Staying Supported Over the Bank Holiday
The bank holiday is approaching, bringing with it a long weekend. While many local services might be closing their doors for the break, you can still access Open Mental Health for support whenever you need it. We are here for the Somerset community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you never have to face a difficult moment alone.
Coping with the Holiday
For some, a long weekend is a chance to reset, enjoy the warmer weather, or catch up with loved ones. However, for many of us, bank holidays can bring their own collection of challenges.
When we are dealing with anxiety or a low mood, the pressure to take part in social activities can seem overwhelming, and the idea of going on days out may cause financial concerns. It is fine to choose cheap and low-pressure activities instead of more expensive ones. For parents and carers, having the children away from school and having to cope with disrupted routines can also lead to greater stress.
If we have lost someone dear to us, the unoccupied chair at a family gathering can make grief feel particularly sharp. For those of us living with eating disorders or difficult relationships with food or alcohol, the focus on barbecues, social drinking, or large meals can be a source of considerable stress.
Whatever you are feeling, please know that you don’t have to put on a brave face just because it’s a holiday.
Practical Steps for the Long Weekend
Bank holidays often mean changes to local services. To help things run smoothly:
Order Medications Early: Make sure to request any repeat prescriptions well in advance so you don’t run out while services are closed.
Check Pharmacy Hours: Check your local pharmacy’s bank holiday opening hours, as these often change over a long weekend.
Medical Support: If you need urgent healthcare advice that isn’t a 999 emergency, support is available 24/7 via NHS 111.
Gentle Ways to Look After Yourself
If the upcoming break feels a bit daunting, here are a few ways we can look after our wellbeing:
Stick to a Gentle Routine: While holidays naturally disrupt our schedule, keeping small anchors—like waking up or eating at our usual time—can give a sense of stability.
Stay Hydrated: Warm weather can affect your mood, energy levels, and sleep, and can even interact with some medications. Keeping cool and drinking plenty of water is a simple way to care for your physical and mental health.
Set Boundaries with Socialising: It is fine to say no or to leave a gathering early if you feel your social battery running low.
Spend Time in Nature: Somerset is beautiful this time of year. A short trip out in the fresh air can be a simple way to clear your head. If we are unable to get outside, simply opening a window to listen to the birds, or spending some time looking after houseplants, can be lovely ways to bring the outside in. For gentle exercises you can do from a chair, check out this NHs guidance.
Be Kind to Yourself: If you find things difficult, try to speak to yourself using the same compassion you would offer a friend.
OMH Wellbeing Kit: For more ideas, we have put together a Wellbeing Kit packed with resources to help you stay grounded and manage your mental health throughout the year. You can find it here >>
Support Options Over the Bank Holiday
If you find yourself struggling over the bank holiday, please get in touch. You don’t need a diagnosis to ask for help—you just need to feel like you could use some support.
Mindline Somerset offers a 24/7 emotional and mental wellbeing support helpline. Whether you just need a friendly voice to listen or are in a moment of crisis, the team at Mindline Somerset is here for you.
Crisis Safe Space: If you feel you are in a mental health crisis and need a safe, non-clinical environment to talk to someone either remotely or in person, Crisis Safe Space provides a quiet place to get support. These appointments can help prevent a situation from escalating and can help you find a way forward.
To arrange a Crisis Safe Space appointment, please call Mindline on the number below or book an appointment via our website at the link above.
We hope you have a peaceful and steady bank holiday weekend. Remember, we are only a phone call away.
Call Mindline Somerset anytime.
📞 Locally 01823 276892
📞 Freephone 0800 138 1692