Bridport mayor, councillor Ian Bark, is reminding residents that they are not alone and help is out there.

In his most recent blog, Cllr Bark is focusing on mental health and reminding people to look after their mental health as they would their physical health.

He said: "Mental wellbeing has been one of the most talked about impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"It does not matter if you are six or 60, whether we acknowledge it or not, all of our lives have been impacted upon.

"The degree to which that impacts manifests itself varies from person to person, some find it easy to share their feelings and seek support and others are more reticent to do so."

Your mental wellbeing is as important as your physical health

"Looking after your mental wellbeing is important not only for you, but also for those around you. When you feel at odds with the world it not only affects your ability to cope but also impacts on others.

"The stresses caused by loss of income, furlough, home-schooling, bereavement, shielding, being locked down etc can impact upon and manifest themselves in different ways.

"Not wishing to lose face is a natural reaction, as human beings we are extremely proud creatures. But this can very quickly become a very dangerous response."

Your mental wellbeing - the warning signals to look out for

Cllr Bark says to keep an eye out for:

• Irritability

• Isolation

• Tearful

• Withdrawal from things you used to like

• Drinking/eating too much and drugs

• Poor sleep

• Mood changes

• Loss of energy

• Feeling anxious

Your mental wellbeing - some strategies to help improve/manage it

Here are some simple self-help measures:

• Relaxation sessions

• Meditation

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy courses

• Getting out in nature

• Listen to music or a story

• Read a newspaper instead of social media

• Watch 'Winterwatch' - a recent programme all about wellbeing

• Switch off your mobile phone an hour before going to bed

• Talk to someone - your partner, a close friend or even a stranger

• Remember there is always change in life - you can manage it with the right support

Some useful contacts

• Bridport Medical Centre - Bridportmedicalcentre.co.uk 01308 421896

• Burrough Harmony Centre - harmonydropin.org.uk 07918 486126

• NHS Community Front Rooms - dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk

• Steps2Wellbeing - steps2wellbeing.co.uk

• Samaritans - Samaritans.org

• Citizens Advice Bridport - bridportca.org.uk 0800 144 8848

To read the mayor's full blog, visit Bridport-tc.gov.uk