PAGE 12 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 95
3 Ways To Protect Yourself from the UK’s Mental Health Crisis
One in four people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year. We’ve seen calls to the Health Assured mental health helpline increase up 37% in the past 12 months. The pandemic took its toll, the war in Ukraine continues and the cost of living is rising. In the hospitality sector, this has put livelihoods on the line and continues to cause concern for workers across the country. When tensions are high and the pressure is on, stress levels start to rise. This increase is sometimes subtle and can be hard to spot. But over time, extended periods of stress lead to burnout—a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. Too long spent in these lower mental and emotional states can lead to mental and physical health
issues. So stay alert to the signs of stress below: • Headaches • Stomach issues • Tense muscles • Raised heart rate • Concentration problems • Feeling overwhelmed • Excessive worry • Forgetfulness • Changes in eating, sleeping, and drinking habits • Avoiding people and places Some stresses in life are to be expected. But learning how to increase resiliency helps mitigate the effect it has on mind, mood, and body. When you increase your resilience, you protect your mental health and are better able to cope with the challenges of work and life. Here are three areas to focus on:
boosts happy hormones and improves your sleep cycle. When you’re
well-rested and have a healthy outlet for your emotions, it helps equip you to face daily challenges.
CONNECT WITH OTHERS Social interaction is essential to mental health. Humans are social creatures. Yet as the NHS points out, stress and mental health problems can sometimes cause people to withdraw from those around them. Speaking with people you trust can help you gain perspective and deal with painful emotions. Although it’s difficult, try not to bottle everything up inside.
MINDFULNESS Feel like you’re being pulled by waves of emotion? It can be hard to stay centred and focus on what’s happening here and now. But you can be mindful anywhere or anytime—and it’s doesn’t cost anything. All you need to do is focus on the things you can see, hear, taste, and touch
KEEP MOVING
right now. Try to bring your mind to the present moment rather than
Evidence shows that physical activity is a big stress buster. It helps to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression-like racing thoughts. It
dwelling on the past or future. These tools can help you feel more in control of your emotions—rather than at the mercy of them.
Care Home Residents Taste-Test Vegan Supper – with “Shocking Verdict” This month, as part of Nutrition and Hydration Week, Manchester-based charity, Vegetarian for Life, was delighted to host a vegan supper club for residents at Reinbek Care Home in Stockport. Reinbek is part of Borough Care, and one of Vegetarian for Life’s Premium UK List members. As premium members, Borough Care has pledged to go above and beyond for its vegan and vegetarian residents. VfL wanted to host a fun, inclusive event for residents – and it also gave them the opportunity to get feedback on some of the dishes they might enter for this year’s National Association of Care Catering ‘Care Chef of the Year’ competition. VfL Chf Alex cooked a tasty two-course meal of savoury mushroom pudding with fondant potatoes, seasonal vegetables and gravy, accompanied by a Black Forest gateau. Alex wanted to serve familiar, traditional dishes created with only vegan ingredients. The staff at Reinbek decorated the table beautifully, and the meal was served with some accompanying fizz making it a really special occasion.
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He cooked for a small group of residents and received some great feedback. They rated the food with a thumbs-up or thumbs-down image. Luckily, he got a thumbs up rating from everyone! Here’s what some of the residents had to say: “Elena couldn’t believe that there was no meat in the pie. She thought that the supper club was lovely.” “Jeannette was really impressed with the mushroom pudding and said she was surprised by how light and tasty the suet pudding was.” Tony Gent, Catering and Hospitality manager at Borough care said: “We were delighted to be visited by Vegetarian for Life. They provided a great, nutritious meal. Great taste and an overall great experience for our residents”. Chef Alex concluded: “It was a real pleasure to be able to cook for Reinbek residents and I enjoyed meeting and chatting with them. It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to deliver events at care homes. A special thanks to the staff, who were so welcoming, and of course invited us to run the session. They made a fantastic effort with the table settings, making it a real special occasion for the residents”.