Long-term health issue sufferers in Northern Ireland at higher risk of anxiety impacting daily routines
In communities across Northern Ireland, from Castlederg to Kilkeel and Coleraine to South Armagh, Healthy Living Centres are making a significant impact. These centres, rooted in localities, focus on empowering individuals to take control of their personal health, with a particular emphasis on those living with long-term health conditions.
One such initiative is the Mental Health for Better Days project, a collaboration between the Healthy Living Centre Alliance and the Mental Health Foundation. This partnership has co-designed a mental health well-being module within the award-winning Better Days Pain support programme. The Mental Health Foundation, an organization behind Mental Health Awareness Week, first established in 2001, is at the forefront of this project, which this year focuses on anxiety as its theme.
Mental Health Awareness Week, running from the 9th to the 15th of May, provides an opportunity for people to share their experiences with anxiety, receive tips and advice, and learn about additional support available. During this week, community events at Healthy Living Centres in Northern Ireland will offer activities like mindfulness walks, t'ai chi, and community networking for people to connect and discuss mental health.
Tony Doherty, Regional Coordinator at Healthy Living Centre Alliance, emphasised the importance of this partnership, particularly for those with long-term health conditions. He stated, "The partnership with the Mental Health Foundation is vital for our work on mental health."
The Healthy Living Centre Alliance, an award-winning network of 28 community-led health improvement organisations based in areas of high health inequalities throughout Northern Ireland, places a strong emphasis on a community development and assets-based approach to well-being and health.
The aim of Mental Health Awareness Week is to help people understand how anxiety affects them, learn strategies for managing anxiety, and feel more comfortable seeking support. The Mental Health Foundation, an anti-racist, inclusive organisation that relies on voluntary donations to carry out its work, aims to prevent mental health problems, drive change towards a mentally healthy society, and support communities, families, and individuals in leading mentally healthy lives.
In a poll of 1,000 adults in Northern Ireland, it was found that 38% of adults living with a long-term condition felt anxious to the extent that it stopped them from doing what they'd like or need to do. A staggering 90% of adults living with long-term health conditions experience anxiety that interferes with their daily lives. The impact of uncertain times is being seen in communities across Northern Ireland, particularly for those with long-term health conditions.
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, guidance for coping with feelings of anxiety is being shared. While specific information about the "Mental Health for Better Days" program could not be found, other organisations and programs focused on mental health well-being might be relevant or similar. These include the Better Days Integrated Programs, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation in Los Angeles, CA, and the BetterMe: Mental Health app, which offers tools and resources for mental well-being. For individuals with long-term health conditions, mental health support often involves comprehensive care that includes physical health and access to safe living conditions. Organisations like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) provide resources such as helplines and support groups that can be beneficial.
The further development of mental health work is being done across the Healthy Living Centre Alliance network, with the aim of creating more mentally healthy communities in Northern Ireland.
- The Mental Health for Better Days project, a collaboration between the Healthy Living Centre Alliance and the Mental Health Foundation, has designed a mental health well-being module within the Better Days Pain support program.
- During Mental Health Awareness Week, community events at Healthy Living Centres in Northern Ireland offer activities like mindfulness walks, t'ai chi, and community networking for people to connect and discuss mental health.
- The Mental Health Foundation, an organization behind Mental Health Awareness Week, aims to prevent mental health problems, drive change towards a mentally healthy society, and support communities, families, and individuals in leading mentally healthy lives.
- In a poll of 1,000 adults in Northern Ireland, it was found that 90% of adults living with long-term health conditions experience anxiety that interferes with their daily lives.
- Organisations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provide resources such as helplines and support groups that can be beneficial for individuals with long-term health conditions seeking mental health support.
