Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health during the Autumn 

As part of his role, our forensic psychologist, Darren, uses psychotherapeutic approaches that can help in managing depression/ low mood, anxiety, anger and stress, and help enhance quality of life. Naturally, emotional wellbeing is incredibly important both for Precious colleagues and the people we support. With summer nearly over, Darren has pulled together his thoughts on how to manage mental health and emotional wellbeing during the Autumn. 

Over the coming weeks, we will move from the summer into autumn. Autumn days become shorter, and the nights grow longer and darker. Some of us will take on new challenges such as starting college or perhaps taking on new job roles during the autumn period. These changes can bring uncertainty, anxiety and stress. So, below I have listed some tips that can be used by everyone to help manage mental health and the way we feel during the autumn season:

Eat a balanced and healthy diet. 

See how many seasonal autumn local foods you can include in your diet. Blackberry picking is a great way to connect with nature, free to eat, and a great source of calcium, manganese and vitamins C, E and K.

Drink plenty of water. 

Set yourself the challenge of drinking 1 ½ litres per day. Pay attention to how much better you feel when properly hydrated. It helps with fatigue, concentration and indeed aids sleep.

Get more sleep. 

Poor quality sleep makes it harder for us to pay attention, learn and remember. It can also make feelings of anxiety and depression worse. Enjoy relaxing and resting during the longer and darker nights. Spend half an hour doing something you enjoy for example reading, crosswords, or a game like spot the difference. It is important to give yourself a break.

Keep yourself busy. 

Make a plan for each day (or get a member of staff to help). Do lots of different things that you find interesting and fun. Try new things too. Try to avoid spending too long using screens though and put any screens down at least one hour before sleep. Do a mixture of activities, some that require you to think or work things out and others that involve physical activity (physical exercise can help us feel better and improve our mood).

Plan things you enjoy.

Think about what you like most about autumn and plan activities that allow you to

enjoy these things. For example, looking at the different coloured leaves, bonfire/fireworks night, or wearing warm clothes. But remember you don’t have to force yourself to do things you do not like. For example, if you do not like loud noises you do not have to watch fireworks. If you do not agree with Halloween you do not have to get involved.

Socialise with other people. 

Spend time with people you like. If you can’t meet with them face to face then keep in touch using video call or phone call. 

Talk about your feelings. 

Talk about how you feel with your friends, family, or support team/colleagues. If you are feeling anxious about something sharing this with other people and asking for support will help. 

Do something helpful or kind for someone else. 

Notice how this makes you feel as well as them.