World Mental Health Day 2023

Hertfordshire Constabulary is supporting World Mental Health Day (Tuesday 10 October), the theme of which for 2023 is ‘Mental health is a universal human right’.

The day is aimed at raising awareness of mental health and driving positive change for everyone’s mental health.

As an emergency service, police regularly respond to incidents where there is a danger to life, including where someone is experiencing a mental health crisis. The force works with partners in health to help ensure people get the most appropriate support.

The day is about raising awareness of all of our mental health and driving a positive change for everyone. The day gives us an opportunity to talk about how we feel about our mental health, how we can look after it and how to get help if you are struggling.

Amy Thorp from the Constabulary’s Mental Health Policing Team said: “There are many different things that we can do to support our own mental health and the mental health of those we are close too.

“At a recent event, we heard there are 5 fundamental things that you can do when you feel like you are not having a great day. These are:

• Have you drunk enough water and are you hydrated?
• Are you hungry and could you give yourself some fuel?
• How long have you been in the same position and have you moved? This doesn’t have to be going out for a run but as simple as shaking your body out. 
• Have you spoken to someone you are close with today, both being with people and communicating to people will help maintain a good mental health.
• Have you done something you enjoy recently?

“Many of us are becoming more aware of our mental health, the different types of mental health conditions that there are and how it has an impact on us individually, but it is vital we keep track of how we can help our own mental health.”

Further tips for looking after you own mental health:

Talk about your feelings.

Although this seems like it can be hard, talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling. Just talking and getting a connection with someone can help you feel supported and less alone.

Get a good night’s sleep.

Sleep and mental health are closely linked. Living with a mental health problem can affect how well you sleep, and poor sleep can have a negative impact of your mental health.

Eat well.

A balanced diet can improve your sense of well-being and your mood. Food and drink can have a different impact on us as individuals.

Stay active.

Physical activity is not only good for your body, but it is great for your mind as it releases a feel-good hormone which helps to reduce stress and anxiety and will help us sleep better. Do something that you enjoy and take it at your own pace.

Practice mindfulness.

A way to be fully engaged and present in the moment. By becoming more aware of the present moment can help us enjoy the world around us more and understand ourselves better.

Keep in touch with supportive friends and family.

This helps you deal with the stresses of life and makes you feel cared for and often will offer a different viewpoint.

There are a range of online tools which may also be useful, including the following websites:

• Herts mind network (opens in a new window).
• Hector’s House (opens in a new window) 
• Togetherall (opens in a new window).  
• Hub of Hope (opens in a new window).