Mental Health Fitness Hub
Build your mental fitness, one step at a timeFind tools and guidance to help strengthen your mental wellbeing, and build your understanding of some key mental health topics.
Mental Health Awareness Week (11–17 May) also takes place this month, with a focus on taking “action”. This is a great opportunity to take some positive steps for your health and explore the support available to you.
What are the benefits of working on your mental fitness?
Stay focused and present in the moment
More control over negative thoughts
Boost confidence and positivity
Build resilience to help with life's challenges
Improved sleep quality
What is mental fitness?
Tools and guidance to help build mental fitness
Set healthy boundaries
The article looks at the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and things to consider to prevent overwhelm and support you to feel more in control.
Strengthen your financial wellbeing
PayPlan have recorded 10 top tips to help you address any money worries and build financial resilience.
Explore the benefits of physical activity on mental health
This video explores the link between exercise and mental health, and how staying active can help with symptoms relating to stress, anxiety and depression.
Create a Wellness Action Plan
Using this tool can help you gain a better work-life balance, build self-awareness, and identify when support is needed early.
Managing anxiety:
On-demand webinar
This webinar explores:
- What anxiety is
- Our fight or flight response
- How cognitive behavioural therapy can help
- Self-help tools/techniques for anxiety
- Further signposting
Test your knowledge with our 'Myth or Fact' quiz!
Supporting yourself and others
Recognising when you may need more support
Looking after your mental wellbeing includes recognising when you might need extra support and reaching out when you do.
Below are some examples from Mind of when you may want to seek help. However, you don’t need to wait until things feel severe or overwhelming – it’s ok to ask for support at any point.
You may wish to seek further help if you’re:
- Worrying more than usual
- Finding it hard to enjoy your day-to-day life
- Experiencing thoughts or feelings that feel difficult to cope with
- Noticing your mental wellbeing is impacting your daily activities
- Interested in exploring additional support or treatment
Taking the first step can feel difficult, but there are a number of ways to access support. You could talk to someone you trust, make an appointment with your GP, speak to a trained counsellor or therapist, or contact an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) if your organisation provides one.
We’ve put some guidance together on approaching a conversation about mental health here.
Supporting others around you
Talking to someone about their mental health can feel daunting, but small actions can make a meaningful difference.
Being present, listening without judgement, and showing empathy and kindness can help someone feel supported. Try to acknowledge what they’re experiencing and remind them they’re not alone.
If appropriate, you can gently encourage them to seek professional support, whether through a GP, therapist, or workplace services. Checking in regularly and creating a supportive environment can help them feel valued and understood.
Supporting your wider community
Supporting others in your community – whether through volunteering or simply being there for a friend, colleague or neighbour – can have a positive impact for everyone involved.
Helping others doesn’t just benefit them; it can also support your own mental wellbeing by building connection and a sense of purpose.
Volunteering doesn’t always have to be in person. There are also opportunities to contribute remotely. You may find the following organisations helpful if you’d like to get involved:
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- British Red Cross – including online volunteering opportunities.
- Age UK – virtual and in-person roles.
- NHS England – volunteering opportunities across services.
- Volunteer Scotland – a range of local and national roles.
Check your organisational support options
It can be helpful to understand what mental health support is available through your organisation.
You may have access to:
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), offering confidential 24/7 support.
- Wellbeing champions or mental health first aiders who can guide you to available resources.
- Digital wellbeing platforms with tools, resources, and self-help guidance.
If you’re unsure what’s available, consider speaking to your line manager or HR team.
Critical support
Suicide prevention
This video explores common myths about suicide, outlines possible warning signs to be aware of, and shares practical ways you can support yourself or others.
Interested in mental health workshops for your team?
Did you know we provide targeted mental health interventions to help support the wellbeing and resilience of your people? This includes mental health first aider training, and workshops across topics such as stress, anxiety, depression and suicide prevention. If you manage health and wellbeing for your organisation, speak to your Optima Health representative to learn more.
Real experiences: Feedback from using an EAP for support
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) can play an important role in supporting mental health and wellbeing. The following quotes highlight how individuals have benefited from using these services. Check with your organisation if you have access to an EAP, which can provide 24/7 mental health support.
“I am so pleased I contacted the EAP when I did.”
The counsellor grasped the complicated issues very quickly, and supported me through the most challenging period of my career. Their understanding, flexibility and genuine care given was simply superb. I am so pleased I contacted the EAP when I did.
“I found the experience very helpful.”
Initially I was reluctant to have counselling sessions, as I was not sure what to expect. But I found the experience very helpful, especially the input given by the councillor, and their ability to listen to my concerns. I am very thankful for their support and understanding.
“They seemed to “get” me straight away.”
My counsellor was brilliant. They were professional, friendly and understanding. They seemed to “get” me straight away, and also made observations about things we discussed, that helped me reflect and organise my thoughts.
Further signposting
Every Mind Matters – Tools and resources across different wellbeing topics.
Mind – Access online support and information on a range of mental health conditions.
Samaritans – Call 116 123 for free emotional support, available 24/7.
CALM – Charity dedicated to preventing suicide and supporting people who are struggling with their mental health
CIPD – Provides guidance for HR on a broad range of topics, including mental health.
Health and Safety Executive – Guidance for employers on stress and mental health at work.
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