Raising Awareness of Anxiety for Mental Health Awareness Week

Dear CCS Care family,?

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Anxiety is a prevalent emotion that can affect anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. While it is a natural response to various life events, there are instances when anxiety can escalate and become a significant mental health issue. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we aim to shed light on anxiety, increase understanding, and provide valuable insights into preventive measures that can be taken to avoid its progression into a more severe problem. Moreover, we will continue advocating for change and urging both the government and society to prioritise the improvement of mental health.?

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The theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week revolves around anxiety, aiming to initiate conversations about this prevalent emotion. Research conducted by the Mental Health Foundation, a prominent charity, reveals that a quarter of adults feel so anxious that it hinders their engagement in activities they wish to pursue, either partially or entirely. Additionally, six out of ten adults experience such feelings at least some of the time. By focusing on anxiety during this Mental Health Awareness Week, at CCS Care we intend to raise awareness and understanding of this condition by providing information on preventive measures that can help prevent it from becoming a more significant issue.?

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Aligned with the theme of this year's annual week, Group Risk Development (GRiD), the industry body for the group risk sector, has encouraged employers to prioritise group risk support for anxiety. Recognising that anxiety can be debilitating and lead to other serious conditions, such as panic attacks, depression, and substance misuse, GRiD has released advice for individuals experiencing anxiety at work. This condition can significantly impact an individual's ability to function well in the workplace and overall quality of life. Swift access to support is crucial when anxiety is suspected, and employee benefits, including group risk products like employer-sponsored life assurance, income protection, and critical illness cover, can play a vital role in providing the necessary support.?

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To effectively manage feelings of anxiety, various strategies can be employed, and the effectiveness of each strategy may vary for each person. A helpful approach is to consider the Five Ways to Well-being:?

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1. Connect: Reach out to others and engage in open and honest conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about your feelings or the factors causing anxiety. If you require additional support or wish to speak to someone in Brighton & Hove, please contact UOK, a local network of services working together to support mental health.?
2. Learn: Engage in activities that promote personal growth and learning, as they can boost confidence and provide a sense of achievement. Libraries offer an array of books, activities, and support for individuals of all ages and abilities, including exhibitions, film screenings, community events, and free eBooks and podcasts.?
3. Be active: Physical activity, such as brisk walks, bike rides, or exercise classes, can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety. Consider how you can incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Our Active for Life team offers free activities suitable for all ages and abilities throughout the year. Explore the available activities and find something that suits you.?
4. Take notice: Spending time in nature, such as in parks or by the sea, and paying attention to your surroundings can significantly reduce anxiety.?
5. Give: Helping others through acts of kindness not only increases our well-being but also reduces stress and anxiety levels.?

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In addition to these strategies, we offer seven top tips to look after your mental health and well-being on a daily basis:?

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1. Reframe unhelpful thoughts: Recognise patterns of unhelpful thoughts or behaviours and take steps to think about things differently, improving mental health and well-being.?
2. Be present: Practice self-awareness and be in the present moment, acknowledging your thoughts, feelings, and the world around you. This practice, known as mindfulness, can provide a valuable perspective.?
3. Prioritise good sleep: Adequate and high-quality sleep has a significant impact on mental and physical well-being. Ensure you get enough sleep.?
4. Foster connections: Dedicate quality time to connect with friends, family, or individuals who can offer support. Engaging in conversations about your feelings or finding ways to help others can combat loneliness and improve mental health and well-being. These connections can be established online, through phone calls, or in-person meetings.?
5. Embrace a healthy lifestyle: Engage in physical activity, enjoy the outdoors, and maintain a balanced diet, as they all influence our overall well-being. Eliminate harmful habits like smoking and reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption, as these changes can have a positive impact on mood.?
6. Prioritise self-care: Devote time to activities that bring you joy, whether it's pursuing a favourite hobby, learning something new, or simply taking time to relax.?
7. Write a letter to your future self: During moments of positivity, reflect on what you would want to tell your future self in times of difficulty when additional support is needed. Reminding yourself of what keeps you feeling positive can help you navigate challenging times.?

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If you find yourself in a mental health crisis or emergency, it is crucial to seek immediate expert advice and assessment. Support services are readily available for you to access, regardless of the situation. The NHS provides urgent mental health helplines for people of all ages, offering 24-hour advice and support, assistance in speaking with a mental health professional, and assessments to determine the most suitable course of care.?

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Furthermore, there are free listening services staffed by trained volunteers who offer confidential support. You can discuss any troubling issues you may be facing, no matter how challenging. Reach out to organisations such as Samaritans, the Shout Crisis Text Line, or Childline for individuals under 19.?

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Let us unite in our commitment to mental well-being and work towards creating a healthier and more supportive environment. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.?

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#CCSCare #MentalHealthAwareness #AnxietyAwareness #PreventiveMeasures #Demand #Change?

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CCS Care wishes you good mental health and well-being.?