Ever thought about the difference between being alone and feeling lonely?
One common description of loneliness is the feeling we get when our need for rewarding social contact and relationships is not met. Loneliness is not always the same as being alone. Many people feel very content being alone and in their own company, but can feel lonely in a crowd of people, or vice versa.
The pandemic has caused disconnect between us and loved ones, with more of us experiencing loneliness than before. For #LonelinessAwarenessWeek, we're sharing some tips on how to manage these feelings:
👨🏿🤝👨🏿 Make new connections. Try to join a class or group based on your hobbies or interests. From photography to walks, Bath Mind have a variety of different groups which you can join to help meet new people, and are all facilitated by our friendly staff and volunteers who will help you feel comfortable!
🗣Try to open up. Reaching out to a new friend, old friend, or a therapist or helpline can ease the burden of loneliness and allow you to explore and understand your feelings.
📲Take a social media break. Sometimes the constant comparison of people's lives on social media can fuel feelings of loneliness and poor self esteem.
☎Try a befriending service or call a helpline. Bath Mind’s Befriending Service supports people needing regular telephone contact if they are feeling lonely or isolated, anxious or have low mood. Our Breathing Space services are also there for you whenever you need it!
For more information on ways to combat loneliness, head to this link: www.bathmind.org.uk/news/loneliness-awareness-week/ ... See MoreSee Less
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To mark Pride Month 2021, we'd like to remind you that Bath Mind’s services are open to all, and can be accessed by anyone looking for support with their mental health, no matter their sexuality or gender identity. We stand with LGBTIQ+ people every month of the year. 🌈
If you’re looking for further resources on mental health support this Pride month and beyond, take a look at these incredible services below:
👥 Bath Mind's Breathing Space face-to-face and telephone services offer a calm, non-clinical service, supporting individuals experiencing or at risk of a mental health crisis.
📞 @switchboardlgbt a LGBTIQ+ specific helpline and online chat (all phone volunteers identify as LGBTIQ+)
☎ @mindlinetrans - a national confidential, emotional, mental health support helpline for people who identify as Transgender, Agender, Gender Fluid, Non-binary or are figuring out gender identity.
Head to this link www.bathmind.org.uk/news/pride-month-2021/ to find our article with more resources and information on LGBTIQ+ mental health. ... See MoreSee Less
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Without a doubt, the past year has been a rollercoaster of changes as we have moved in and out of lockdowns.
With the delay of the June easing, many of us may be feeling uncertain about how to move forward. But for some, resuming activities, meeting with others or returning to work, may feel like a daunting and overwhelming prospect.
It’s important to remember that you are not alone - everyone is having to adapt to these changes in their own way. Here are some tips which can help:
🏃♀️Everyone has their own pace - Moving out of our comfort zone can be done in small steps. We can start with a walk with a friend, or meeting in an outside café.
👨🏿🤝👨🏿Think of others - Some of us may continue to be mindful of social distancing. If you’re not sure, ask how they feel. We all deal with things in different ways, it’s important to let people know what you do and don’t feel comfortable with.
⌚Stay present - Maintain some of your regular activities, and allow yourself to be ‘in the moment’. You can focus on what you have to do day-by-day.
🧠Be kind to yourself - Try to plan one thing every day that brings you joy. Perhaps a chat with a friend, a relaxing bath or a walk in the countryside. Connecting with nature can help you appreciate the little things.
If you need support with your mental health and wellbeing, Bath Mind are here for everyone living in B&NES. Head to our website (www.bathmind.org.uk) to find out the ways that we can support you. ... See MoreSee Less
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Are you a keen gardener looking to make a difference in the community? We would love to hear from you!
We’re in need of a Greenlinks Group Volunteer to work alongside our Greenlinks staff members to assist with Bath Mind’s Greenlinks Eco-Therapy groups. The groups are located at Monksdale Allotment and Alice Park in Bath.
The volunteer will help provide:
🌱 A weekly social club centred around eco-therapy and gardening
👥A safe space for anyone feeling socially isolated, depressed or anxious
For a detailed volunteer role description, and to apply via our volunteer registration form, head to this link: www.bathmind.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/ ... See MoreSee Less
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This year's #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek may have passed, but nature can support wellbeing any week of the year.
A huge thank you to all our competition entrants for your wonderful photos - we can't wait to show you our winning photos and more in our Bath Mind Annual calendar, coming later this year 🎉💙 ... See MoreSee Less
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