Mental Health Matters on World Mental Health Day

Today is World Mental Health Day.

In 2017 I undertook research for my Master's thesis, the focus was the extent that the Building Regulations can and do address #mentalhealth through housing. As part of that research I discovered some shocking statistics that are readily available to all.

1. The biggest 'burden' of disease to the #NHS is mental health, it equates to roughly 28% of the organisation's outgoings. This is the biggest outgoing for a single illness by far

2. As I write this, on average three children in every classroom in the country are struggling with their mental health for a number of reasons (to me, this is unacceptable). This is a similar statistic for asthma. What do we take more seriously? #helloyellow

3. In the UK in 2018, there were 6,507 deaths by suicide (a rate of 11.2 deaths per 100,000 people). Of this figure, approximately 75% of those that took their life were men #samaritans

4. Children and adults living in households in the lowest 20% income bracket in Great Britain are two to three times more likely to develop mental health problems than those in the highest. #universalcredit

5. Due to feeling marginalised, people with learning difficulties, chronic health conditions or those that identify as LGBT+ are more likely to suffer in silence with depression, anxiety or have suicidal thoughts. 54% of people with a learning disability have a mental health problem. #marginalised

6. #PTSD is higher in women of black ethnic origin and this association is related to the higher levels of sexual assaults that they experience however, women of black ethnic origin are less likely to report or seek help for assaults or trauma.

7. Between 2011-2015 approximately 280 #construction operatives commited suicide every year in the UK

This list is not exhaustive, but for those living with mental health conditions it is exhausting. If you are struggling please reach out, someone is there to help, somewhere, I promise.

Also, please be kinder to each other, we live in a world where it is easy to belittle behind a keyboard based on political beliefs, religion, colour, sexuality, which football team you support, what clothes you wear, your haircut etc. We're human, one of our best traits is empathy.

Today, tomorrow and everyday, take the time to tell someone something positive about themselves. In the words of the great Scroobius Pip. "But then out of nowhere everything changed when a voice said "Hi there, how are you today?", six simple words, seven simple syllables. It doesn't always take grand gestures or miracles."

If this is any way has struck a chord, please help to support any one of a number of wonderful mental health charities such as MIND, Young Minds or the Samaritans. There are more out there that are as equally as important in fighting this illness, these are just the ones that sprang to mind.

Take care of yourselves, and each other. #mentalhealthmatters #mind #worldmentalhealthday