Disabled Persons Housing & Self Directed Support (SDS) Service Fife are supporting #worldmentalhealthday 2021.
Here are 5 tips to reduce stress and anxiety:-

1. Stay organised
You only have 24 hours in a day. Make sure you make the most of every moment and reduce stress with a simple to-do list.

2. Get moving
It’s no secret movement helps to destress and reduce anxiety. Something as simple as a walk or any exercise reduces stress hormones and releases mood-boosting endorphins and dopamine.

3. Sleep well
It’s important to get around 8 hours of sleep every night. Make sure your bedroom is a relaxing environment. Keep it dark and technology free to allow you to really unwind after a long day.

4. Eat healthily
Eating whole foods, fruit, veg and lean proteins may reduce your stress levels and boost your immune system. Are you a coffee fanatic? Try cutting your caffeine intake to 2 cups a day. Or as our DPH & SDS Service staff like fruit teas, peppermint tea, green tea or decaffinated Yorkshire tea and filter Coffee!

5. Take some “me time”
No one can be on it all the time – not even Beyonce! Don’t be afraid to switch off your phone and enjoy a little “me time”. Read, listen to music, binge watch your favourite series – take time to check in with yourself and do the things you love.

How can I get involved in World Mental Health Day?
There are plenty of ways you can raise awareness and show your support for World Mental Health Day this Sunday. Here’s a few ideas:

Organise
Organise an event in your workplace to talk about mental health issues like stress, anxiety and depression (and how these affect work) with the help of some professional speakers.

Pledge
Pledge to do something different everyday this week that has a positive impact on your wellbeing, and encourage the people around you to do so too. It could be as simple as making time for some mindfulness or meditation every day, or getting out in nature more often than usual.

Donate
Donate money to an organisation working towards mental health
issues like The Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), Mind, or The Mental Health Foundation.

Follow
Follow @HealthDayUK on Twitter and retweet their World Mental
Health Day 2021 posts to help raise awareness of mental health issues in young people, create a conversation around what World Mental Health Day is, and encourage more people to get involved in celebrating this important day. You can also use the hashtag #WorldMentalHealthDay.

​In the lead up to World Mental Health Day on Sunday 10 October, **Inspiring Scotland** writes:-
We are looking for parents and carers of Autistic adults and adults with a Learning Disability to take part in a survey that will inform understanding about accessing mental health services. The information will help Scottish Government and COSLA to improve mental health services. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO TAKE PART>>Take the survey: https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=163290492796

the survey closes on 17th October 2021.

More information
Scottish Government and COSLA are working with Inspiring Scotland to improve understanding of the issues faced by Autistic adults and adults with a Learning Disability in identifying mental health issues and getting help. This research is being carried out by Assenti Research. The findings will be used to improve mental health services. This survey seeks the views of parents and carers, additional research is being carried out with people who have a Learning Disability or are Autistic.

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through to adulthood.

Please note that the survey is about the person you care for and any experiences they may have had accessing mental health support services. The survey does not ask for any detail about specific mental health issues experienced, but some people may find the survey upsetting.

The research is anonymous and confidential. This questionnaire should take around 10 minutes to complete. Your feedback is returned directly to Assenti Research who are governed by the Market Research Society.
If you have any questions about the research or any difficulties taking part please contact Sinead 0774 0911976 or [email protected]

The survey closes on 17th October 2021.

If you or the person you care for are struggling with your mental health at the moment, you can get in touch with the following organisations for free advice and support:

Samaritans provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair. You can contact Samaritans free on 116 123. You can also find more information about Samaritans at www.samaritans.org

Breathing Space offers free and confidential advice for people experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety, whatever the cause. They can be contacted on 0800 83 85 87 (6pm to 2am Monday to Thursday; and 6pm Friday through the weekend to 6am Monday).
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You can also find practical advice to help your wellbeing and mental health at Clear Your Head.