This Mental Health Awareness Week, people in the East Midlands are being reminded to seek support if they are struggling with their mental health.

The theme of this year’s campaign, which runs from 15 to 21 May, is ‘Anxiety’.

Anxiety can cause many different symptoms, affecting thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. It is a feeling people experience throughout life. But it can become more serious and affect people’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks due to worrying thoughts and behaviour.

However, there are lots of things that people can do to look after their mental wellbeing and help others to prevent these concerns from becoming more serious.

The Every Mind Matters website features expert tips and advice on looking after mental wellbeing and how to be kind to your mind.

The website includes information on self-help resources and support for specific mental wellbeing issues such as anxiety, stress, low mood, and trouble sleeping.

One of the best things to do for positive mental health and wellbeing is to be active – it’s a natural mood booster.

There are lots of free and affordable ways to get moving for all ages and levels of physical ability, including the Couch to 5K and Active 10 apps.

People who are aged 16 or over can also access NHS Talking Therapies services for anxiety and depression. People can be referred to Talking Therapies services by their GP, or they can refer themselves directly online or via the telephone.

In Lincolnshire, there are 24 Night Light Cafés offering support for those experiencing mental health challenges, including anxiety.

The project started in 2021 and to date has had over 7,000 visitors, with two new cafés recently opening in Skegness and Sleaford.

Victoria Sleight from Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said: “The Night Light Cafes are there to provide safe spaces for anyone who is finding life difficult. These are non- clinical, out of hours services available to those over 18. They can find a warm welcome and a listening ear, free from judgement”.

Brian, who has made use of the Lincoln Night Light Café, said: “When I was in a dark place, I went along – they listened to me and helped me feel less alone. I was given food, support and a real hope to keep moving forward. It was a safe space. It really helped me.”

Giles Tinsley, programme director for mental health at NHS England in the Midlands, said: “It is natural for all of us to feel worried or anxious at some points during our lives, but Mental Health Awareness Week is an ideal opportunity to remind everyone that there are things we can all do to help ourselves and others.

“Every Mind Matters encourages people to get active as the body releases feel-good hormones that can improve our mood and boost our energy. Taking care of our mental health is really important and it can help us to lead happy and healthy lives”.

Find information and support for your mental health on the NHS website.