This week is Mental Health Awareness week 2022, with loneliness being the primary focus. According to the Mental Health Foundation 1 in 4 of us feel lonely some or all of the time.
Sadly, the construction industry suffers with high rates of suicide in the UK. It is important that we talk openly about our feelings and try to improve the stigmas surrounding mental health.
There’s a lot going on in the world right now, from the pandemic to climate change, to global conflicts. It’s understandable to feel anxious during these worrying and uncertain times. But focussing on ‘worst case’ scenarios can bring about anxiety, stress and insomnia.
There’s a few ways to help support your own mental health during times of worry and uncertainty:
- Balance your exposure to the media – today’s constant media coverage can be overwhelming. If reading or watching the news makes you feel anxious, try to limit how much you view.
- Focus on things you can control – it’s worth thinking about whether the things that are making you anxious are things you can control. As hard as it can be to accept, no good can come of worry about things we can’t change. Instead, try to shift your attention to focus on what you can control, and positive changes you can make.
- Enjoy the here and now – we can’t predict what will happen in the future or how world events will impact us. But letting our worries take over doesn’t help anyone, least of all ourselves. Don’t let worry or stress impact your daily routines and general health. Make an extra effort to eat well, exercise and get enough sleep.
Mental Health Foundation have provided help and advice on how to cope with loneliness and improve your mental health. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week/loneliness-help-and-advice
