Minding your Mental Health in January

January can be a busy time for people trying to make new resolutions and often, you may feel under pressure to take on too much too soon. 

Instead, try and take the time to find balance in your day to day. Focusing on your mental health and wellbeing should be a priority all year, so use January as the first step to making a positive change for yourself.

If you have a bad day, remind yourself that it is normal and make an effort to be better tomorrow. Small changes and short term goals will be easier to achieve.

Instead of focusing on completely changing your routine in January, focus on one thing per week. For example, one week you could focus on doing some mindfulness each day and the next week, you can focus on getting a short walk in each day. 

Always remember to make some time for yourself. This can be anything from making a cup of tea and reading a book for a few minutes, or listening to your favourite song to switch your brain off from everything else.

Minding your mental health

It is normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious as a New Year begins.

We are very much aware of the non-motor symptoms that those with Parkinson’s may experience. These can include the category of psychological or psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression and apathy.

It is crucial to speak about these symptoms, if you are experiencing them, just as you would if you had a physical symptom or complaint.

Please call 1800 359359 to speak with our nurses about any concerns you may have. If you would like to find out about additional services, please click here to view HSE mental health services.

GP Services

Your GP is often the first point of contact for accessing mental health assistance. While discussing mental health concerns with your GP may initially feel challenging, remember that they are there to help and can provide guidance on available resources. In cases of crisis or emergency, there are numerous helplines available for immediate assistance. Click here for GP Out of Hours Services.

Additional Services 

Pieta House provides free therapeutic support. They can be contacted 24 hours a day by phone on 1800 247 247.
They also offer a text service – Text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply).

Visit Pieta for more information.

Samaritans provide a free support service and are available 24 hours a day on freephone 116 123. Visit Samaritans for more information.

Text About It is a free, anonymous messaging service which is operational 24/7. To engage with this text HELLO to 50808.  Providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through a mental health or emotional crisis. Visit Text About It for more information.