Action Mental Health knows that life today largely revolves around social media, the internet and our smart phones with their seemingly endless digital possibilities. We do our shopping, banking and countless other things online and it is hard to get away from its far-reaching fingers finding their way into our personal pots whether we like it or not.

The same goes for children: they socialise with friends online, follow social media memes and trends and many of them find their daily entertainment on sites like YouTube, leaving the television to their parents’ old skool ways.

Children often depend on the internet for their schooling, with some of the patterns of their education that had to be adapted during the lockdowns, like Google Classroom, still in use today. For many parents, it seems their children’s lives are intrinsically tied to an intangible online world with tethers that can’t be severed.

Just as it is for adults, using the internet can be an enjoyable experience where we connect with loved ones and friends, but likewise, it can become unhealthy when we spend too much time in the digital world, at the expense of the real one.

It can become especially unhealthy for young people when you consider the particular issues they can face as a result of being online, whether through social media or online gaming. Children who spend too much time on either can end up feeling socially withdrawn, face online bullying and negative peer pressure; they can fall prey to sexualised communications (sexting) and be targeted by sites which promote eating disorders, self-harm and suicide and sexual grooming.

In 2018, the World Health Organisation named gaming as a mental health disorder under gaming addiction. Gaming in children and young people has become more of an issue over the past few years with an increase in playing inappropriate games which have violent content, like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto which are both age 18 rated games. Fortnite (rated age 12) is one of the most common games played by children of primary school age and has associated popular dances (The Floss).

Gaming addiction could include a child or young person socially withdrawing from friends and shutting themselves away from family, along with gaming for long periods of time, losing interest in other hobbies and a change in sleep, eating, mood and behaviour.

Some tips for parents on gaming and social media usage

• Limit days/duration of screen time on gaming device/phone/tablet/computer
• Monitor types of games being used with consideration for content and age appropriateness
• Set parental controls on the gaming/phone/computer devices
• Monitor any online activity with friends and unknown people on games/phone/computer
• Find alternative activities like playing board games and outdoor play/sports
• Monitor changes in mood, behaviour and sleep and contact GP if any changes become concerning
• Check websites for advice on internet safety for different age groups: thinkuknow.co.uk , www.internetmatter.org , www.nspcc.org.uk , www.psni.police.uk

Below are a number of very useful and important resources to help your child navigate the internet more safely:

Children’s Mental Health Week takes place this week, from February 7 to 13, focusing on the theme of ‘Growing Together’.

The week-long focus on the mental health of our younger generation helps Action Mental Health’s daily mission to support their wellbeing and help build the skills for resilience in later life.

One in six children and young people have a diagnosable mental health condition and over half of all mental health disorders start before the age of 14.

Boys aged 6 to 10 years are more likely to have a probable mental disorder than girls, however, in 17 to 23-year-olds, the pattern reverses, with rates higher in young women than young men.

Emotional disorders, particularly anxiety and depression, are on the rise, with blame being laid at the door of the negative impact of social media, the long term impact of the pandemic, and the isolation and stress that young people have experienced over the past two years.

This year’s theme is a fitting as Action Mental Health prepares to launch a brand new initiative aimed at equipping Northern Ireland’s youngest children with the skills to build resilience in an effort to offset emotional and mental health problems in later life. Make sure you join us Thursday to find out more, and every day this week to find out more about Action Mental Health’s services to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

During the week, AMH will offer a comprehensive package of tips, advice and help for children and young people experiencing mental ill-health.

We will also provide vital information to help signpost parents who want to help their child through periods of anxiety, depression and low mood and also those experiencing an eating disorder, among myriad other issues.

We’ll offer advice on helping your child stay safe online and will also add a little fun into the mix with some entertaining games and activities for younger children to try out at home.

Children’s Mental Health Week takes place next week, from February 7 to 13, focusing on the theme of ‘Growing Together’.

It is a fitting theme this year as Action Mental Health prepares to launch a brand new initiative aimed at helping Northern Ireland’s youngest children grow emotionally, and to better understand their mental health.

But we’re keeping that under wraps until Thursday, February 10, when all will be revealed so make sure you visit amh.org.uk every day to find out all about it.

During the week, AMH will offer a comprehensive package of tips, advice and help for children and young people experiencing mental ill-health.

We will also provide vital information to help signpost parents who want to help their childthrough periods of anxiety, depression and low mood and also those experiencing an eating disorder, among other issues.

We’ll offer advice on helping your child stay safe online and will also add a little fun into the mix with some entertaining games and activities for younger children to try out at home.

This year sees the start of a new charity partnership between one of Northern Ireland’s biggest employers, retailer and wholesaler, Henderson Group and Action Mental Health (AMH) – the organisation that promotes the mental health and wellbeing of people in Northern Ireland.

The partnership will aim to not only raise funds for Action Mental Health to continue their impactful work to equip individuals here with employability training and a myriad of other services, but to work in tandem with Hendersons to ensure their staff have access to even more wellbeing resources.

January will see staff and store team members take on the Miles for Mental Health challenge, by walking, running or cycling each day to improve their own physical and mental wellbeing to kick off the year, and to raise funds.

The coming weeks will also see the launch of a number of initiatives for staff and managers across the Group, which will aim to improve mental wellbeing across the entire workforce which will build upon the Group’s long-term ‘WellAware’ Health and Wellbeing strategy.

Bronagh Luke, Head of Corporate Marketing commented: “Keeping our teams motivated and focused has always been at the backbone of the Group’s success, and by working with Action Mental Health, we will be further prioritising the wellbeing of our staff with even more incentives to enable them to connect and thrive as we continue to navigate the challenges of the past two years.

“It’s hard to believe we’re entering the third year of many of our office-based employees working from home, and we have had many processes in place to keep our teams as engaged as possible. Working with Action Mental Health and kicking off our year with the Miles for Mental Health challenge is giving our staff a great bonding experience with some healthy competition, as well as getting out there in the fresh air for some physical exercise which we all know boosts our mental wellbeing also.”

Also founded in Northern Ireland, Action Mental Health is a multi-faceted organisation which has its AMH New Horizons services at its core, available across Northern Ireland. With AMH New Horizons, clients can benefit from a variety of personal development, vocational skills and employability training options, including accredited qualifications and work placements. The charity also offers a range of services and programmes aimed at improving mental health and developing resilience in children and young people as well as counselling for people of all ages.

Jonathan Smyth, Head of Communications and Fundraising, added; “Even before the pandemic, mental illness was one of the biggest challenges facing society here, with Northern Ireland having the highest prevalence of mental health problems in the UK.

“Action Mental Health provides a range of services to support people in Northern Ireland and we are seeing ever increasing demand. It is with that in mind that we are absolutely delighted to be appointed as Henderson Group’s charity partner. As a local charity we rely on the generosity of the Northern Ireland public and the support of local companies like Henderson Group to help provide many of these services.

“We are also looking forward to working alongside Hendersons to support the mental health and wellbeing of their staff. It is wonderful to see them starting the partnership with their ‘Miles for Mental Health’ challenge. We hope this offers them a fun way to not only fundraise, but also get active and support their own mental health.”

Henderson Group will participate in virtual and active challenges throughout 2022 and beyond, such as the Great Purple Picnic, Belfast City and London Marathons, and will mark World Mental Health Day with the charity in October.

Bronagh finished; “We have great plans that will help fund the vital services Action Mental Health brings to people in Northern Ireland, including those who need support and guidance to navigate employability and workplaces.

“We look forward to getting started and kicking off a successful and thriving partnership.”

To whet your appetite, please find below a list of some of our signature events. 

Why not get involved and support AMH’s vital services across Northern Ireland?

More exciting events announced soon!

Europa Hotel Abseil 20^th March

Descend one of Belfast’s most iconic landmarks, and have great fun raising funds for the vital work of Action Mental Health.

https://europahotelabseil2022.eventbrite.co.uk

Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon 1^st May

Run, walk, wheel or relay to support Action Mental Health

On your mark, get set, GO!

https://bcm-2022.eventbrite.co.uk

Great Big Purple Picnic – 9th to 15^th May

The Great Big Purple Picnic takes place during Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme this year is loneliness. Organising a picnic together is an excellent way to tackle loneliness and engage with the Five Ways to Well-being:

Connect

Be Active

Take Notice

Keep Learning

Give

A full pack is available upon registration.

*The Five Ways to Well-being was developed by New Economics Foundation.  It is a set of evidence-based actions designed to improve personal well-being.

https://gbpp-2022.eventbrite.co.uk

Go Purple for World Mental Health Day 10^th October

You can choose to Go Purple any time from 10^th – 16th October.

Have a purple themed day and wear something purple.  Walk a purple mile: this mile could be a mile a day for the full week, or all at once – the choice is up to you.

A full pack is available upon registration.

https://gopurple2022.eventbrite.co.uk

As with all events, please adhere to any government guidance.

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19

Thank you for your interest in the vital work of Action Mental Health.

Your support means so much!

If you have any questions the team would be delighted to help, contact them at: [email protected]

Like the previous year, Action Mental Health, in 2021, delivered its diverse range of services to clients in innovative ways to accommodate the ‘new normal’ of Covid restrictions.

And though regular services have yet to fully return to that of pre-pandemic times, Action Mental Health has continued to support people living with mental ill health and to promote well-being throughout the community to people of all ages.

Action Mental Health marked various successes and progress throughout the year, with the announcement of Ten Year Mental Health Strategy, a long-awaited pinnacle, following years of determined campaigning by the charity.

The Strategy was announced as the key to setting the future strategic direction of mental health services in Northern Ireland. The much anticipated new way forward was welcomed by AMH Chief Executive, David Babington, who recognised the mammoth task of bolstering local mental health services. “We know the size of the challenge that we face and the publication of the strategy is only the first step on a long road to help build better mental health for all, across Northern Ireland.”

The year also witnessed the launch of Action Mental Health’s latest mental health and well-being programme – Healthy Heroes, a year-long initiative for P7 children. Healthy Heroes aims to help 10 and 11 year olds cope with the transition from primary on to secondary level education. Healthy Heroes addresses anxiety, stress and managing changes, self-esteem, courage, confidence, learning differences and friendship.

The launch of Action Mental Health’s latest Impact Report revealed the extensive reach of the charity’s services, throughout the pandemic. It showed that 20,861 people benefitted from AMH Resilience Services ¬– across community and school settings and individuals. A further 1422 clients were aided through their journey back to better mental health at the charity’s recovery services, AMH New Horizons, where 1504 accredited training outcomes were achieved and 98 clients progressed to paid employment, voluntary work or further education/training.

The report highlighted the significant benefits of AMH New Life Counselling’s services, with 12,776 counselling sessions offered to 2,714 individuals and families.

Action Mental Health continued to make a valuable contribution to the Covid Wellbeing online hub, set up in 2020, offering tips and advice on a range of issues from anxiety and depression, dealing with stress while working from home, to tackling the stigma attached to mental ill-health issues.

Autumn also marked developments in ChatPal – a multi-national project aimed at providing mental health support in rural areas in parts of northern European periphery and Artic areas (NPA) – with further progress on a multi-lingual Chatpal App. The developments mean that Chatpal, a chatbot service driven by artificial intelligence, to be available to people via an app on their mobile phones, became available in English, Scottish Gaelic, Swedish and Finnish. Chatpal began with pilot trials in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Finland, Sweden and Ireland to support the mental health and digital mental health requirements of older and younger citizens in rural and sparsely populated NPA regions.

Our Generation, the partner project which supports young people affected by the legacy of Northern Ireland’s Troubles on both sides of the border in Ireland, brought the year to a close with the launch of the inaugural Transgenerational Trauma Awareness Day, on December 15.

And of course, the vital work of Action Mental Health wouldn’t be as affective and impactful without the valuable help of a vast band of loyal fundraisers and corporate supporters.

Local firms which have contributed to the success of Action Mental Health by their generosity, include: SDC Trailers, Cranswick Foods, Mash Direct, Halifax, Outsource, Coca Cola HBC, Gordons Chemists, CTS, Portman Health Care, Victoria Square, The Law Society of Northern Ireland, Terry Bradley Art, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Ozz Bands, LoughTec, NI Jobs, Cancom, Datactics and the Construction Employers Federation.

Within the community, individuals, groups, people of all ages and from all walks of life have traipsed miles across the country, run marathons, scaled tall buildings and a carried out a whole host of other activities – inspiring and meaningful – to raise money for Action Mental Health’s vital services. And all in the uncertain times of the pandemic.

To them and all our supporters, volunteers and funders we would like to extend heartfelt gratitude for pulling out all the stops to raise money for the cause of mental health in Northern Ireland.

We hope you all get to have some time off over the festive period and we can’t wait to see you again in the New Year!

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An Antrim man who fell into a deep despair after the breakdown of his marriage has begun to rebuild his life with the help of Action Mental Health’s Men’s Shed.

Martin Magee, 57, felt so low he could barely go to the shops for groceries but once he plucked up the courage to go along to the Men’s Shed everything began to look up.

Martin was 53 when he accepted someone’s advice to try the Men’s Shed, located at AMH New Horizons Antrim. The Men’s Shed is a place designed for men over the age of 50 to share skills and a laugh, socialise and connect with their wider community while forging new friendships.

Father of five Martin suffered considerable depression after his marital upheaval, and it had such an adverse effect on him he became unable to function in the ‘high flyer’ career he had built for himself.

He had been a senior lecturer in carpentry and joinery at a further education college, an official exam moderator and CCEA inspector, but soon he found he was unable to contemplate getting up for work every day.

The pressure he felt by maintaining his usual daily routine continued to mount as he struggled along, and it wasn’t long before he felt no alternative but to take advantage of a voluntary exit scheme at work.

Martin lost his house, found himself jobless and alone and estranged from a number of members of his family and wider friendship circle.

His mental well-being deteriorated and even the mere thought of going out to the shops for groceries seemed insurmountable: he was in a very bad way.

“I suffered quite bad depression; the doctor said it was between moderate to severe depression. I had lost all my self-worth by this stage and felt useless and helpless,” he admitted.

But then his sister Mary suggested he attend the Men’s Shed, located at Action Mental Health New Horizons Antrim. Encouraged by her and supported by his partner Annette, he went ahead, but with hesitation. Once there, Martin admitted he didn’t really engage much at the start of his journey with the other men.

“I didn’t really do much at the start but some of the men began to ask me how to do things because they knew of my background. I started to help them and then I began to receive great feedback from them. I even started to make items myself,” he said.

Martin’s recovery had begun.

“It really began to give me back my sense of self-worth. I started to make things at the Men’s Shed and they were amazed at what I could produce, so I thought maybe I’m not as bad as I thought I was. 

“I then took up scroll sawing, cutting out portraits, plaques and ornaments from wood, which I brought in to the Men’s Shed and I got such positive feedback that this was the route back to recovery for me.

“I kept going back to the Men’s Shed and kept helping the men; I made planters, garden furniture and other things and soon I found myself wanting to push myself, to test myself, to see what else I could do.”

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The boost he gleaned from his time with the Men’s Shed gave him the impetus he needed to try to get back into employment.

“I knew myself that I couldn’t be someone who could be unemployed or live off benefits – I had to get back to work. I was working as a maintenance joiner up to the end of August and now I am working as a maintenance officer for the Housing Executive. I wanted to do it to prove to myself and to be able to do joinery work again to the level and standard that I was once able to do.”

“I’m not completely back to normal. It’s like a crashed car – you can have it repaired it but it’s still been through a crash, and has some dents. It’s like that: I’ve been through a lot and though I’m feeling a lot better, I still bear some scars.”

In his personal life, Martin is trying to rebuild bridges with his family. Meanwhile, he also wants to express his heartfelt thanks to the Men’s Shed which provided him with that vital first footing toward reclaiming his previous vibrant life.

“I don’t know where I would be without the Men’s Shed. It really was a great help. I want to thank them for everything they did for me – the men and the project workers. They were all so supportive of me and I owe them a great debt of gratitude.”

Action Mental Health’s Men’s Sheds are located at AMH New Horizons Antrim, AMH New Horizons Fermanagh and AMH New Horizons Downpatrick. Men aged 50 and over are welcome and admission is free.

The festive season, with its particular focus on food, can pose considerable challenges for those of us affected by eating disorders. AMH EveryBODY is here for you, lending a little festive support with their 12 Christmas coping tips, helping you focus instead, on the fun of the season.

Responding to Diet Talk

Research shows that hearing diet and weight talk increases body dissatisfaction.

You can choose to remove yourself from the situation, it may be helpful to let your trusted person know you are struggling with the conversation (this could mean sending them a text so that they can come and sit with you while you take a break)

You can change the topic of conversation, of if it feels safe to do so you can be honest and let people know why their comment is unhelpful. Having a prepared response can help with this – “Can we please not comment on food or weight, I’m working on healing my relationship with both and find it unhelpful. Can we talk about something else.” Set your boundaries because your recovery is worth protecting.

Remind yourself of your reasons to Recover

At particularly challenging times when there can be an increase in stress or anxiety it can be useful to remind yourself of your reasons to recover and they can serve as hope to encourage you to keep going with your recovery.

Create a Christmas Coping plan

Communicate honestly with your support systems any concerns you have around Christmas and create a plan to reduce and problem solve around these concerns. This could involve identifying triggers, agreeing on meal times, who will be there, what will be served and how best to support you if you are struggling. Sticking to a similar structure around mealtimes can be helpful. Taking this time to plan and prepare can hep remind you of your choices and reduce anxiety.

Wear comfortable clothes

This can seem like a simple one but it can be really hard not to focus on your body if you are wearing something uncomfortable. Breathable, comfortable fitting clothes can be helpful to allow you to feel more relaxed in your body. It can also be helpful to pick something with a colour or pattern that you like and focus on this if you are struggling with poor body image.

Connect with support

Eating disorders thrive in isolation. Agree check ins with your trusted supporters. It could be the people you live with, a phone call or text with friends and family, your treatment team or helplines. Staying connected reminds us we aren’t alone.

Neutralise your language around food

Remind yourself that food has no moral value. You’re not a ‘bad’ person for eating your favourite Christmas cookie… just as you’re not a ‘good’ person for eating veggies. In both these instances, you are simply a person eating food.

Give yourself kindness

Be aware of your self talk – would you talk that way to a loved one or best friend? If you wouldn’t can you offer yourself some similar words of kindness you would give them.

Other ways to show kindness-

Ditch the comparisons – you are the only you and that is your superpower!

Give yourself a break- it’s been a difficult year of change. It’s normal to need more time to rest

Recognise your own strengths and achievements and give yourself credit every time you try.

Managing Expectations

Adjust your expectations and take the pressure off. Try not to draw comparisons with Christmas past as you have survived through a pandemic. This may also have meant recovery has felt more challenging. Christmas is just one day, no matter how it does go, it does end. Be patient, keep communications open and be mindful of your own feelings and emotions. Be gentle with yourself, it’s OK not to feel quite as twinkly, or in the festive spirit this year. Take each day as it comes, and remember that you are doing the very best you can, and that is enough.

Focus on the Fun

Although it is normal for Christmas to be more difficult it can also help to remind yourself of a few things that you do enjoy celebrating this festive season that have nothing to do with food.

Maybe it’s playing board games, watching your favourite Christas movie, listening to your favourite festive tune, or those new Christmas PJs. Some of the activities can be especially important both pre- and post- mealtimes to lessen the emphasis on food.

Self-Care Coping Practices

Over the festive period it is helpful to have some self-soothing practices in place. Easy to do self-care works best, that is easily accessible in time of discomfort. It might be helpful to create a list of-

5 people you can call or text when you need support

5 ways to relax – grounding techniques (5,4,3,2,1) deep breathing, journaling, meditation etc

5 places you can go to feel calm

5 coping statements you can read over to help to reframe distorted thoughts

5 distraction activities – de-cluttering, listening to podcast, doing a jigsaw etc

Self-Care for Carers

As Carers it can be easy to give at the expense of your own needs. This can lead to physical and emotional burnout. Give yourself permission as a Carer to take some time out for yourself over the festive period.

By modelling your own self-care practices, whether it is prioritising that 15 minutes every morning for a quiet cuppa, or mindfulness, you are also setting a really good example for your loved one and could encourage them to engage in self-care also.

Keep communication open

If in doubt, JUST ASK.

Don’t make assumptions, keep communication open and honest. Accept at times we’ll not always have the perfect response, we’re humans and not robots. Communication isn’t about being right or wrong, it’s about being open enough to try to understand.

‘Is there anything I can do to support you right now?’

‘How are you feeling about things, I’d like to try to understand how it feels for you.’