Its Mental Health Awareness Week; so lets raise some awareness!

As Mental Health Awareness Week comes to an end, I wanted to use this opportunity to highlight some important information, such as common causes and symptoms of mental health problems and what we can do to support one another. 

Trying to establish the exact cause of mental health problems has never been easy. However, over the years, research has made it clear that many conditions are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological and environmental factors – it is not a personal weakness or a character defect. 

Let’s explore each one in some detail. 

Genetics: Mental health can run in families, suggesting they may be passed on from parents through genes. However, just because a parent may have had a mental health condition, it doesn’t mean you will too. The disorder itself occurs from the interaction of these genes and other factors – such as psychological trauma and environmental stressors – which can influence or trigger the illness in a person who has inherited a susceptibility to it. 

Biology: Some mental health conditions have been linked to an abnormal balance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells in the brain communicate with each other. If these chemicals are out of balance or are not working properly, messages may not make it through the brain correctly, leading to symptoms of mental health problems. 

Psychological trauma: Some mental health conditions may be trigged by psychological trauma suffered as a child, such as severe emotional, physical or sexual abuse, a significant loss or neglect. 

Environmental stressors: Certain stressors – such as bereavement, divorce, changing jobs or schools, social isolation, discrimination and stigma, poverty and substance abuse – can trigger a disorder in a person who may be at risk for developing a mental health condition. 

The symptoms… 

There are many signs to indicate someone is experiencing mental health challenges and the list is LONG! The below are some of the most common signs that a loved one may be suffering and may want to talk to a medical or mental health professional. 

-      Confused thinking 

-      Prolonged depression (sadness or irritability) 

-      Feelings of extreme highs and lows 

-      Excessive fears, worries and anxieties 

-      Social withdrawal 

-      Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits 

-      Strong feelings of anger 

-      Strange thoughts  

-      Seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations)   

-      Suicidal thoughts 

-      Numerous unexplained physical ailments 

-      Substance use 

-      Inability to cope with problems and daily activities 

-      Changes in ability to manage responsibilities – at home and / or at work or school 

Treatment…   

Unfortunately, recovery is not a simple matter of will and self-discipline. A mental health condition, like many chronic conditions, will need ongoing treatment. Due to great organisations and charities across the world, we now benefit from the progress made over the last couple of decades in treating mental health conditions and as a result, individuals can be effectively treated with one or a combination of the following therapies: 

-      Medication 

-      Psychotherapy 

-      Group therapy   

-      Specific therapies, such as cognitive-behaviour therapy 

-      Alternative therapies, such as water therapy or massage

-      Creative therapies, such as art, music or play therapy 

Self-care: 

-      Prioritising 

-      Mindfulness and relaxation 

-      Engaging in hobbies / interests 

-      Physical health (balanced diet, exercise, sleep)   

-      Meaningful social interactions 

-      Staying aware of your mental health (keep a mood diary, spot the signs) 

How can other people help? 

It can always be difficult to watch someone suffering or becoming unwell but you don’t need to be a mental health expert to offer support. The small, everyday actions we take can have the biggest impact on individuals. 

So, how can you help? 

Well, offer your support by asking how they are and be prepared to hear their response. Don’t be afraid to ask – they may or may not want to talk about it but the question itself goes a long way in showing someone you genuinely care and are interested in their wellbeing, especially if you know they are or have been unwell. More importantly, don’t be afraid to ask them how you can help. 

You’re not a mental health professional so you won’t have all the answers but asking someone opens the doors for communication, to promote a safe place to talk. Everyone will need support in a different way and at different times. Knowing that you are there is vital in helping someone with their recovery. Keep track of their medication, get involved in activities that may help them manage their mental health recovery, such as exercise, listening to music, reading, painting, long walks, etc. 

Spend as much time as you can with them. This will help you understand what they are going through which will in turn help you understand how you can support them. By spending time with them also encourages them to engage in social interactions and reduce the feeling of loneliness and isolation. 

Sometimes, a simple hug, smile, a shoulder to cry on or sitting beside someone is all the help they need and that can do wonders for someone feeling alone due to mental health. Please don’t use phrases like “cheer up”, “man up” or “pull yourself together”. They DO NOT help. It indicates judgement, you’re not listening or an unwillingness to help. 

It is also important not to define someone by their mental health – talk about other things too; talk about family, work, interests. Judgement needs to stay at the door – as someone who has suffered from one form of mental health condition, I wanted to create a network of people I trust and those that respect me. Knowing I wasn’t alone despite my feelings of isolation helped me with my self-esteem. I felt safe talking without someone judging me and trusted that they would keep everything confidential unless it was critical to share with a professional. 

The most important way to help someone experiencing mental health challenges is to get the right support. For you as well as the individual. Make sure you look after yourself, don’t take too much on and set boundaries.   

So often when asked “how are you?” people often reply “fine thanks” when actually, they might not be fine at all. If you get any inclination that something isn’t quite right, take some time out and have a 5-minute conversation with them. It is important to recognise individuals facing challenges that may impact their mental wellbeing – it’s not always so obvious and don’t put it down to a bad day or just a mood swing; it could be much more serious. Early intervention is key! 

What support is available?   

There is a lot of support available for you and your loved ones if you have concerns over mental health. 

-      Mind – www.mind.org.uk  

-      Mental Health Foundation – www.mentalhealth.org.uk 

-      NHS Choices – www.nhs.uk 

-      Samaritans – www.samaritans.org 

-      And many more…  

To find more support networks, check out the Mind and NHS Choices websites as they have a list of other organisations and charities that may be useful. 

What is the outlook for people with mental health conditions? 

Attitudes towards mental health are changing and that has enabled people to seek help. When diagnosed early and treated properly, many people will recover or establish ways to control their symptoms. Although some people become disabled because of chronic or severe mental health illness, many can and will live full and productive lives. As many as 8 in 10 people suffering from a mental health condition will return to their normal activities if they get the appropriate treatment. 

And remember, we are ALL in this together!