2020, as we all know, was the month the UK joined other nations in a life-changing lockdown. At this point in time, lives were turned upside down. However, fast forward a few years and we are now all worried about the rise in energy prices and the cost of living. Those who were getting back to normal with their mental health have new things to worry about in the months to come. It seems there is a never ending stream of things to worry about these days. It’s not surprising there’s such a rise in mental health issues!
To help avoid mental stress if you’re a burnt-out student, try using an essay helper to sharpen your writing skills as well as give you some mental relief. As a result, you might not be quite as stressed or overwhelmed with the workload, and able to have a little mental downtime.
Mental Health Websites
Incase you need a place to start, or research the type of mental health provider you may need, here are a few great websites to get you started…
- Samaritans – provide 24-hour online and phone support to people in distress. Call: 116 123.
- Mind – A charity that provides advice and support for people experiencing a mental health problem in England and Wales. Call: 0300 123 3393
- Rethink Mental Illness – For people living with mental health problems. Call: 0300 5000 927
- SANE – Out-of hours mental health charity offering emotional support, guidance and information. Call: 0300 304 7000
- Mental Health Foundation – For anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.
How To Ask For Mental Health Help – Quick Overview
- Speak to someone you trust
- Book an appointment with your GP
- Start a conversation
- Visit one of the above websites
- Listen to your emotions
But How Are We Actually Doing?
Have you ever asked someone how they were, just as a passing comment. Not really expecting to get a genuine response, other than ‘yes good thanks, how are you’. After the few years we have all had, now is the time to really start asking and listening to how people are doing. Instead of making it a passing comment for something to say, really ask and wait to hear their true response. If you have to, ask it more than once.
Many people haven’t fully opened up or even admitted to themselves how much Covid-19, or the rise in the cost of living has affected their lives, and their health. Or even how it’s affected their children/families. Both on a personal level, and affecting relationship dynamics. But now, more than ever we must listen to ourselves. Listen to our thoughts and pay attention to our bodies and general mental health issues.
Paying Attention To Our Emotions
Life can get so busy, it can be hard to just stop and truly ask ourselves how we’re doing. When was the last time you stopped and listened to your body, and your emotions?
Perhaps on the surface you feel you have to be strong, and portray a happy self. Whereas deep down that’s far from how you feel. Now is the time to stop pretending, and start dealing with what’s going on inside. Whether you just need a little down time to de-stress and relax. Or perhaps there is a much deeper, more serious issue that needs some attention.
Perhaps you’re still trying to deal with lockdown as a whole, and the relaxing of lockdown has caused you to become anxious, nervous, worried or even angry. Those people who already had underlying mental health issues are beginning to notice this has been exacerbated by the virus. Therefore potentially needing further help to navigate out of it.
Maybe you’re trying to deal with a death in the family, or in another area of your life. I recently read this book – It Is What It Is: A positive guide to facing up to life-changing experiences by Julie Morehen. Julie has been a nurse for over 37 years and over the pandemic gave out over 8,000 vaccines. Over the last few years Julie has witnessed the tragic losses of her 2 best friends, her father, her brother, sister in law and then her husband. So she has seen it all and best of all, has come out the other side stronger. Her book is all about her experiences and she came out the other side. A great read, especially if you’re looking to relate to someone going through the same issues as you.
Fear Of Seeing Help
In many cases, making changes can be difficult, so seeking external help could be more beneficial. Help to move forwards with new, healthy behaviours, thoughts, feelings and emotions.
This fear of seeking help for our own mental wellbeing can be debilitating for some. Unfortunately, it often won’t get better by itself. Regardless of any social or cultural influences, there’s absolutely no reason why anyone should be left feeling isolated. Alone with their negative and distorted thoughts and beliefs or unhelpful emotions. We, as humans, need to continue to move forwards. Changing the very outdated stigma that’s attached to mental health issues.
Whether you opt to see your GP, or even a mental health social worker. Seeing someone is better than trying to deal with it alone.
Evolving
As a species, we have evolved and learnt so much in the past century. We now have access to a vast array of medications, that can be used on a short-term or a long-term basis to address numerous issues. Alongside this, we have developed different coping strategies that give us relief from unhelpful thoughts and feelings.
These can be as simple as crunching on ice cubes and using therapeutic toys (e.g. fidget spinners, push poppers) to distract our minds, or using breathing exercises to create a natural calm state. On top of these we have learnt how different therapies can help us, and there are so many! You may be surprised how many people engage in therapy in order to develop their own coping strategies to help them in day-to-day life.
Mental Health Stats – Did You Know?
- It’s estimated 1 in 6 people experience a common mental health problem each week.
- 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some description each year in England alone.
- 1 in 5 people have suicidal thoughts, and 1 in 14 self-harm in some way.
- Women are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders than men.
- It’s thought that as many as 46% of ALL adults have been to see a mental health social worker in the past year.
- 19.7% of people in the UK showed symptoms of anxiety or depression.
- In the last year alone, over 74% of people in the UK have felt unable to cope due to stress.
The above statistics would mean that within the ‘average family’ at least 1 person may not be feeling that great within themselves. If that person has not had the confidence to admit they need a little help with their health they could be suffering in silence. Which is why we must break down barriers and talk, visit, call, and do anything we can in order to make sure our families and friends are healthy and doing ok!
The Fear Of Feeling Weak
Often people may feel that they are weak, and will be looked down upon for admitting mental illness. Or that they should be ‘above’ struggling psychologically. However, social status and class doesn’t come into it. Even members of the British Royal Family have been through their own mental health struggles. As many know, Prince Harry suffered terribly with his mental health and anxiety. No one is invincible, and no one should feel that they need to appear invincible!
Anyone can develop a mental health issue, no mater how strong, or confident you are. At some point in your life, you will have some kind of mental health issue. The best thing you can do when it happens is to deal with it as soon as possible. Don’t hide it, or let it linger. The longer it’s left, the bigger it’s likely to become. Having a mental health issue isn’t something to be ashamed of, we all go through it now and then. It’s bout how you deal with it that really matters.
Finding Your Confidence
Hopefully after reading this, you might find the confidence to go and get some help. Either for you, or perhaps on behalf of a loved one. So, whether you reach out to a friend, a family member, call a helpline, or even look into booking a counselling or hypnotherapy session. Taking the first step is something you should be very proud of. Standing up for yourself and for your own happiness and health.
However, if you’re feeling OK yourself right now, then make a point to go and talk to your loved ones and the people you care about. Especially those who have less support available to them, because having a simple conversation with someone they trust about whether they’re doing OK can be enough to generate a huge change in someone’s life. By taking the time to talk to people about their mental health, we become a part of the solution. The more people talk, the more socially acceptable it will be for people to do the same in years to come.
Would you book and appointment with a mental health social worker to help you?
FAQ’s
What Is A Mental Health Social Worker
Mental health social workers play an important role in improving overall mental health and general well being in their patients. They do this through – talking and offering support.
What Is The Most Common Mental Health Disorder?
Depression is a common mental disorder, followed closely by anxiety.
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