The good weather is a reminder of the importance of looking after our mental health as fatigue, tiredness and sleeplessness can take a toll on our mental wellbeing.
While many of us are basking in the sunshine, the good weather also provides mental health challenges including increased anxiety, tiredness and stress.
The mental health charity, GROW, which holds free weekly support meetings in Athlone, is reminding people of the importance of being mindful of their mental health and wellbeing and to reach out to others who may feel isolated or alone.
Ms. Assumpta Lyons, GROW’s County Westmeath area co-ordinator, explains how the good weather can often be associated with added stress and anxiety.
'One in four people in Ireland experience serious mental health difficulties at some stage in their lives so maintaining positive mental health and wellbeing is vitally important for us all,' she emphasises.
'When the weather is sunny, we can automatically think that it lifts our mood but sometimes, it can bring added stresses such as increased fatigue, sleepless nights, tiredness and associated anxiety.
Also, if the sun is shining and we are struggling mentally, emotionally or physically, we often tend to blame ourselves for feeling bad. This can be detrimental to our mental health and wellbeing,' adds Assumpta.
GROW is dedicated to promoting positive mental health and has been helping people on the road to mental health recovery for almost 50 years. It holds free weekly peer support meeting in Athlone, all year-round including the summer months, for anyone aged over 18 who is struggling with any aspect of their mental health.
A new Athlone GROW group meets at 7.30pm each Wednesday at the National Learning Network, Belhavel Training Centre, Golden Island, Athlone. For more details, contact Assumpta on 086-8114135, email [email protected] or visit www.grow.ie
