Wellbeing and mental health resources (waiting well)
Looking after your mental health can be just as important as looking after your physical health, especially when you are waiting for care.
Being in a happy and healthy state of mind enables you to make positive changes to your lifestyle that can help make sure you are ready when the wait is over, and you receive your care with us.
General tips for wellbeing
If you haven’t actively thought about your mental wellbeing before, then this is a great time to start. You will probably find that you already do things that support your wellbeing without even realising, this can include:
- Making time for your hobbies
- Spending time with loved ones
- Listening to music or reading a book
- Eating and drinking enough
- Getting a good night’s sleep
- Exercising
Self-help guidance
Self-help is the quickest and easiest way to work on your mental wellbeing. The NHS has put together a few pages with wellbeing tips, general information and ways to manage worry and anxiety that can be helpful when you are first starting to work on improving your mental wellbeing. You can find them on the NHS website.
Self-help videos
Below are some videos that you can watch to manage stress, low moods and other mental health struggles common in those on long waits for treatment.
NHS video - How to cope with anxiety
NHS video - Self help for low mood and depression
Watch an NHS video on self help for low mood and depression on YouTube.
NHS video - How to deal with unhelpful thoughts
Watch an NHS video on how to deal with unhelpful thoughts on YouTube.
NHS - Sleep problems
Watch an NHS video on sleep problems on YouTube.
Mental health apps
If you need a bit more support or guidance on how to look after your mental health, Mind has put together a collection of trusted mental health and wellbeing apps separated into categories such as relaxation and sleep support. You can find them on the Mind website.
Talking therapies
If you have feelings of depression or excessive worry that are worsened by your wait for care, it may be worth accessing talking therapies (also known as psychological therapies). This can be accessed for free on the NHS but depending on demand there may also be a small wait for this. You can find more information and refer yourself on the NHS website: Talking therapies.