Hillcrest Surgery
STRESS
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Stress can affect us all. Take a deep breath, reach out to friends, and consider texting SHOUT. Text 85258 There is help available, so reach out. You’re stronger than you think. ?#Stress, #HillcrestPPG , #MentalHealthMatters
LET’S TALK ABOUT STRESS – 29th Dec 2023
It’s something we all experience, and in moderation, it can be a motivating force. However, when stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can wreak havoc on your mental health.
Your body’s stress response, often referred to as the “fight or flight” response. While this response is necessary for immediate threats, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on your mental and physical health.
Many people find themselves in high-stress situations due to difficulties in their relationships, finances and work, among other things and the added pressures of the holiday season can exacerbate these stressors.
Are you struggling in your relationships? The quality of your connections with friends, family, and partners significantly influences your mental health. Positive relationships can buffer against stress, while conflicts, isolation and toxic relationships can worsen stress and harm your mental well-being.
Remember, you’re not alone and you can reach out to the following services for help and support:-
SAMARITANS: www.samaritans.org or call 116123
CHILDLINE: 0800 1111 (help for anyone under 19)
YOUNG MINDS 0207 089 5050
RELATE: www.relate.org
Are you facing financial stress? Worrying about bills, debt, or job instability can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and even depression. The constant pressure to make ends meet can undermine your overall well-being. Don’t forget, you’re not alone; financial support is available from the following organisations:-
StepChange: www.stepchange.org
National Debtline: www.nationaldebtline.org or 0800 808 4000
CAP UK: www.cap.org
Is your job causing stress? Work is a significant part of life, and job-related stressors contribute to mental health issues. Job dissatisfaction, long hours, unrealistic expectations, and a lack of work-life balance can lead to burnout and affect your mental health. Don’t forget, you’re not alone. You can seek support from these organisations who are there to advise and support you:-
MIND: www.mind.org.uk
ACAS: www.acas.org.uk
HSE: www.hse.gov.uk
SHOUT: www.giveusashout.org or 85258
#Stress, #HillcrestPPG , #MentalHealthMatters
How stress affects your health
The connection between stress and ill health is not just perception; it has a physiological basis. It can cause:-
Immune System Dysfunction: Prolonged exposure to stress hormones weakens your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections and chronic diseases.
Inflammation: Stress triggers inflammation, linked to health problems like heart disease and diabetes. It also plays a role in mental health disorders as it disrupts neural pathways.
Brain Structure Changes: Chronic stress can lead to structural changes in your brain, affecting areas responsible for emotional regulation and memory, contributing to anxiety and depression.
Sleep Disturbances: Stress often disrupts sleep, leading to sleep deprivation, which can exacerbate stress and mental health issues.
Seeking Help and Building Resilience
Recognising the connection between your health and the stress you might be feeling from relationships, finances or work is the first step toward better well-being. Here are some questions to consider:
Self-Care: Are you engaging in self-care practices such as exercise, mindfulness, meditation, or pursuing hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation?
Support from Loved Ones: Are you reaching out to friends and family for support? Social connections can protect against the adverse effects of stress.
Professional Help: If stress is overwhelming, have you considered seeking professional help from therapists, counsellors, or psychiatrists? They provide personalised strategies to manage stress and improve mental health.
Financial Stress Management: If financial stress is a concern, have you consulted financial advisors or a counsellor to create a budget and plan for financial stability?
Workplace Support: Are you communicating with your employer or HR department about job-related stress? Many organisations offer support programs and resources to help employees cope with work-related stress.
Your physical and mental health is invaluable and deserves your care. Stress can cause physical and mental health issues. Proactive self-care, seeking support, and accessing professional help when needed is important. Let’s work together to prioritise, destigmatise, and support mental health in our community.
#HillcrestPPG , #MentalHealthMatters
For help and support visit;
Bath Mind visit www.bathmind.org.uk/contact-us/
Talking Therapies www.awp.nhs.uk/our-services/talking-therapies
There are no pre-bookable flu or Covid clinics available. However, there are vaccines available. Click on the link below to see more information.
Find a walk-in Covid-19 vaccination clinic – Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB
HCRG Care Group’s Wellbeing Service is offering 12 weeks of free support for people living or working in Bath and North East Somerset who wish to achieve a healthy weight and create a healthy sustainable lifestyle.
X-PERT Weight
A 12-week group-based education course covering the most up-to-date scientific evidence and topics around carbohydrates, fat and protein awareness, dietary approaches and lifestyle factors of stress, sleep, and psychology of eating, based on the most update to date scientific evidence around weight loss.
Slimming World
12 weeks’ worth of vouchers for this well-known group -based weight loss course, with topics covering psychology of slimming, food, and exercise plans. Please note this course is self-funding after the 12 weeks.
Second Nature
Lifetime access to a self-management app with 12 weeks access to a registered nutritionist. Access to up-to-date scientific evidence of weight loss, recipe ideas, meal planners and ability to customise set up track progress and goals. To find out more and to book your free place, please call 0300 247 0050 or email bathnes.thehub@hcrgcaregroup.com
Chat, Make and Move is a brand-new programme at RICE designed to support people to socialise, make new connections and boost wellbeing, for people living with a memory condition or a diagnosis of dementia.
Activities will include gentle movement, top tips from expert guest speakers, learning new creative, craft and music skills.
Have your say in Healthcare!
Are you interested in supporting your local surgery?
Hillcrest Surgery in Peasedown has recently established a new group called the ‘Patients’ Participation Group’ (PPG), in line with many other surgeries in the area and nationwide.
The Mission of the PPG is stated as:
‘To represent the patients of Hillcrest Surgery and to work in partnership with GPs and Practice staff to improve services for patients and community.’
The PPG will provide a way for people to help the surgery share information with the community about services and changes to the NHS.
The practice says, “We are pleased to present the Hillcrest Surgery Patient Participation Group. This community driven initiative reflects our commitment to providing excellent healthcare services. We value your feedback and look forward to working with the PPG and the community to enhance the overall patient experience.”
The PPG will be developing ways of drawing upon patients’ experiences, knowledge and ideas.
Please contact bswicb.PPG.hillcrest@nhs.net if you are interested in contributing.
Your mental health is a precious asset. We encourage you to acknowledge your struggles, reach out for help when needed, and prioritise your well-being.
Stress and how you are coping with relationships, finances, work or anything that causes you overwhelm can all play a part in your mental health journey. Understanding their impact is the first step toward nurturing your emotional well-being.
Let’s collectively work towards a world where mental health is a priority, destigmatised, and supported. Your well-being matters, and there is help available for you. www.advicenow.org.uk
#HillcrestPPG , #MentalHealthMatters
The NHS App has been redesigned to make it simpler and easier to access NHS services. Download the latest NHS App update.
Some items have moved within the App, but all the health services you need are still available. Your settings will remain the same before and after the update too.
The new, user-friendly version of the NHS App will start to be available from December 11th, making it easier to:
Need some help using the NHS App? Use the in-app Help feature or visit nhs.uk/nhs-app for guidance.
Somerset Drug & Alcohol Service are here to help you make positive changes around drugs and alcohol with no cost to you. Scan the QR code below to access more information.
