At Coda Pharmacy, we’ve seen a steady rise in people struggling with their mental health. It’s such an important part of our overall wellbeing, yet it’s something that can easily slip down the list when life gets busy. Even small changes in your daily routine can make a real difference to how you feel. Here’s how you can start taking simple steps toward better mental health.
In the UK, around one in four people will experience a mental health problem each year. That means almost every family, workplace, and community is touched by mental health struggles in some way. These challenges can range from stress and anxiety to more serious conditions like depression or bipolar disorder. Despite how common they are, mental health issues are still often misunderstood or go untreated, which is why raising awareness and encouraging open conversations is so important.
Common triggers for mental health struggles include:
- Stressful life events: such as bereavement, divorce, job loss, or financial worries.
- Work-related stress: including burnout, high workloads, or lack of work–life balance.
- Physical health problems: chronic illness, pain, or hormonal changes can affect mood and resilience.
- Past trauma or abuse: early life experiences or traumatic events can have lasting emotional effects.
- Sleep problems: poor sleep or irregular patterns can make it harder to manage stress and emotions.
- Loneliness and isolation: feeling disconnected from others can increase anxiety or low mood.
- Substance use: alcohol or drug use can both mask and worsen mental health difficulties.
- Lack of support: not having someone to talk to or feeling misunderstood can make struggles harder to manage.
Simple ways to show up for yourself
A quiet morning walk:
When your mental health is low, even getting up in the morning can feel heavy. The thought of going for a walk might seem like too much, but stepping outside can be a quiet way to care for yourself. A slow morning walk gives you space to breathe and notice the world around you, which can gently shift your mood. It’s not about productivity or fitness, it’s simply a way of showing yourself a bit of kindness and reminding yourself that you matter, even on the hard days.
Time spent away from screens:
Taking time away from your phone or laptop can do more for your mental health than you might expect. Constant scrolling and notifications can leave your mind feeling crowded and restless. Stepping back, even for a short while, gives your thoughts room to settle and helps you reconnect with what’s happening around you. Whether it’s sitting with a cup of tea, spending time outside, or just letting your mind wander, those moments without a screen can bring a sense of calm and clarity that’s easy to lose in the rush of everyday life.
Eating a clean, balanced diet:
Eating well is one of the simplest ways to support your mental health, but it can be hard to prioritise when you’re feeling low or busy. Choosing fresh, balanced foods and keeping your body nourished helps stabilise your energy and mood throughout the day. It’s not about strict diets or cutting things out, it’s about giving yourself the care and fuel your mind and body need to cope better. Small, steady changes like cooking a proper meal or drinking enough water can remind you that you’re looking after yourself in a real, practical way.
Staying on top of your health:
Keeping on top of your health plays a big part in supporting your mental wellbeing. Regular check-ups help catch small issues before they become bigger problems and give you peace of mind that you’re taking care of yourself. At Coda Pharmacy, we know that managing prescriptions and appointments can sometimes feel like another thing on the list, especially when life feels overwhelming. That’s why our free NHS prescription delivery service is here to make things a little easier, so you can stay consistent with your medication and focus on feeling your best without added stress.
If you’re finding things really hard and your mental health is starting to feel unmanageable, it’s important to reach out for help. You don’t have to go through it alone, and there is support available. Speaking to your GP, a pharmacist, or a mental health professional can be the first step toward feeling better. Sometimes even opening up to a friend or family member can make things feel a little lighter. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign that you value your wellbeing and are taking steps to look after yourself.
Please see below for some valuable contacts to help you through this difficult time:
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m struggling with my mental health but don’t know where to start? It can feel overwhelming to take the first step, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Try speaking to your GP, pharmacist, or a trusted friend about how you’re feeling. They can help you find the right support, whether that’s talking therapies, medication, or local wellbeing services.
Can looking after my physical health really improve my mental health? Yes. Regular movement, eating nourishing foods, and keeping up with medical check-ups all play a role in how you feel mentally. Taking care of your body helps regulate your mood, energy levels, and sleep, all of which can support better mental wellbeing.
How can Coda Pharmacy help me manage my health more easily? Coda Pharmacy offers a free NHS prescription delivery service, helping you stay on top of your medication without the added stress of collecting it in person. We’re here to make managing your health simpler, so you can focus more on feeling your best.
Coda Pharmacy is here to support you every step of the way. From offering expert advice to delivering your NHS prescriptions free of charge. If you have any questions about what you have read in this article or any of the services that Coda Pharmacy can provide you with, please do not hesitate to reach out and contact us here.
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