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You’re tired, you continue to work hard, you put others need and wellbeing before your own. But how are you? Take a moment to really think about that question.

The chances are you might be feeling a little overwhelmed at times. But have you been feeling this way for a while now? If you are not feeling yourself, or you’re struggling with your mental health, please know – you are not alone.

This year has been a challenging year for all of us, and now more than ever, it is important that we look after our mental health and we want to encourage you to take a moment to pause this week and take a moment for yourself.

World Mental Health Day (10 October) sees organisations across the globe come together each year to support the national campaign to raise awareness of the importance of looking after our mental health.

There is support ready and waiting to work with you.

• 24 hour mental health number - available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide confidential mental health support and advice. Call 0800 448 0828 to speak to a member of the team, any time of the day. thementahealthnumber.me
• Crisis cafes - run by local Mind and NHFT available to provide support to anyone 18 or over who are finding themselves in a crisis or need support with their mental health. Simply drop in to receive support. For all locations, dates and times please visit: www.nhft.nhs.uk/crisis-cafe
• IAPT Talking Therapies offer support to those over the age of 17 and a half who experience common mental health problems which impact on their wellbeing, such as low mood, OCD, depression and anxiety. Take the first step and complete the online form at: www.nhft.nhs.uk/iapt

#EveryMindMatters

For this year’s World Mental Health Day the Better Health – Every Mind Matters campaign is focusing on ‘What works for me’, demonstrating how different actions can help us with our mental wellbeing, with a variety of simple tips offered by the NHS endorsed Mind Plan quiz that shows ‘there are little things we can all do to look after our mental health’.

Ten steps you can take today:

1. Talk to someone, sometimes just talking and making contact with another person can make you feel much better. This can be a relative, a friend or a professional.
2. Try to organise a sleep routine, go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time. Sleep is really important to your wellbeing.
3. Try to write down three positive things a day you have achieved. These do not need to be big as sometimes just posting a letter is an achievement.
4. Take a breath, breathe in for 7 seconds and out for 11 seconds, this will refocus you and give you space.
5. Get outside, go for a walk or stand in your garden just take in some fresh air.
6. Set some small goals for your day that are achievable to give you a sense of purpose.
7. Eat regular and healthy meals to ensure your body is well fuelled.
8. Stay connected, reach out to family, friends, or local support group to stay in regular contact with people - whether this is over the phone, or video chat.
9. Discover mindfulness apps on your phone, they can provide really useful techniques.
10. Most importantly be kind to yourself, it's okay not to be okay.