STRESS, sleeplessness and anxiety are worryingly common among Coventry residents, a new NHS study has revealed.
Public Health England (PHE) is encouraging adults to look after their mental health as part of a campaign to be piloted across the West Midlands.
The Every Mind Matters campaign has been launched today on World Mental Health Day (Wednesday 10 October).
About two thirds of people in Coventry say they experience low moods, anxiety, stress and trouble sleeping frequently or occasionally, the West Midlands-wide survey found.
Sleeplessness is the most common problem in the city, with half of residents experiencing this routinely or sporadically.
About 45 per cent of people say they experience stress and 42 per cent suffer low moods or depressive tendencies occasionally or frequently.
The survey also found that around 60 per cent in Coventry say they look after their physical health on a weekly basis, but only 36 per cent look after their mental health as regularly.
In the survey, Coventry was below the regional average on many indicators of poor mental health – with only sleeplessness above the average.
A PHE spokesperson said the new campaign highlights that while we can all experience mental problems there are simple actions we can take to manage them and prevent these issues from becoming more serious.
The campaign encourages people to visit the Every Mind Matters guide.
It is a free NHS-approved online resource, which provides expert advice, practical tips, and experiences from real people to help manage these issues and those of others.
The NHS advises that having good mental health can help us feel and function better, have more positive relationships with those around us and deal with and manage difficult times now and into the future.
Coventry Resident Graham Ricketts who experienced depression and anxiety said: “Having faced my feelings of low mood and acknowledged my anxiety, I have regained my confidence.
“I recognise that a lot of these feelings come from worrying about things we have no control over.
“It is important that we realise when we are taking on too much, it’s a case of not running before we can walk.
“I like to focus on what I can do, so I volunteer by leading a self-help course as I believe I can call on my own experience and understanding to help others.”
Director of Health and Wellbeing with PHE West Midlands Dr Lola Abudu said: “With the pressures of modern life, it’s normal to feel stressed, anxious, low or have trouble sleeping some of the time.
“But when these become overwhelming or frequent they can manifest into a more serious problem.
“Our campaign helps you take your mental health into your own hands, so you can protect and improve your own mental health and that of others.”
To access the Every Mind Matters digital platform, including expert-led videos, and create your own action plan to help look after your mental health, visit:
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
