Page published 27/06/2023
If you are in crisis:
Do you need help, support or advice?
There are various services available to Isle of Wight residents should you need urgent mental health advice or treatment.
Mental Health Crisis Advice 01983 522214 Community Safe Haven 01983 520168 Samaritans 116 123 NHS 111 Advice and Guidance 111 NHS Emergency 999
Stress and Anxiety:
Many people experience stress and anxiety at some point in their lives.
Stress: is usually a response to an external cause such as a feeling of being under abnormal pressure or having an argument with someone. It usually disappears or reduces once the situation has been resolved.
Anxiety: is typically described as a feeling of apprehension or dread and is disproportionate to the situation faced. Unlike stress, anxiety persists even after a concern has passed..
See: How to manage and reduce stress | Mental Health Foundation for more information on stress and: How to manage anxiety and fear | Mental Health Foundation for more information on anxiety
You can also help protect yourself from stress and anxiety in a number of ways:
- Eat healthily: Evidence showing how food affects our mood. Feelings of well-being can be protected by ensuring that our diet provides adequate amounts of brain nutrients such as essential vitamins and minerals, as well as water. See: A healthy, balanced diet - British Nutrition Foundation for more information
- Be aware of the impact smoking and drinking alcohol has on your mood - even though they may seem to reduce tension, this is misleading as they often make problems worse. See: Drink less - Better Health - NHS (www.nhs.uk) and Isle of Wight NHS Trust - Healthy Lifestyles Isle of Wight (iow.nhs.uk) for more information
- Being active: can be very effective in relieving stress. Even going out to get some fresh air and doing some light physical exercise, like walking to the shops, can help. See: Get Active Isle of Wight for more information
- 5 Ways to Wellbeing – Connect, Be active, take notice, Give, Learn. For more information see: 5 WAYS TO MENTAL WELLBEING (islefindit.org.uk)
- Get restful sleep: Try to make sure you get enough rest. For more tips on getting a good night’s sleep see: How to fall asleep faster and sleep better - Every Mind Matters - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- Don’t be too hard on yourself. Try to keep things in perspective. After all, we all have bad days.
It’s okay to ask for professional help if you feel that you are struggling to manage on your own. It’s also important to get help as soon as possible so you can begin to get better.
Speak to your GP.
See local information: Isle of Wight Community Mental Health (iwmentalhealth.co.uk)
Also see:
Anxiety UK have produced this video to help manage anxiety:
