Four questions to ask every day for the good of your wellbeing

Friday 13 October 2023

Young, old or anywhere in-between... "Everyone has mental health" and should make sure to check in on themselves every day and put in place "care packages" to keep it in check.

On World Mental Health Day on Tuesday, a number of local services and wellbeing practitioners came together to share tips with islanders on how to look after their own wellbeing, and signpost the services that are available when they need them.

Among those to share advice was Tina Hesse, Service Manager for the Early Intervention Service at CAMHS, who reminded islanders in a blog post that "everyone has mental health" and that it "impacts our physical health, it impacts our social life".

Tina encouraged islanders to view mental health as "a continuum", and learn to spot signs so that action can be taken before things get worse.

To keep mental health in check, she urged islanders to ask themselves a series of questions "just like you brush your teeth every day".

• What am I doing to look after my mind?

• What's important to me?

• What brings me joy when things are really tough?

• Who can I reach out to?

Tina said she encourages people to "put into place care packages and do things to look after themselves".

In addition to getting help from a medical professional, Tina suggested exercising, mediation, mindfulness, enjoying nature, journalling, connecting with loved ones, and including self-care in your daily routine.

She added that she personally enjoys a variety of self-care activities: "I love getting out in nature, meditation, gong healing, reiki, art, and spending time with my friends and family... and my beautiful dog."

"Even in difficult times there is hope"

For Jersey Recovery College, World Mental Health Day served as a chance for organisations supporting Islanders to both fundraise and encourage people to prioritise their mental health.

The charity set up two stalls – at Charing Cross and Broad Street – with a two-metre blank canvas as the centrepiece.

Throughout the day, passers-by, volunteers and students added flowers, leaves, and patterns, as well as personally meaningful images.

The charity is hoping to use the canvas in its new facility in Hilary Street, which it took over earlier this year, and is working to make as accessible as possible.

Pictured: People were invited to contribute to JRC's two-metre canvas  

Dreena Collins, the charity’s Deputy Chief Executive, said the aim of the day was to reflect its three principles: hope, opportunity and empowerment.

She said: “We hope to produce something that is positive, that shows that even in difficult times there is hope.”

Members of the public who stopped by were keen to take part, she said.

Pictured: Dreena Collins with the canvas created by Jersey Recovery College on the day. (Megan Davies)

Ms Collins added that there had been “a lot more partnership work” between the government and the charity sector in recent years.