TO round off Stress Awareness Month I’d like to talk this week about the importance of having a sense of direction in life.

Having a sense of purpose and meaning is essential for good mental health. It gives us a reason to get up in the morning, provides us with direction and motivation, and helps us to feel fulfilled and satisfied with our lives.

Yet, for many of us, finding our purpose and meaning can be a daunting task. So how can we go about finding our purpose and meaning, and why is it so important?

Firstly, let’s define what we mean by purpose and meaning. Purpose is the goal or objective that drives us, the reason why we do what we do. Meaning, on the other hand, is the sense of significance and value that we attach to our lives and our experiences.

Finding a sense of purpose and meaning can be a lifelong journey for some people, and it’s not always a straightforward one. However, there are some steps we can take to help us along the way. The first one is to think about what brings us joy and fulfilment. What are the activities or experiences that make us feel most alive and engaged? It could be spending time with loved ones, pursuing a hobby, volunteering, or making a difference in our community.

Another step is to think about our values and what matters most to us. Our values are the principles that guide our behaviour and decisions, and they can give us a sense of direction and purpose. For example, if we value creativity and self-expression, we might find purpose in pursuing a creative project or learning a new skill.

It’s also important to be open to new experiences and opportunities. Sometimes, our purpose and meaning can be found in unexpected places. Trying new things and stepping out of our comfort zone can help us to discover new passions and interests. It can give us a sense of adventure and excitement.

So why is finding our purpose and meaning so important for our mental health? Firstly, it gives us a sense of direction and motivation. When we have a clear purpose or goal, we are more likely to feel focused and driven, and less likely to feel lost or directionless. We are less likely to experience depression, stress or overwhelm.

Secondly, it can give us a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. When we feel that our lives have meaning and purpose, we are more likely to feel content and happy with our lives. It will help to keep us feeling good about ourselves, which is what this column is all about.

This column is also about debunking some of the myths around mental health and helping to stop the stigma. All too often people attach many negative connotations to the word ‘mental’, perhaps thinking back to the days of what were known as ‘lunatic asylums’ or mental health means just people with psychiatric illnesses.

If we substitute the words mental health, to how we think and how we feel, then many more people realise that we all have mental health, just as we all have physical health, sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s not.

Many people still feel that they should only go to their doctor if they have a physical condition, not when they are struggling with their feelings. That can partly be a generational thing, it can also be a cultural thing.

If you are struggling, I always say the first port of call should be your GP. However the NHS offer talking therapies, and you can self-refer if you wish.

NHS Bradford and Craven District Talking Therapies is a free and confidential NHS service for people aged 16 and over who are registered with a GP in Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale or Craven. The service is part of the national NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression programme.

Their service supports people with their mental health and wellbeing by providing access to evidence-based, short term psychological therapies for mild to moderate depression and anxiety disorders. They do this by recommending suitable therapies best suited to the problems you are experiencing and the goals that you have set for yourself. Therapy options include online courses or remote therapy that can be attended from the comfort of your own home.

You can self-refer online or by calling Bradford District Talking Therapies Administration Team on (01274) 221 234

Please remember if you are in any type of mental health crisis, go to your GP or A&E, call the Samaritans on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258

* Martin Furber is a therapist qualified in various disciplines and an Instructor Member of Mental Health First Aid England wellbeing@martinfurber.com