YPMH: The Foundation For Young People's Mental Health

Did you know? Fostering strong workplace relationships can significantly reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing! According to a study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behaviour, social support at work can act as a buffer against stress.   Here’s how positive relationships impact mental health: 📉 Reduced stress levels: A supportive work environment can decrease feelings of isolation and help employees manage stress more effectively. 📈 Improved job satisfaction: Employees with strong social ties report higher levels of job satisfaction, leading to enhanced performance and reduced turnover. 💪 Enhanced resilience: Building strong relationships helps employees develop coping strategies and resilience in the face of challenges.   Ways to Foster Connections: 👥Encourage team-building activities ☕ Create opportunities for informal social interactions 🗣️Promote open communication and feedback To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/3KfeqJi #WMHD2024 #WorkplaceStress #MentalHealthInTheWorkPlace #YPMH #mentalhealth #mentalwellbeing

It's #WorldMentalHealthDay! 🌍 ❤️ Beyond open conversations, here are our top evidence-based tips on staying mentally healthy in and out of the workplace! 🌳 Spend time in nature—it helps reduce stress and elevate your mood. 💤 Prioritize quality sleep—it boosts cognitive function and emotional wellbeing. 🥗 Fuel your body with a mentally healthy diet—plants, fermented foods, and omega-3s are great for mental health. 🏃♀️ Stay active—physical exercise increases serotonin and helps lower anxiety. 🤝 Build meaningful connections—strong relationships are essential for better mental health. Start the conversation with friends, family, or colleagues and share these tips to support each other’s mental wellbeing! #WMHD24 #WorldMentalHealthDay #YPMH

🌍 Tomorrow is #WorldMentalHealthDay! 🧠✨ This year’s theme, Mental Health in the Workplace, affects us all. Did you know that in 2022/23, 875,000 UK workers experienced work-related stress, depression, or anxiety? That’s nearly half of all work-related ill health! 📊 Stressors like heavy workloads, lack of control, and insufficient support often build up over time, leading to chronic stress. And when left unchecked, chronic stress can have serious impacts on mental health—altering brain function, increasing the risk of depression, and even leading to burnout. But the good news? We can take steps to foster a healthier, more supportive work environment! 💼 🛠️ Over the next few days, we'll be sharing practical tips to help you stay mentally healthy at work. Whether you're an employee or employer, it’s time to prioritise mental wellbeing in the workplace. Join the conversation and let’s create a better, healthier workplace together! #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthInTheWorkplace #WorkplaceWellbeing #MentalWellbeing #EmployeeSupport #HealthyWorkplace #YPMH

Fact: Frozen fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre, and can help you hit your 30+ plants per week goal!   They’re often frozen at peak ripeness, preserving their nutritional value. Research shows that frozen produce retains nutrients just as well as fresh, and sometimes better, especially when fresh options have been stored for a while.   Plus, they last longer and reduce food waste!   How do you incorporate frozen produce into your diet? Learn more about the mental health benefits of 30+ plants: https://bit.ly/44VYx3U #NutritionFacts #HealthyEating #FrozenVsFresh #FoodScience #Wellness #HealthyChoices #MentalHealth #YPMH

🔬 The Impact of Chronic Stress on Depression: Understanding the Connection 🔬 Chronic stress is more than just a feeling of being overwhelmed—it can significantly alter your body's systems, contributing to the development of depression.   Here’s How Chronic Stress Affects Your Mental Health: 🧠 HPA Axis Dysregulation: Chronic stress disrupts the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to imbalances in cortisol production. This dysregulation impacts various body systems, including mood regulation, cognitive function and overall mental health. 🔥 Inflammation and depression: Prolonged stress can cause chronic inflammation, which has been linked to reduced levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin, further exacerbating depressive symptoms.   🔍 Why It Matters: Understanding the link between chronic stress and depression is crucial for developing effective management strategies. By addressing stress and its effects on the body, we can improve mental health outcomes and overall wellbeing.   How do you manage stress in your daily life or at work? Share your insights in the comments! To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/3A9nSfh   #MentalHealth #ChronicStress #Depression #HPAaxis #Wellbeing 

🏏 Looking for a new hobby? Why not try cricket! 🏏 Exercise and team sports, like cricket, offer incredible mental health benefits—both for your brain and emotional wellbeing. Why team sports like cricket support mental health: • Improves blood flow in the hippocampus: Exercise boosts blood flow to the hippocampus, a key brain region involved in memory and emotional regulation. According to research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, regular physical activity enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, which supports neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to adapt and grow. • Boosts cognitive function: Increased blood flow and oxygen supply promote the growth of new brain cells and improve synaptic plasticity. This not only helps in retaining and processing new information but also enhances overall cognitive function and emotional resilience. • Enhances social connectedness and self-esteem: Cricket involves teamwork and social interaction, which can further enhance mental health by boosting self-esteem and fostering social connections. • Cricket as a cognitive workout: Playing cricket involves strategic thinking, teamwork, and physical coordination. These cognitive demands can further stimulate brain activity and contribute to mental sharpness and emotional stability. Whether you're playing cricket or another team sport, integrating exercise into your routine can have powerful cognitive and emotional benefits. 🧠 How do you stay active to support your mental health? Share your experiences below! #MentalHealth #TeamSports #Cricket #Wellbeing #BrainHealth #PhysicalActivity #MentalWellbeing #GetActive

Maintaining good mental health through proper nutrition is more important than most people realise. Want to nourish your mind? Explore our easy guide for making smarter food choices that support your mental wellbeing! 💡   🍽️ Foods to Eat: Foods high in omega-3s: Essential for brain health and mood regulation. Include fatty fish like salmon or plant-based sources such as flaxseeds and walnuts. 30+ Plants per week: A diverse range of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains provides essential nutrients and supports gut health, which is linked to mood and mental clarity. Wholefoods: Opt for minimally processed foods like nuts and seeds, and whole grains to ensure you’re getting nutrients without added sugars and unhealthy fats. Fermented foods: Include yogurt, kefir, or kimchi, which support gut health and can positively influence mood and mental wellbeing. 🚫 Foods to Limit: Caffeine: Excessive intake can increase anxiety and disrupt sleep patterns. Alcohol: Can negatively impact mood stability and cognitive function. Ultra-processed foods: Often high in unhealthy fats and additives that may adversely affect mental health. Trans fats & foods high in omega-6: Found in many fried and packaged foods, these can contribute to chronic inflammation and negatively impact brain function.   What are your favourite mentally healthful foods?   To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/44VYx3U   #mentalhealth #nutrition #wellbeing #healthyeating #foodforthought #mentalwellbeing #wellnesswednesday

As we step into the first day of Autumn, it’s a great opportunity to embrace the season’s changes for our mental wellbeing. The shift from summer to Autumn can impact mood and energy, as the cooler weather and shorter days may influence serotonin levels.   🍁Tips for a Mentally Healthy Autumn: 🌤 Natural light exposure: Even with shorter days, exposure to natural light remains important. Research shows that it helps regulate circadian rhythms, enhancing sleep quality and mood. Make an effort to spend time outside during daylight hours to boost your energy and mood. 🌳 Connect with nature: Spend time outside to enjoy the seasonal beauty and boost your mood. ⏰ Adjust your routine: Adapt your daily routine to the changing daylight, ensuring you get adequate sleep and light exposure. 🏕 Seasonal activities: Autumn is an ideal time to engage in activities that support mental wellbeing, such as hiking, conker picking or cooking with seasonal food.    How are you planning to make the most of this season?   #Autumn #MentalHealth #SeasonalChanges #AutumnEquinox #YPMH #mentalwellbeing

🎓 Starting your first post-university job? Let’s talk mental wellbeing in the workplace🧠   Transitioning from university to your first professional role is an exciting but often challenging time. To help you navigate this new chapter, here are our top scientifically supported strategies to maintain and enhance your mental wellbeing:   1️⃣ Engage in regular physical activity: Exercise supports brain health by improving blood flow to the hippocampus, enhancing memory and emotional regulation, as well as boosting cognitive function through increased oxygen supply and neuroplasticity. Additionally, exercise fosters social connectedness and self-esteem. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity 3-4 times a week to improve both physical and mental health.   2️⃣ Practice mindfulness and meditation: Incorporating mindfulness into your routine can significantly reduce stress and enhance focus. Even 10 minutes of daily meditation has been shown to lower cortisol levels and improve emotional resilience.   3️⃣ Prioritize sleep: Regular quality sleep is foundational for mental health. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, reduce screen time before bed, and create a calming bedtime routine to ensure 7-9 hours of restful sleep, which is crucial for mood and cognitive function.   4️⃣ Focus on nutrition: Your diet plays a critical role in brain health. Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, 30+ plants, and fermented products and reduce UPF's to support both your gut and mental health.   5️⃣ Build social connections: Cultivating positive relationships at work and maintaining connections with friends and family are vital for reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction. Networking within your new workplace can also provide a valuable support system.   Interested in learning more? Visit: https://bit.ly/44VYx3U   #PostGradLife #MentalHealthMatters #WorkLifeBalance #ProfessionalDevelopment #NewBeginnings #EmployeeWellbeing #CareerGrowth

Today is #YouthMentalHealthDay! 🌟 This year's theme is #controlyourscroll - and with 1 in 5 young people experiencing a probable mental health disorder (NHS England), understanding the mental health benefits of reducing screen time is more important than ever. Research shows that excessive screen time can increase symptoms of depression and anxiety. Why? Because screens constantly engage our brain, making it harder to switch off, focus, or rest. Here’s how cutting back on screen time helps: 💤 Better Sleep: Screens, particularly blue light from devices, interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone essential for good sleep. Poor sleep is directly linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression, so cutting back on screen time – especially before bed – can improve your sleep quality and mental clarity. ✨ Reduced Anxiety: Constant notifications, social media, and online pressures can elevate stress levels. Taking regular breaks helps reduce the overload of information and allows your mind to rest, leading to lower anxiety and a greater sense of calm. 😊 Improved Mood: Social media often triggers comparisons, which research shows is linked to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression. By limiting exposure to social media, you reduce these negative influences, helping to boost your mood and overall mental wellbeing. Take a moment to reflect on how screen time affects your mental health and consider steps to create a healthier digital routine. stem4 #YouthMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthMatters #Wellbeing #ScreenTime #ControlYourScroll #YPMH