Relate Cymru and Mind Cymru are encouraging people to make a ‘relationship resolution’ in support of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Relationships are key to good mental wellbeing – a recent survey by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) showed that 89% of people asked felt that good relationships with family and friends was most important to them.
Mental Health Awareness Week organisers, The Mental Health Foundation, chose the theme of relationships to raise awareness of how fundamental they are to our wellbeing. If you make a relationship resolution through their website, such as calling an old friend for a chat each week, they will send you reminders so that you can keep your resolution on track.
Relate Counsellor, Arabella Russell said:
“Relate Cymru delighted that this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is on the theme of relationships. We all know from our day-to-day lives the impact that relationships can have on our mental health – both good and bad. And the evidence is there to back it up; people in troubled relationships are three times as likely to experience depression as those who aren’t.
“But the quality of our relationships isn’t just down to fate. There are practical things that we can do that make a difference to our relationships with friends, partners, family, colleagues or neighbours and in turn benefit our wellbeing. That’s why we’re encouraging people to make a relationship resolution today.”
Chief Executive of Mind Cymru, Sara Moseley added:
“The relationships we have with our friends, family and loved ones can make a real difference to our lives. It can be difficult to know what to say or do to help when someone you know experiences a mental health problem. But there are lots of simple, everyday ways you can support them.
“Sending a text, chatting over a cuppa, giving them a call or inviting them out for a walk – just small regular things that you’ve always done are a reminder that you’re there for them and can make a big difference to how someone feels. Reaching out to a friend, family member or colleague can be a really beneficial step in their recovery, and encouraging conversations is a really important way in tackling the stigma and discrimination that can surround mental health problems.”
Struggling to think of your relationship resolution? Here are a few suggestions:
Five relationship resolutions
- Start saying ‘hello’ to your neighbours and stopping for a chat. It’ll make you feel more a part of your community.
- Call your parents once a week to see how they’re doing rather than waiting for them to call you.
- Ban smart phones and laptops for at least one evening a week so you can spend quality time with your partner.
- Do something to surprise your partner every month. It can be anything from bringing them breakfast in bed to leaving them a romantic note or booking some cheap theatre tickets.
- Is there a colleague who you haven’t got to know yet? Make an effort to chat to them each day and make them feel welcome.
Read personal stories, learn about how investing in your relationships can support mental health and wellbeing and get support if your mental health, or someone else’s, is having an impact on your relationship: www.relate.org.uk/mentalhealth (live from 16th May).
Relate Cymru offers information, advice and counselling for all stages of your relationships. If there’s a relationship doubt or issue that’s niggling you, we’d also encourage you to come for counselling at the earliest possible stage to ensure you remain happy and healthy. Visit www.relatecymru.org.uk
Mind, the mental health charity, provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Visit www.mind.org.uk
