Bristol is a vibrant and lively city. However, like every other city across the UK, there are thousands of people across the city struggling with mental health issues.
Taking care of your mental health when you live in a busy city like Bristol is more important than ever, which is why we have compiled a list of tips and tricks on how to look after your mental health if you live in or around Bristol city centre.
Bristol is situated in the Southwest of the country, meaning that it is surrounded by stunning scenery and isn’t too far from the coastline.
This means that Bristol is surrounded by natural beauty, which can be great for your mental health and soul.
Below is a list of just some of the natural beauty sights that might be worth a visit if you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health.
Bristol has a fantastic harbourside which you are able to walk up and down on.
Spending time near water has been proven to reduce your anxiety and your mood, which is why so many people flock to the harbourside or coastline in order to relax [1].
There are a number of cafes and restaurants alongside the harbour in Bristol, so why not go with your loved ones for a day out or treat?
Likewise, Bristol is home to Ashton Court, where you are able to explore the grounds with forestry. At Ashton Court, you will also find a lot of wildlife including deer, which can also be great for your mental health and mindset.
Likewise, many people find Bristol’s Botanical Garden an incredibly peaceful place to relax and decompress. The Botanical Garden is home to some beautiful plants and scenery, the perfect place for contemplation and relaxation.
There is no doubt and now numerous studies that prove the link between being active and your mental health.
Put simply, the more active you are then the more likely you are to manage your mental health. Whether that is going for a long walk, a run, playing football or tennis with your friends.
As long as you are moving your body and raising your heart rate, then you are more likely to benefit from strong mental health [2].
If you are suffering from your mental health, then it might be worth joining a mental health friendly exercise group.
There are a number of exercise groups up and down the country, including Bristol.
For example, there are a number of Walk and Talk groups, which allow you to combine gentle activity with talking therapy.
Likewise, there are a number of Run, Talk Run groups in the area, including a free 5K run across Bristol that focuses on creating connections between people, as opposed to competing physically.
Likewise, there are a number of climbing centres in and around the Bristol area, including Redpoint and Flashpoint.
Studies have shown that climbing can increase your endorphins and your confidence in yourself, which can be a great tool when you are suffering from a range of mental health issues including low self-esteem, low confidence and even depression.
Climbing is also known to be an incredibly friendly, supportive and social atmosphere, which can be great if you are suffering from mental health issues such as loneliness and anxiety.
Spending time on the water without a doubt boosts your mood and your mental health. Studies have shown that spending time near water can reduce stress, improve mood and decrease your levels of anxiety [3].
This effect is thought to be due to a combination of factors, including the calming sounds of water and the potential for increased physical activity and social interaction near water, such as increased walking, running or swimming.
Luckily, if you live in Bristol then you are surrounded by water and with it a range of water based activities for you to take part in, either as a group or by yourself.
Stand-up Paddleboarding, also known as SUPing, has increased in popularity significantly over recent years and is known to be a fantastic activity if you want to boost your mood.
During your stand-up paddleboarding session, you will be standing up the entire time which will not only engage the mind but the body, too.
There are a range of stand-up paddleboarding groups across Bristol and the surrounding area, which allows you to go out onto the water as a group rather than by yourself, which can at first seem daunting.
There are a number of kayaking and canoeing groups in and around Bristol which allow you to kayak as a group, where you can socialise and make friends.
One of the most popular water sport groups is All Aboard, which allows individuals of all ages to join in and hire a kayak and canoe for a few hours.
Not everyone wants to go paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing. Instead, why not try rowing or sailing?
Again, being on the water can have an amazing impact on your mental health and there are a range of rowing and sailing opportunities for you in Bristol, including the Bristol Rowing Club.
Open-water swimming has also increased in popularity over recent years, with significantly more people now braving it and going cold water dipping than ever before.
There are a number of benefits associated with open water and cold water swimming, including reduced anxiety and stress levels.
There are a number of open water swimming and cold water dipping groups in and around Bristol, including at the All Aboard Water sports group previously mentioned.
If you are going open water swimming, then it is important to first check the water quality and safety of the open water you are planning on swimming in.
If you are struggling with your mental health, then you might want to consider attending some art, craft and mind workshops in and around Bristol city centre.
There are a number of places you can go to for some sessions, including The Art House. Studies have shown that by taking part in something creative, you can drastically reduce your stress and anxiety levels.
Music can also do wonders for your mental health, so why not join a choir group. There are a number of music and choir groups, including the Bristol Wellbeing Choir.
Music has been statistically proven to reduce your stress levels and can also help you to foster new relationships.
Studies have also shown that helping others can also improve your own wellbeing [4].
There are a number of volunteering opportunities available to you in Bristol, including Volunteering Matters and Voscur.
You might choose to volunteer to help the less fortunate, such as the homeless or to volunteer at a local soup kitchen.
There are also a number of food banks which are crying out for volunteers, so why not help those around you whilst also helping yourself, too.
Below is a list of some organisations you might be able to volunteer at if you live in Bristol and the surrounding area:
A lot can be said for unplugging from your devices and reflecting on how you feel.
There are a number of libraries in Bristol which provide the perfect atmosphere and environment to unplug and reflect.
Likewise, there are also a number of local cafes such as The Cosy Club or Small Street Espresso, which provide a fantastic environment for anyone looking to get some peace and rest.
There are also a number of mindfulness and relaxation techniques you might want to practise if you are struggling with your mental health.
For example, breathwork has been proven to reduce your levels of anxiety and stress significantly.
Likewise, meditating has been proven to improve your mental health in both the long and short term, making you noticeably calmer and more mentally resilient.
Journaling has also now been proven to have a positive impact on your mental health, with many people now practising journaling and gratitude affirmations on a regular basis.
Other people choose to worship nature as a form of mindfulness and relaxation.
This might include grounding yourself in nature by sitting on the grass or simply walking barefoot on the ground. Other people choose to go on a nature walk, where they really take note of the colours and shapes of nature.
Guided imagery is also a fantastic way to improve your mental health. This involves imagining a situation going well or simply imagining a peaceful place that might bring you a sense of calm.
There are also a number of new digital apps and resources available to those who suffer from poor mental health.
This includes Headspace and Calm, which are now used by millions of people all across the world to improve their mental health.
BetterHelp is also a fantastic option for people who want to speak to a qualified therapist without having to leave the comfort of their own home.
Likewise, Talkspace is also a fantastic option for people who want to access professional therapy from a licensed professional without having to interact in person, face-to-face.
If you are seriously suffering from mental health issues such as anxiety, long term stress, depression, anxiety or PTSD then you need to speak to a qualified professional for help.
There are now a range of local mental health services available to those who live in Bristol, including both private and NHS funded mental health help.
NHS funded mental health services are completely free, as they are funded by the taxpayer.
However, by opting for NHS funded mental health services you might experience a long waiting list which is why an increasingly large number of people are opting for private mental health services.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and are a danger to either yourself or to others, then you should call 999 or go straight to A&E.
If you need urgent mental health help but are not a danger to either yourself or to others, then you should contact the NHS 111 online or contact the NHS 111 number.
You are then able to select the mental health option and will be able to speak to a mental health professional.
If you are suffering from a long term mental health issue, but do not need immediate help then you should speak to your local GP about your symptoms and ask them if there is any help available to you.
Numerous studies have shown that there is a link between mental health and addiction issues. Unfortunately, those who suffer from their mental health are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol as they look for a way to cope with their unwanted thoughts and feelings.
Likewise, those who suffer from addiction issues are also a lot more likely to experience poor mental health as a result of their addiction.
Certain drugs such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin are known to trigger certain mental health conditions such as paranoia, schizophrenia and depression.
If you live in the Bristol area and are suffering from a mental health issue, then you need to speak to a professional.
If you are suffering from a mental health issue alongside an addiction issue, then speak to a member of the team at Rehab 4 Addiction.
Our team of specialists are on hand to offer you the very best advice and will never put any pressure on you to get treatment or attend addiction rehab in Bristol.
We will simply provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
If you need urgent mental health support, then ring 999 or go to your local A&E department.
If you simply need to speak to someone about your addiction issue or mental health concerns, then speak to our friendly and helpful team at Rehab 4 Addiction by calling us on 0800 140 4690 or by visiting us online by searching online for www.rehab4addiction.co.uk
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9902068/
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9432685/
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an addiction expert with more than 20 years in the field. His expertise covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an addiction therapist and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the BBC, Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
