Contact Details
Health Challenge Caerphilly
Penallta House, Tredomen Park
Hengoed, CF82 7PG
Tel: 01495 235419
healthchallenge@caerphilly.gov.uk
Twitter @HCCaerphilly
Health Challenge Caerphilly
Penallta House, Tredomen Park
Hengoed, CF82 7PG
Tel: 01495 235419
healthchallenge@caerphilly.gov.uk
Twitter @HCCaerphilly
Positive mental health is a key factor to good health and well being and is vital to everyone.
The word 'mental' means 'of the mind'. It describes your thoughts, feelings and understanding of yourself and the world around you.
The word 'health' generally describes the working order of your body and mind. So when we talk about 'mental health' we are referring to the working order of your mind.
Evidence suggests there are five steps we can all take to improve our mental well being.
If you approach them with an open mind and try them, you can judge the results yourself.
Winter Health
It may be cold outside, but winter needn't be the unhealthiest time of year for you and your family.
From keeping warm, protecting yourself from winter illnesses, wiping out winter tiredness, avoiding weight gain to coping with flooding, there lots of support out there. More info
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or "winter depression", is a type of depression that has a seasonal pattern.
The symptoms often begin in the autumn as the days start getting shorter. They are most severe during December, January and February.
In most cases, the symptoms of SAD begin to improve in the spring before disappearing.
As with other types of depression, two of the main symptoms of SAD are a low mood and a lack of interest in life.
Other symptoms of SAD include:
What causes SAD?
The exact cause of SAD is not fully understood, but it is thought to be linked to reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter days of the year. Sunlight can affect some of the brain's chemicals and hormones. However, it is not clear what this effect is. One theory is that light stimulates a part of the brain called the hypothalamus which controls mood, appetite and sleep. These things can affect how you feel.
Diagnosing SAD
If you have the symptoms of SAD, visit your GP. They may carry out an assessment to check your mental health. You may be asked about your mood, lifestyle, eating and sleeping patterns and any seasonal changes in your thoughts and behaviour.
Treating SAD
As with any type of depression, SAD can be difficult to live with. It can make you feel tired, stressed and unhappy. However, it can usually be successfully treated. Light therapy is often used to treat SAD. It involves sitting in front of, or beneath, a light box. Before using a light box to treat SAD, speak to your GP and check the manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on the nature and severity of your symptoms, talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or medication such as antidepressants may also be recommended by your GP.
They will recommend the most suitable treatment programme for you, which may involve using a combination of treatments.
For more information click here
One in four people will have a problem with their mental health at some point in their life. Good mental health is not something you can take for granted -looking after your mind is just as important as looking after your body.