World Mental Health Day: tips for looking after your mental health

October 2023

On World Mental Health Day (10 October 2023), we are sharing tips from WAY members and supporters for looking after your mental health following the death of a partner.

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• "Getting outside for a walk every day with my dog was a real help! The fresh air and exercise were a positive impact on my mental health."
• "Take it one day at a time so you do not get overwhelmed. Especially in the early days."
• "The chores can wait. Go easy on yourself. You won't get everything done and that is ok!"
• "Try and do something for yourself once a week. It doesn't need to be anything big - it could be as simple as a face mask or a drink with a friend."
• "Don't be afraid to ask for help - speak to people you trust and let them support you."
• "Be kind to yourself. If you wouldn't say it to a friend, don't say it to yourself"
• "Try to eat healthy foods, even if you may not feel like eating at all."

Nutritionist Sabine Horner and Yoga Instructor Orla Blackburn also shared their tips recently for self care in grief.

Here are some important things to remember if you are struggling:

• We all have good and bad days – you are not alone.
• Talk to others – the WAY community is here for you and totally understand what you are going through. 
• Reflect on your mental well being and think about the things that you can do to boost your mood.

Stories from our members:

Did you know 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem each year. That could be a family member, a friend, a colleague, or it could be you. WAY Ambassador Norman Smart shares his advice for looking after your mental health.

Eight years after her partner Marky died, WAY Widowed and Young member Aimee shares how she overcame agoraphobia and anxiety to find a new way forward, with support from her WAY friends.

For International Men’s Day 2022, WAY member and widowed dad Ric Hart recorded a video for us about why it’s so important to reach out for support from others who understand what you’re going through.

WAY member Kate shared how she is determined to turn the devastating loss of her partner Matt into a positive force to help people talk more openly about death and suicide for Suicide Awareness Month 2023