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THE MARTIN GALLIER PROJECT
Photo credit : Dan Bentley , Humans of Wirral
Wirral Life talk to Jess Gallier , founder of The Martin Gallier Project , about mental health and wellbeing .
Is it normal to have struggled with maintaining positive mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic ? Absolutely , the pandemic has affected us all in different ways . For many of us we have had to live our lives in totally different ways than we ever have before , we have been isolated from our friends , family and wider support during a time of extreme uncertainty . It is completely understandable that continuing with day to day tasks and simply putting one foot in front of the other has posed its own challenges . Many of us have had to tackle the world of home-schooling and working remotely , some of us have been furloughed or even lost our employment . Financial worries , lack of job security , health anxiety and uncertainty are all factors that contribute negatively towards our mental wellbeing .
Is it common to feel worried or concerned about life returning to “ normal ” life ? Yes , it is really common to be feeling a little bit uncertain about returning to the new normal . What will it look like ? How will it pan out ? Will it be weird interacting face to face again ? Are we likely to find ourselves here again ? Ultimately , none of us know the answers and we can ’ t control the uncontrollable . All we can control as individuals is the way we react and respond to these scenarios . This is much easier to do if we are able to focus on maintaining our own positive wellbeing , practicing self-care and improving our mental state .
What signs should I look out for in myself or others that suggest we may need some support ? There ’ s no hard and fast rule to this . Changes in sleep or appetite could indicate that an individual may need some support . Being uncharacteristically quiet , withdrawn or tearful , changes in drug or alcohol consumption , feelings of helplessness or worthlessness . Essentially any changes in behaviour or personality could indicate that help is needed .
How can I support someone in my bubble with their wellbeing , mental health or thoughts of suicide . Ask the question and follow your gut . You don ’ t have to be a doctor to support someone you care about , a colleague or even a stranger . The first step to finding out if someone is struggling is asking the question clearly and directly . The worst you can do is feel silly , the best you can do is save a life . Hold the space , explain that although you might not understand what they are going through you are there to listen . Looking for some self help strategies together may just end up helping you both . Know your limits and when to seek support from a professional .
What can I do to improve my own wellbeing ? Wellbeing isn ’ t a one size fits all hoodie , it ’ s a tailor-made suit . We all need a toolbox full of simple tricks that we can use to improve our wellbeing at any time , and these are extremely individual . Whilst meditation , exercise or journalling may be extremely helpful for one person ’ s toolbox , they may not fit in another . Prioritising our wellbeing is something that we can all work towards fairly easily . Small changes to our lifestyle can have a big impact on our mindset . The Martin Gallier Project has used their expert knowledge to create an online platform to guide you through all things wellbeing . More tips and tricks can be found at www . compass-wellbeing . com .
Is there anything I can do to support my employees as COVID restrictions ease and we return to the workplace ? Supporting employees and colleagues should be our number one priority as they return to traditional ways of working , continue to work remotely or return from furlough . Again , no organisation is the same . The Martin Gallier Project can advise and support with bespoke Workplace Wellbeing packages for employers of all sizes . Details can be found at www . themartingallierproject . org .
What should I do if I , or someone I know , is struggling with mental ill health or considering suicide ? Help is readily available both nationally and locally . The Wirral has an exceptional range of mental health support provision including Wirral Mind , Involve North West , Talking Together and Men Too . The team of Suicide Intervention Workers at The Martin Gallier Project are on hand 7 days a week from 9.30am to 4.30pm , to offer non-clinical suicide interventions to any adult considering suicide in the North West . The team can also offer advice and support to those supporting a loved one , professionals seeking guidance about an adult they are working with , or those who have sadly been bereaved by suicide .
Support can be accessed via www . themartingallierproject . org , triage @ gallierhouse . co . uk or 0151 644 0294 .
If you , or someone else are in immediate danger always dial 999 . Samaritans are available to talk 24 hours a day on 116 123 .
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