HSE Mental Health Engagement and Recovery: National Panel of Volunteers

Do you, or have you used the HSE Mental Health Services?

Or

Have you a family member who has used or is using the HSE Mental Health Services?

If yes we are seeking your support.

We are the Office of Mental Health Engagement and Recovery (MHER) and are a part of the HSE Mental Health Service Operations, National Office.

Our focus is to ensure that the voice of the service user, family member and carer inform the design delivery and evaluation of all our mental health services. We believe in partnership and promote a partnership approach in all our work. We do this by engaging with, listening to and working with people who have lived and recovery experience of mental health challenges, either personally or as a family member/supporter.

We wish to establish a national panel of volunteers who are interested in using their personal lived mental health and recovery experience to support us in this work and who have previous experience of working locally or nationally in service improvement initiatives.

As a member of this panel you will have the opportunity to share your expertise with those working in the HSE and other agencies in a joint effort to improve and develop the Mental Health Services and inform research projects.

Applications are welcome from all perspectives and experience as we want to ensure we have as diverse and inclusive panel as possible.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Debbie Murphy, MHER Administrator at: Debbie.murphy5@hse.ie by July 1st 2022

For more information on our office please go to The Mental Health Engagement and Recovery Office - HSE.ie

What is Mental Health & Well Being?

The terms ‘mental health’ and ‘mental wellbeing’ are important concepts that can be difficult to define. Mental wellbeing and Mental illness – are not dependent on each other. This means that people can have a mental illness and also have high levels of good mental wellbeing. Good mental wellbeing doesn't mean you're always happy or unaffected by life experiences. But poor mental wellbeing can make it more difficult to cope with daily life.

Mental health; together with physiological health, is considered to be part of the broader concept of health. This is framed as part of a larger set of behaviors that result in a healthy, happy, and meaningful existence.

Good Mental Health can be defined in the following way:

• Being in a state of wellbeing,

• When a person realises their abilities,

• Can cope with the normal stresses of life,

• Can work productively and fruitfully,

• And can contribute to their community.

Mental Well Being is often referred to as subjective wellbeing. Subjective wellbeing is defined as our perception and evaluation of our life.

Mental Well being can be described in the following way;

• Pleasure and happiness. In the context of mental wellbeing, it means feeling happy about one’s life and enjoying experiences that cause happiness.

• Living a meaningful life and striving to reach one’s full potential.

• Believing that your life has meaning

• Continued self-development and growth

• Good-quality social connections

• Believing that you can overcome hurdles

• Having a positive self-concept

• Having a sense of purpose

The effects of our mental health are experienced in every aspect of our lives. Our moods, physical health, and social connections help us cope better with life's adversities and unexpected hurdles. Together, they contribute to our sense of wellbeing and our mental health.

By taking a proactive stance on improving, maintaining, and nurturing our mental health, we can ensure that we live healthy, productive, and meaningful lives. For tips on how to look after our mental health and wellbeing, please read our previous post called Mental Health Awareness Week.

Mental Health Awareness Week 9th-15th May 2022

“Mental health” refers to your overall psychological well-being. It includes the way you feel about yourself, the quality of your relationships, and your ability to manage your feelings and deal with difficulties. Anyone can experience mental or emotional health problems — and over a lifetime, many of us will. That's why, this year, the theme is Loneliness. One in four adults feel lonely some or all of the time. There’s no single cause and there’s no one fits all solution. After all, we are all different! But, the longer we feel lonely, the more we are at risk of mental health problems. Some people are also at higher risk of feeling more alone than others..

These tips can help you elevate your mood, become more resilient and enjoy life more.

1. Make social connections — especially face-to-face — a priority:

Phone calls and social networks have their place, but nothing can beat the stress-busting, mood-boosting power of quality face-to-face time with other people. Don't become too online dependent. Online communities can be a great social outlet, but don't rely on them too much. Make sure you balance your social life and make the effort to talk to people in person.

2. Stay active:

Staying active is as good for the brain as it is for the body. Regular exercise or activity can have a major impact on your mental and emotional health, relieve stress, improve memory, and help you sleep better. Bring a friend with you. This will make the activity easier and you're keeping connections with people.

3. Talk to someone:

Talk to a friendly face. In-person social interaction with someone who cares is one of the most effective ways to calm your nervous system and relieve stress.

4. Get busy:

Keeping yourself busy is a very effective way of dealing with loneliness. If you're bored or can't find a job, volunteer with an organisation you care about or an event you might be interested in. Feeling needed and useful is important sometimes.

5. YOU TIME, Take 10 minutes to relax:

Spending time alone can be liberating, try some yoga, mindfulness, meditation and deep breathing, it can help reduce overall levels of stress.

6. Know you're not alone:

Feeling lonely doesn't mean there's something wrong with you. Life can feel very different and the future is uncertain. Remember that everyone goes through lonely periods in life.

7. Eat a healthy diet to support strong mental health:

Foods that can support your mood include fatty fish rich in Omega-3's, nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews and peanuts), avocados, beans, leafy greens (spinach, kale and Brussels sprouts), and fresh fruit such as blueberries. Take some time and look up some mood boosting foods.

8. Explore your interests:

Taking up a hobby you've always wanted to get into can help you fight loneliness and isolation.A hobby can be a great way of meeting new people and making new friends. If you're feeling lonely for no obvious reason, taking up an evening class or sport can help take your mind off it.

9. Pay attention to the things that matter:

How do we expect to improve our loneliness when we don't know what causes it? It's hard. So it's helpful to start paying attention to the present moment. What are the experiences that make you feel lonely? And what are the experiences that make you feel connected or like you belong? Identifying these moments can help you reduce loneliness, because you can limit your engagement in activities that make you feel lonely and increase your engagement in activities that make you feel connected.

10. Reach out, Get help if you need it:

If you or a loved one needs support, there are many resources that are available to you: Here at Kerry Peer Support Network, we offer a Support group once a week for all adults who would like to look after their mental health and emotional wellbeing. There is Hope, even if your brain tells you there isn't.