SRG Minds
Welcome to the self-reliant group Mental Health Resource Page
You are not alone!
Thanks to Trust Leeds’ self-reliant group members sharing their experiences, tips and support, this website page helps you to find encouragement and support, with resources inspired by members, for members (and anyone else!).
Thanks also to support from:
- Leeds Trinity University nursing students including Hawa, Maryam and Linda
- Sarah from Forum Central
- Trust Leeds SRG Members including Carol, Sarah, Iram, Anne-marie, Karen, Amanda and Leeanne
- Members from the Menopause SRG Day Camp and Menopause Self-Reliant Group
- Leeds Community Foundation, 100% Digital Leeds, and Forum Central
Introduction
Mental health matters. Looking after your mental health is just as important as taking care of your body. It helps you feel good, handle life’s ups and downs, and enjoy the things that matter most!
When your mind is in a healthy place, it is so much easier to build strong relationships, stay focused, and handle stress.
Everyone has difficult days, but checking in with yourself, talking to somebody you trust, and making time for rest or enjoyable activities can make a huge difference.
Taking care of your mental health isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being gentle with yourself and reaching out for support when you need it.
Description
This web resource project was inspired by our SRG members. YOU!
You inspire and share and support each other in so many ways. It is amazing to see how being a member of a self-reliant group helps us all.
Us student nurses have been gathering your words of wisdom, ideas and suggestions together on a digital community placement with trust Leeds co-ordinated all your expertise to share with others.
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Experiencing physical symptoms of anxiety is more common than you might think. It can feel scary, especially if it seems to come out of nowhere, but these symptoms are your body’s natural way of responding to a perceived threat – even if that ‘threat’ isn’t dangerous. Recognising the symptoms of anxiety can help you feel more in control. Here are some of the most common symptoms to look out for:
- Fast heart rate
- Heart palpitations
- Sickness or nausea
- Shaking or tremors
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- Fast breathing
- Panic attacks
Top Tips for a Healthy Mind
- Find a safe space and a supportive group where you can share your feelings.
- Get outside and do an activity you enjoy. This could be as small as going for a coffee or as ambitious as hiking a mountain!
- Do something practical to take care of yourself, even if it’s as minor as just brushing your hair.
- Pay attention to the present moment and take in your surroundings. This is the basis of mindfulness!
- Give to others. By sharing your time and your story, you might encourage others to be more open.
- Be physically active. Try a new sport, hit the gym, or get outside for an extra dog walk.
- Sleep well and practise sleep hygiene. No screens an hour before bed, keep your room cool and dark, and aim for 8-10 hours of quality sleep!
- Keep to a healthy diet for optimal intake of vitamins and nutrients. This includes drinking plenty of water!
- Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself and reach out for help when needed.
- Be gentle on yourself. Good mental health takes time, practice, and kindness.
SRG Members' Stories
Sarah’s Story
Sarah is a mum who has faced challenges with her mental health, including depression and feeling suicidal.
When she first went to the doctor to voice her concerns, she didn’t feel truly heard. She was given old leaflets, which made her worry that the services were outdated or no longer available. Some of the links she was given led to paid services she couldn’t afford, which left her feeling even more discouraged.
Sarah joined a self-reliant group, seeking a safe space where she could share and be heard. Joining her group made Sarah feel empowered and proud, especially as her daughter was able to join in with her.
Sarah says she still has bad days but now feels able to bounce back. She feels like a better mum and a stronger version of herself.
Amanda’s Story
Amanda is a part of The Angels self-reliant group. She often finds it hard to leave the house and socialise, which has a negative effect on her mental health.
Since joining The Angels, Amanda has noticed a big difference in herself. The support from other members has helped her to feel more at ease, and she now feels comfortable taking part in group activities, especially arts and crafts.
Amanda has been able to move at her own pace and make progress in a way that feels right for her.
Julie’s Story
Julie has faced some big challenges with anxiety, which for a long time kept her indoors. The constant feelings of worry made it hard for her to even step outside, and it also impacted her eating habits, which took a toll on her overall well-being.
But since joining the SRG group, things have started to change. She’s slowly become more comfortable going outside, and now really enjoys the fresh air and sunshine, something that’s helped lift her mood.
Julie’s also made a conscious effort to eat more healthily, which has helped her feel stronger and more like herself again.
Her journey is a great example of how small, supported steps can lead to meaningful change.
Annemarie’s Story
Annemarie from the Well-being Warriors SRG said “I faced a lot of challenges at home before, particularly because I have cerebral palsy, which I was allowing to hold me back.
Joining my SRG has enabled me to step out of the house more and meet new people. It has truly given me a new lease of life.
Through this experience, I have also been able to advocate for others who are struggling with mental health problems and disabilities.
In our group, we create crafts to sell and raise money for our initiatives, which gives me a strong sense of purpose.”
Shazz’s Story
Shazz, a member of The Angels self-reliant group, joined because she was struggling with her mental health, particularly anxiety and depression.
She shared that she didn’t have much support from her family, which made things even harder, especially as a mum of two daughters.
Going through those tough moments alone was incredibly difficult, and she found it heartbreaking knowing her children were witnessing her pain.
That’s when she made the brave decision to take control of her life and focus on her mental health and wellbeing.
By joining a supportive, welcoming, and non-judgmental community, Shazz found a place where she felt valued and cared for.
SRG Members’ Quotes
Where To Get Help?
Finding effective tools to support your mental health can make a significant difference in your well-being. Below is list of websites and apps designed to provide accessible, practical, and supportive resources for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and overall mental wellness!
Mindwell Leeds
A friendly, straightforward website for adults with lists, tips, information and support signposts. Recommended!
NHS Website
This is the place to start for NHS mental health support: from urgent support, symptoms, services and guidance on seeing medical help in Leeds.
LiveWell Leeds
A list of community-based group mental health support offers for people in Leeds.
Mind
The place to go for information, support, your legal rights and young people’s support.
Mental Health Foundation UK
A more strategic site for those who want to dig deep – ‘How To’ guides and an A-Z list of topics.
Rethink Mental Illness
www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/about-mental-illness
A place where there is help for severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, advice on housing, social care, and benefits.
Mindshift CBT – Anxiety Relief
A free, evidence-based app that helps teens and adults manage anxiety through practical CBT tools like thought journals, coping strategies, and mood tracking.
Smiling Mind: Mental Wellbeing
A free app offering structured mindfulness programs for all ages.
Calm
The Calm app is free to download and offers a limited selection of content at no cost. This includes features like timed meditations (found under the ‘Less Guidance’ category in the ‘Meditation’ section), breathing exercises, mood tracking, select sleep stories, and some music tracks.
Finch: Self-Care Pet
A free to download and use app offering a range of features without requiring payment.
While the app does offer a premium subscription called Finch Plus, many users find the free version sufficient for their self-care needs.
Finch is a gamified self-care app where you nurture a virtual pet- your “birb”- by completing real-life self-care tasks.
As you engage in activities like journaling, setting goals, or practicing mindfulness, your “birb” gains energy to embark on adventures, unlocking new items and stories along the way.
