A NORTHERN Ireland mental health charity are encouraging people to take steps to improve their mental health.
AWARE (formerly Aware Defeat Depression) has launched its new DOT campaign with former Ulster and Ireland rugby star, Stephen Ferris.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage members of the public to Do One Thing they currently don’t do to improve their mental health ahead of World Mental Health Day this Saturday 10 October.
These things can include being more active, eating healthier, talking about your feelings, keeping in touch with friends, family and loved ones, asking for help if you think you need it and practising mindfulness.
These are simple, yet effective approaches which can have a profound impact on mental health if followed correctly.
AWARE is asking people to write about what they are doing on its Facebook page www.facebook.com/AwareNI and on Twitter using the hashtag #AWAREDOT
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It can be as simple as taking a walk to work rather than getting the bus, going for an evening stroll, and introducing healthy foods into your diet or rediscovering that hobby you previously enjoyed. There is nothing too small and every DOT idea could be helpful to someone else.
Speaking about the campaign, Stephen Ferris said: “Mental health is just as important as physical health, which is why I am supporting this campaign from AWARE.
“Many sports stars suffer from depression when recovering from an injury.
“They can go from being on this massive high, training and playing the game they love with friends every week, to all of a sudden being injured and not able to participate.
“After my injury, I made sure that I took care of my mental health as I was very aware of quickly low mood could spiral into depression.”