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Did you know that there are a range of online CBT-based resources that you can access for free if you are feeling low or anxious? Some of those commonly accessed include Moodgym and Living life to the Full.   Also some NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Services offer access to online support (either individual or peer) provided by services such as the Big White Wall or Silvercloud Health.  Call your local IAPT service if you think you might benefit from this to see what might be available in your area.

The mental health foundation have published a helpful guide on how to improve the quality of your sleep.  Getting a good night’s sleep is as important for our physical and mental health as exercise and eating well, and poor sleep has been found to be linked to anxiety and depression.  The guide can be found here, and includes information about what you can do yourself to improve your sleep, as well as information about other ways to sleep well, including cognitive behaviour therapy.

Practicing mindfulness can be a great way to help let go of worries and ruminations.  Try some exercises for free by clicking here or visit bemindfulonline and start for free then pay £30 for full access.

It’s mental health awareness week from 8th to 14th May. For more information and to receive a fundraising pack, or to order free booklets looking at how to look after your mental health, please visit the Mental Health Foundation website.

Did you know that CBT is an effective non-pharmacological treatment for insomnia?  Known as CBT-I, the programme includes modules looking at sleep hygiene education and sleep  monitoring, as well as a technique called Sleep Restriction, and relapse prevention to help you maintain what you have learned in therapy.  For more information please visit the National Sleep Foundation website.

For helpful advice on beating depression try visiting NHS self help guides. This is a range of downloadable leaflets offering advice on how to beat low mood using CBT techniques.  You could also look at free online self help resources such as moodgym or living life to the full. 

We know that physical exercise is good for our well being.  The mental health charity MIND have some helpful advice on how to incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine.  Please click here for more information.

Christmas can be a very stressful time for lots of people.  Look online for tips on how to manage, for example www.mind.org.uk or www.mentalhealthy.co.uk.   Remember that the Samaritans is free to call 24/7 (016 123) throughout the Christmas period.

An average of three children in each school class will have a mental health difficulty, and many are anxious about telling their friends in case they receive a negative reaction.  We know that seeking support early for mental health problems can help to prevent them getting worse.  As part of their Make Time programme, Time to Change are offering all secondary school free resources to help address the topic, made up of 4 simple, scripted 10 minute sessions, to deliver in assembly or form time.

The Mental Health Foundation has been pioneering changes in mental health for over 60 years, with all it’s work centred around evidence-based research.  It also influences the Government’s mental health policy decisions.  In preparation for World Mental Health day on 10th October, it has organised a ‘Tea and Talk’ fundraising event.  For your free coffee morning pack and more information, please click here.