How lifelong learning can boost your mental health
After decades of neglect and stigma, mental health is at the forefront of the news agenda and, as more and more people start to discuss mental health openly we’re understanding what can help us to stay well and be mentally healthy.
Results from the National Survey for Wales 2016-17, found that 8% of adults (aged 16 and older) living in Wales reported a mental health disorder.
Campaigns such as Time to Change Wales have sparked a movement that is transforming how we feel and think about mental health and how prepared we are to talk about our own experiences without fear of stigma. However, we know many people still do not come forward and are unable to talk to health professionals or even friends and family about their feelings.
With so many people dealing with these conditions and changing perceptions there’s been a significant increase in information on what you can do. Advice includes what to eat, apps to download and exercise regimes to help manage mental health problems.
A balanced diet and regular exercise are well evidenced ways of managing mental health, but something that isn’t discussed as regularly is how maintaining an active brain can also help with mental health.
Ahead of Adult Learners’ Week, which celebrates lifelong learning, whether work-based, as part of a community education course, at college, university or online, we spoke to Sara Moseley, Director of Mind Cymru and discussed the benefits of learning later in life, in relation to nurturing a healthy mind.
Darllenwch yr erthygl lawn yma here.