HEALTH bosses are reminding Bury residents who may struggle to cope over the festive period that help is at hand.

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust is advising anyone feeling isolated during the Christmas and New Year period, or worried about financial pressure, that they can seek support.

The NHS service Healthy Minds Bury is open to anyone over the age of 16 who is registered with a GP, and can offer advice and help to people suffering from mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, or depression.

Examples of treatment available include group workshops or one-to-one therapy sessions with health professionals, in order to find the right type of care to suit their requirements.

Michelle Keane, a counsellor at Healthy Minds Bury, said: "While the festive period is full of cheer for many, others find that the added pressures of the season can cause difficulties.

"Struggling to cope with feelings of stress, anxiety or low mood can have an effect on your work, relationships and day-to-day life so it’s important for people to remember that you don’t have to deal with these feelings alone – there is support available.

“Anyone not feeling themselves and experiencing symptoms such as lack of motivation, tearfulness, feeling worried, change in appetite or weight, lack of energy, or disturbed sleep patterns, should seek advice.

"Evidence suggests there are also some simple steps we can all take to improve our mental wellbeing, including connecting more with people around us, taking time to be active, even if it’s just going for a walk, and being more aware of the present moment – this involves taking more notice of feelings and thoughts, a technique some people call ‘mindfulness’.”

Dr Jeff Schryer, GP and NHS Bury Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) lead for the Healthy Minds service, added: "The festive period can be a particularly difficult time for some people, but it’s important that they remain healthy and are aware of the help available if it is needed.

"If you are stressed, anxious or worried, this is nothing to be ashamed about. Through Healthy Minds, you can get the right help, supporting you to make things better. You don’t even have to see your GP to access help, just visit the website and complete an online form."

For more information: visit penninecare.nhs.uk/healthyminds