by Joe Winfield5 Free Apps to Help Cope with Anxiety
5 Free Apps to Help Cope with Anxiety
Feelings of anxiety and being overwhelmed are not uncommon and should not go unaddressed. Many of us experience anxiety and stress, especially during times of uncertainty and change – how can we manage these feelings and develop a more healthy mindset?
As a Devon charity and trust, here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, we understand how important it is to address mental health struggles and support each other. This is why we have collated some great apps and free resources to help you cope with anxiety and learn some skills to rest and relax the mind even when that feels like an uphill battle.
If you are experiencing more severe issues, please consult a mental healthcare professional.
For more advice, you can also refer to our blog on places you can turn to when you need support:
Catch It
Developed as a joint project from the Universities of Liverpool and Manchester, this app is a simple mood diary, allowing you to record your changing moods and feelings.
By tracking how your feelings shift, the app aims to teach you how to manage anxiety and stress, illustrating new ways to view problems and develop positive ways of coping.
Through questions and guidance, Catch It supports you as you make sense of your moods – users have described how useful this can often be when trying to feel calmer.
Insight Timer
This free app hosts a library of guided meditations designed to help users relax and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
The guided sessions are led by world-renowned mindfulness experts and psychologists. You will also have access to thousands of music tracks and ambient soundscapes to help you fall asleep or quiet your mind.
There are more than 1,500 meditations tailored specifically to dealing with anxiety.
Stress & Anxiety Companion
This one is great for individuals with mild to moderate anxiety and stress levels.
With techniques built around cognitive behavioural therapy, the app uses an array of breathing exercises, mindfulness games and relaxing music designed to help you set positive goals and routines and manage problematic thinking.
The Stress & Anxiety Companion is all about helping you identify why you’re feeling anxious or stressed and learning how to manage these negative thoughts.
Self-Help for Anxiety Management (SAM)
This engaging and practical app is a helpful resource for those that want to confront their anxiety and really learn how to manage it.
SAM helps you understand the causes behind your anxiety and gives you tools to monitor changing moods, thoughts and behaviours.
Through the various available self-help exercises and reflections, you can learn how to develop healthy thought patterns and actions.
What’s Up?
This free app is designed to help users cope with depression, anxiety, stress and more.
With a range of cognitive behaviour therapy and acceptance commitment therapy methods, the app provides actionable advice on overcoming negative thinking patterns, helps you put your feelings into perspective and gives tips on staying grounded during times of stress.
You can also use the diary to record thoughts and learn how to keep calm with effective breathing exercises.
Again, it should be noted that these apps should not be considered a replacement for professional help – but they can be great aids for boosting general mental health and wellbeing!
Taking to nature and enjoying activities outdoors can also work wonders for mental wellbeing and self-confidence. To find out more about how adventure breaks could help improve mental health, take a look at our blog below:
For more information about the Calvert Experience and the disability activities we offer, please get in touch.
by Joe WinfieldWhat Support is There for Mental Health?
What Support is There for Mental Health?
Looking after your mental health is essential for your wellbeing and general happiness. This, however, is often easier said than done! Understanding when you need a bit of support is a significant step in the right direction.
For those that struggle with their mental health, there are a plethora of great resources that aim to help you through a range of situations.
Our work as a dedicated Devon charity and trust makes us keenly aware of how important and beneficial it is to have access to a range of mental health organisations that listen to you no matter what.
Below, we discuss how you can seek support and what kind of resources are available to those that need it.
Seeking Support When You Need it
Seeking support is an important first step that often feels like a big hurdle to overcome.
It’s common to be unsure about reaching out when dealing with mental health challenges but accessing the resources that are right for you can help you feel empowered about making positive changes in your life and solidify that you don’t have to feel alone.
The mental health organisation Mind state that you may want to consider seeking help if you:
- Find that you are worrying more than normal.
- Feel that you are enjoying your life less.
- Experience thoughts or feelings that are difficult to cope with and have an unwelcome impact on your day-to-day life.
- Feel you want to access further support or treatment.
Even if you are not sure whether you are experiencing a specific mental health problem, you can and should always find resources to support you, whether this means talking to a mental health professional, accessing resources from a dedicated organisation or reaching out to a friend.
Talking to Others
It may sound like a generic piece of advice, but talking to others and opening up can be of genuine value when you feel like you’re struggling.
Reaching out to people you can trust and are close to can help when you’re discussing your initial options and deciding how to move forward.
If you feel you cannot talk to a friend or family member, there are many organisations out there that will listen to you and guide you to further resources.
Mental Health Charity Helplines and Organisations
In the past few years, we have seen a concerted effort to destigmatise talking about mental health and those that struggle with it. Thanks to the work of vital organisations and the individuals behind them, people who require support, whether they need an empathetic ear or are in crisis, have plenty of places to turn to.
The NHS provides a useful A-Z list of charities, organisations, helplines and support groups, covering a range of specialities and advice.
Below, you can find a more detailed look at some of these brilliant resources.
Mind
Mind provides information and support, aiming to empower those that are experiencing mental health problems while championing understanding and the improvement of mental health services.
You can access their helpline by calling 0300 123 3393 or emailing info@mind.org.uk.
Find out more about what they do and how they can help on the Mind website.
Samaritans
For immediate emotional support, the Samaritans helpline provides someone to listen to those that need to talk.
No matter how big or small your problems feel, you can call their helpline 24 hours a day at 116 123 or get in touch with someone via jo@samaritans.org.
To find out more, visit the Samaritans website or see their own list of valuable sources to find specialised support for a particular issue.
Rethink
This organisation works to transform the lives of those affected by mental illness and change the way mental health struggles are viewed.
You can call their advice line on 0300 5000 927 or email advice@rethink.org.
Again, the Rethink website is full of expert advice, information and further resources to support anyone affected by mental health problems.
Carers Trust
Carers can, of course, reach out to any of the previously mentioned charities, but Carers Trust is another resource dedicated specifically to supporting carers health and wellbeing.
Find out more on the Carers Trust website.
Turning to Your GP
If you would like to talk to someone in person, your GP can be your first port of call when seeking formal help. Some mental health services may require a referral, which a GP can take care of.
If you’re struggling with more serious mental help problems, a GP can help by:
- Making a diagnosis.
- Offering advice on treatment like therapy or medication.
- Referring you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist.
- Recommending other support options you could benefit from.
Treating ourselves kindly and embracing even the smallest victories is vital when improving our mental health and seeking the right kind of support. If you are struggling, take a look at the resources we have mentioned here or speak to a healthcare professional for tailored advice – you are never alone in your challenges.
Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, we are dedicated to supporting individuals of all abilities on our accessible activity breaks. We provide a fun and supportive environment to help our guests build confidence, gain independence and discover new experiences.
If you’d like to support the work we do, find out how you can get involved or make a donation!
by Joe WinfieldLooking After Your Mental Wellbeing as a Carer
Looking after your mental and physical wellbeing is essential as a carer. It may feel challenging because much of your time is devoted to caring for a loved one. However, it is beneficial for both you and the person you are looking after to treat yourself with appreciation.
Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, we provide outdoor adventure activities in Devon for people of all ages and abilities. We support and encourage all our guests in a safe environment in trying new experiences. In our blog, we offer our advice on the importance of taking the time to support your mental health.
Being Appreciative and Understanding Of Yourself
Understanding that you are only human is important in accepting that you can only do so much as one individual.
Acknowledge the things you can do to care for your loved one and try to identify areas where you could use some support.
It is also essential to not compare your responsibilities and feelings to other carers in a similar position. They are not you, and each circumstance will be different. Each situation will have its challenges that people outside of it may not know about or understand.
Finding Someone to Talk To
Having a listening ear that you genuinely trust can help significantly if you feel like you are struggling as a carer. The person you share your thoughts with might be another family member, a friend, or you may prefer to discuss your feelings with someone who is not familiar with your circumstances, such as a counsellor.
There is no right or wrong person to speak to, as long as you feel like you can open up to them. Talking through how you feel can help you to work out how to manage any difficult emotions. Sharing how much you do as a carer can also help others understand how they could offer additional support.
Talking might also relieve any feelings of isolation. With the responsibility of care on your shoulders, it can help you to change your perspective. If things feel like they are too much, you should try and speak to someone as soon as possible.
Making Time For Yourself
This can be hard if you feel overwhelmed by responsibilities as a carer, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. If you find that you don’t have sufficient time for yourself, working out how you can should be a priority.
One or two hours a day might help you to maintain your mental health at a healthy level. It can give you time to do something for yourself, such as exercising, socialising, or simply taking a relaxing bath. Small and consistent things to look forward to can be very uplifting as well as motivational.
Prioritising the Basics
Keeping on top of the basics is an essential part of managing your mental wellbeing. Ensuring you are getting the required amount of sleep, a healthy diet and enough exercise can all positively contribute.
Family time is an integral part of anyone’s life, and enjoying an activity holiday altogether can be just what you need. Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, we provide accessible holidays for everyone to enjoy and ensure that all our guests are supported in our activities. Why not browse our site to discover more about the holidays we provide or speak to one of our team today for more information calling 01598 763221. You can also email receptionexmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk
by Joe WinfieldThe Importance of Reaching Out to Others
The hardships of lockdown have affected us all in varying ways, with many people across the UK feeling isolated. However, it is important to know that you are not alone.
Whoever you are and whatever your circumstances, you matter.
Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, encouraging confidence in a safe and trusting environment is at the heart of what we do. Whoever you are and whatever your ability, we believe “It’s what you CAN do that counts”. We are here to support you achieve this while staying with us for one of our accessible holidays in Devon.
Checking In
Over the past few years, thankfully, there has been a surge of attention to mental health support.
For many who have had their challenges with mental health or the general hurdles that life sometimes throws at us, reaching out to seek others’ help is a turning point.
Whether this is a family member, close friend, a medical professional or a support line it is often one of the most challenging hurdles, but it is also one of the most relieving steps when helping yourself to get back on track.
However, knowing this doesn’t make it any easier. If you are struggling yourself or want to support someone you love who may be going through a difficult time, we will take a look into why reaching out can help to improve life’s overall stability.
Having a Reliable Social Network
Sometimes, being on your own for a reasonable amount of time is necessary to manage an uncertain or unsettling situation.
However, too much time on your own can also become unhealthy over a prolonged period, and, as social beings it is essential for us as humans to have a social network we can trust.
Having a listening ear and the presence of someone we can trust can help prevent, or at least ease, feelings of alienation and rumination.
Not Everyone Finds Talking Easy
For some, being openly honest about your feelings or asking for support can make you feel vulnerable, which is not an encouraging feeling.
It can feel overwhelming to talk to someone about yourself or any problems you are facing. However, it is also essential to know that those who care about you want to hear about your hardships because they want to support you.
If you talk to someone about your feelings and they haven’t quite reacted the way you thought, this is also ok. We all have different life experiences, and just because a conversation hasn’t gone as you may have hoped doesn’t mean that someone else might not understand. They will, and it is essential to know that people’s reactions are about them and not you.
Reaching Out to Someone Who is Struggling
If you know that a loved one isn’t quite themselves, sometimes giving them the space to reach out is required.
However, suppose it has been a significant amount of time that your loved one hasn’t properly connected with you. In that case, it may be time for you to open the conversation by gently letting them know you are around and care about them without pushing the issue too much. By offering open communication it will allow them to talk to you at their own pace.
Not All About Talking
As much as talking about problems can offer relief, healthy relationships aren’t always about these conversations. Simply being around and open to interactions and activities is also extremely beneficial. It shows that you are there for the good times and the hard times and are a reliable presence in someone’s life.
Strengthening Connections
If you feel like you don’t have friendships that you can rely on, it’s ok. It is never too late to find friends and join new social networks. As life changes, so can our support network.
When you have plucked up the courage, seeking out a local group in an interest of your choice, or even going on an adventure holiday, can open you up to new encounters with people who can become lifelong friends.
Take a look at our blog below to discover the benefits of an adventure activity break for your mental wellbeing.
Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, our goal is to bring people from all walks of life together. If you would like to know more about the activities and accessible holidays we offer, browse our site or contact us today by calling 01598 763221. You can also email receptionexmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk
by Joe WinfieldFive Benefits of Surfing for People with a Disability
Five Benefits of Surfing for People with a Disability
Surfing is a highly active sport that requires the focus of both mind and body. Here at the Calvert Trust Exmoor, we believe everyone should have a chance to experience and enjoy such a fun sport. Our accessible site is idyllically located near the beautiful North Devon coastal village of Croyde, where we offer surfing as an offsite activity. We are in proud partnership with both Surf South West and the Wave Project and are excited to include surfing into our current list of accessible activities. The lessons will be a step above our regular sessions, and instead of having ten people to one instructor, one to one sessions will be available for our guests.
A dedicated charity to surf therapy, an impressive 2239 young people have been involved in Wave Project courses to date. The Wave Project believes that surfing can help children and adults with disabilities, mainly by improving their feelings of anxiousness through surfing. In this article, we would like to explore how surfing benefits those who attend the sessions.
Surf Therapy Research
As a relatively recent breakthrough, surf therapy has not been thoroughly researched. However, there have been a couple of examples such as the University of Rhode Island’s study on the ‘Benefits of Surfing for Children with Disabilities: A Pilot Study’ in 2012. The study discusses how limited participation in physical activities has a wide range of adverse effects, including increased obesity and secondary health problems down the line. It also touches on the psychological impact of not completing activities for people with a disability. Our article will go on to discuss its findings on why surfing should be used to combat this.
The Wave Project also produces a yearly evaluation, which is based on the completion of questionnaires answered by participants before and after they attend a surf session, focussing on feelings of self-belief. It also advocates that providing people with disabilities the access to complete exciting and challenging activities should be wholeheartedly encouraged for both the positive mental and physical implications it can have, as our article will explore.
It Can Improve Physical Fitness
Surfing is widely acknowledged as an intense form of exercise which involves healthy levels of aerobic activity. The 2012 study by the University of Rhode Island found that overall, surfing improved the physical wellbeing of the participants, especially in terms of their upper-body strength and their levels of cardiorespiratory fitness. The reference to cardiorespiratory fitness is especially relevant to children who have physical disabilities, as it is understood that it is generally relatively low compared to those children who do not have disabilities. As a result, the study suggests that surfing is beneficial for the physical improvement for those who have disabilities.
It Offers Dedicated One to One Time
An essential part of the surf therapy sessions at the Wave Project is to ensure each attendee is looked after in a one to one environment. Where this arrangement understandably assists in health and safety precautions, it also helps to form trusting relationships between the attendees and the dedicated volunteers. One to one time with the Wave Project volunteers has been described as one of the most meaningful parts of the experience by the children who attend the surf therapy sessions with the charity. The surf therapy experience can feel enriched due to the high level of interactive instructing devoted to the children. Furthermore, it can limit distractions as outside pressures are contained in a one to one environment. This set up also encourages attendees to rely on themselves to achieve the activity under the supervision of volunteers. As a result, it may enhance feelings of independence due to the encouragement while being in a stable and committed environment.
It Provides Social Inclusion
The 2018 Wave Project Evaluation also emphasises the feeling of social inclusion which has emerged from the network of people attending the sessions. It is a sense of community that not only applies to the participants who complete the therapy but also their parents, carers and the volunteers. Some of the volunteers initially participated at the Wave Project as attendees themselves and with this empathy in mind, have successfully created an incredibly welcoming and understanding environment. Furthermore, because of the energetic nature of the activity, the friendship between instructor and child can blossom, and children don’t feel as distant as they may do in a school environment, for example.
It Supports Feelings of Confidence and Self Belief
Both research by the University of Rhode Island and the 2018 Wave Project Evaluation suggests how taking part in an organised activity has the ability to improve self-esteem. The Wave Project Evaluation in particular, found that the relationship formed between child and volunteer encouraged the sense of belonging, and therefore produced the feeling of acceptance. These feelings are incredibly important in improving a person’s self-esteem and personal perception. By sparking these feelings towards oneself, confidence can improve, and the desire to challenge oneself is boosted.
It Provides a Challenging but Fun Experience
Surfing is a truly unique sport, and teaches so many skills including balance, as well as furthering water knowledge. The Wave project discloses different stories in their Report, which emphasises the fascination and pride participants feel when completing a session. One parent from Devon describes how their child goes to school feeling elated by the fact they surf and other classmates are not familiar with the sport.
For inspiration on accessible holidays in Devon, take a look at the dedicated adventure breaks we provide. If your child is already attending an activity break, and you would like some guidance on how to get your child excited for a residential trip, take a look at our blog!