At the Mayfield Surgery we understand that mental health is essential to overall health, which is – influenced by lifestyle, genetics, socio-economic, and environmental factors. The six pillars of lifestyle medicine (nutrition, physical activity, harmful substance reduction, sleep, stress management, and healthy relationships) are interconnected with good mental well-being. 

We all have mental health and it is important that we care for our own mental health just the same as we focus on our physical health. We support the UK Government’s No Health Without Mental Health strategy and the draft NICE guidelines promoting individualised, psychosocial interventions like group exercise. 

Everyone can experience periods of mental health struggles, even without a formal diagnosis like anxiety or depression. These challenges may arise during stressful times, whether due to personal, professional, or relational difficulties. 

Below are some helpful resources to support your mental well-being: 

Self-Care Practices: Prioritise sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity. 

Mindfulness and Relaxation: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help manage stress. 

Talk to Someone: Consider reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or a mental health professional. 

Community Services: Explore local support groups or workshops for stress management and emotional resilience. 

Helplines and Online Support: Look for helplines or reputable online resources that offer advice and guidance. 

Taking steps to care for your mental health is vital, and seeking support is a sign of strength. Let us know if you’d like additional recommendations or guidance tailored to your needs. 

If you feel that you need to speak to us about your mental health please contact us requesting an appointment via our online triaging tool (https://accurx.nhs.uk/patient-initiated/m83004) – or phone reception if you are unable to do this. In addition to the clinicians at the surgery, we are also have access to a community mental health practitioner via our primary care network (PCN) as an additional resource.  

Helpful local mental health resources: –