Are you feeling low, anxious or lonely?
Connecting with others can make all the difference if you are struggling with your mental wellbeing.
Here are some ideas.
- Get involved with local community activities, such as singing, walking groups, book clubs and bingo.
- Help others, as volunteering can be a great way to stay involved and meet new people.
- Invite a friend round for a cup of tea or keep in touch by phone.
- Try to do something every day and plan small things to look forward to.
- Learn to love computers so you can connect with others online and browse the web – there is local digital support available to help you get started.
Your local social prescribing service can help you connect with people and can be accessed through health and social care teams or your local GP surgery.
Memory loss
Not all problems to do with our brain are caused by dementia and many are reversible. It is important to contact your GP surgery if you have concerns about memory loss or brain function such as:
- struggling to remember recent events
- forgetting the names of close friends or everyday objects
- lack of concentration such as putting your keys or wallet in the wrong place
- loss of motivation to do things
- losing track of what you are saying
- finding everyday tasks confusing to perform
- changes in your personality, mood, behaviour or social functioning.
Some conditions make us more at risk of developing dementia but there are also things we can do to help reduce the risk.
Do
- Make sure your hearing is as good as it can be by accessing hearing services
- Try to exercise regularly
- Aim to reduce smoking by accessing stop smoking services
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol (less than three units per day)
- Ensure someone is keeping an eye on your blood pressure
- Look after your diabetes, if you are living with this condition
- Keep an eye on your weight as obesity can increase your risk
- Connect with other people socially as this helps keep your brain active
- Relax and aim to get a good night’s sleep (eight hours)
If you are concerned about your memory or have a diagnosis of dementia
Dementia Support Norfolk and Waveney is provided by the Alzheimer’s Society and can give you personalised help and advice face-to-face or over the phone. Depending on your needs, they can offer you information and signposting or ongoing support regardless of whether you are worried about your memory, have a diagnosis of dementia or are a carer, family or friend.
Dementia services in Suffolk (excluding Waveney) are provided by Shaftesbury Suffolk Memory and Dementia Support. Their trained advisors will listen, answer your questions and provide you with tailored information to meet your needs, either on the phone or face-to-face.
