Mental health support

Adopting a proactive approach to protecting your mental health will have immediate benefits, and will reduce the likelihood of experiencing mental ill-health, as we continue to adapt to the ever-changing situation.

The challenges of coping with the pandemic have made it perhaps more important than ever that we all take care of our wellbeing. Colleagues in the Faculty of Health have produced a series of videos identifying signs and symptoms of common mental health issues that may help you understand how you are feeling.

We can all take simple steps to boost our mental health and wellbeing.

Increasing physical activity

Physical activity is proven to have a positive impact on our mental health and does not have to be strenuous to be effective.

Gaining understanding and knowledge

There are regular workshops that will give you the opportunity to reflect on your own mental health, identify and share useful coping techniques and empower you to help others manage their mental health.

You can access our online tools Silvercloud and Togetherall to help you deal with mental health difficulties and improve your wellbeing at a pace that suits you.

Making time for self-care

Making time for even just a few minutes of self-care is so important for good mental health. Scheduling self-care into your day, as you would a meeting, can be very effective.

Try some of the following ideas:

  • Relaxation 
  • Meditation and mindfulness techniques
  • Join a club or group with people who share similar interests such as a book club, sport or ‘Little Knits’ knitting group 
  • Gardening or spending time in nature
  • Take part in weekly staff and student events hosted by Student Advice and Wellbeing, including yoga, breathing and the wellbeing virtual choir
  • Sleep hygiene
  • Practice gratitude

Reducing external factors

When we are feeling low, it can often lead us to make poor choices such as eating unhealthy foods, isolating ourselves or increasing nicotine or alcohol consumption, which can make the problem worse.

Perhaps now is the time to quit smoking. This article from Bupa highlights the link between smoking and poor mental health. If you are interested in quitting smoking, watch this short video from Dr Peter Penson:

Resources to support mental health

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Staff can use the Vivup EAP service to speak to a trained counsellor 24/7, 365 days a year. To access the support line, call 0330 380 0658 and mention you are LJMU staff or visit the website.