Your Comments: Mental Health Awareness Week

Digestive symptoms and conditions can have a real impact upon every-day life, that our community sometimes find others can underestimate. Managing pain, being unable to predict symptoms from day-to-day and anxiety surrounding accessing near-by toilet facilities are just a few of the worries for our community. The coronavirus pandemic for many has caused additional worry and anxiety for many. We reached out to you and asked for your tips, suggestions and comments this Mental Health Awareness Week. Here’s what you said:

Trees are not just for hippies and tree huggers. They are living organisms and a few minutes quiet contemplation in their close company can make me feel calm and peaceful, especially at this time of year.

 – Patrick

I listen to music and go for a long run. It’s helps to clear my mind, boost my mood and relieves my chronic gut pain. I also make plans to look forward to in the future and I write down small goals to work towards (one day at a time) as it gives me something to focus on.
At the moment not having anything to look forward to due to Covid-19 has certainly throw in a hurdle I’ve not faced, since learning how to cope better with my mental health, but I know this won’t last forever and there will always be things to look forward to, even if that’s in a years time.

– Jessica

Your work is very important. Well done. Keep it up. Thank you. I am sure I am not the only one whose gut problems have lead to extreme depression, anxiety (health-related) and panic attacks – all incurable by doctors, psychiatrists, etc. Anything to make one persons life bearable could literally be a matter of life or death.

– Sylvia

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, I feel it’s very important not to over watch the news and just access the information you need access to e.g. updates on briefings. I think if you have been in an ICU setting particularly, you may understand that some of the reporting can trigger these memories of when you were in ICU.
Alongside this, it is really important to keep as much of a routine as possible and make time for a balance between leisure, work and self care. The more familiar you are with a routine, the less tired you may feel – it works for me.
The gym is shut but I’ve been going for walks with my dog which has helped me maintain wellbeing. I’ve also been video calling with friends, it’s works to stay connected with people in times apart.

– Beccie

I have chronic pain and constant fatigue which I manage with diet & medication. For my mental health I keep to a daily routine & look after myself eating healthily, keeping busy doing things I enjoy like walking, yoga, gardening & yoga allowing myself plenty of time to rest. Speaking to family & friends regularly also helps.

– Ruth 

About us:

Guts UK’s vision is of a world where digestive diseases are better understood, better treated and everyone who lives with one gets the support they need.

Our information team are here to help those with digestive symptoms and conditions. We hear from our community everyday. Many are confused about their symptoms, feeling lost, frustrated and struggling to receive a diagnosis. We are passionate about providing expert, evidence-based information to patients. Together we can reach and help more people. Support our work by donating today.

Are you in a mental health crisis? Then call 111, option 2. NHS First Response Service.