12 minute read
Mind how you go…
These days more people everywhere are aware of the importance of our mental wellbeing, and the impact poor mental health can have on us and the people around us. But we can always do more to improve. Here’s everything you need to know
It is only a hundred years or so since we stopped putting anyone who thought or acted in ways that deviated from social norms in an institution. Fortunately, society has come a long way since those days: we’ve started to accept that mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are common, treatable conditions, and that no one should be ashamed to admit to having these problems or undergoing therapy.
Advertisement
This is as it should be. The human brain is an incredibly complex beast, prone to chemical, hormonal and other outside influences, but people have found it difficult to discuss their dark thoughts in the past, in part because of a fear of negative reactions from others. It has taken us a long time to get to this stage, and we should do all we can to ensure mental health is no longer a taboo topic that comes with shame and stigma. Here is the Shire guide to good mental health and what you can do to maintain it.
DID YOU KNOW? One in four people experiences mental health issues each year. At any given time, one in six working-age adults has symptoms associated with mental ill health
PUBLIC PROMOTION
Charities and organisations have played a massive part in making the subject more accessible, and PR campaigns such as those fronted by Princes William and Harry have been welcomed by millions. It is now widely considered the norm to talk openly with friends, both when we’re suffering or when we think they may be. We’re starting to understand better the situations others face and the limitations their situations impose. It might even, finally, be considered OK for boys to cry.
It’s clear that men in particular have had a long journey out of the dark ages of mental health to reach the point at which they are able to express their emotions and process them in a positive way. This is a vital step – suicide remains the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK, and the fact that male mental health has long been a hidden issue means that’s no surprise. It’s getting better but there is still work to be done.
Although we have made great strides in realising the importance of good mental health, we still have a way to go before it is no longer an issue that affects – and claims – so many lives. Increasing numbers of us suffer from mental health issues as the pressures of our daily lives grow and the ways in which we function encourage damaging habits.
Those who need help can find it thanks to new initiatives, such as one that has just been launched by Public Health England. The scheme, Every Mind Matters, is aimed at helping people create their own action plans and develop their own strategies for dealing with and tackling psychological issues.
EXPERT OPINION
Gerard Barnes, who has worked in the field of mental health for more than 20 years, welcomes the launch of Every Mind Matters. ‘The state of the UK’s mental health is something we must address,’ says Gerard, who alongside consultant psychiatrist Dr Leigh Neal founded Smart TMS, a pioneering organisation using magnetic stimulation to treat psychological problems. ‘The rates of people reporting mental health problems are rising rapidly, and Smart TMS’s research has found that millions of people are suffering with mental health problems without any help, because they are aware of the potential side effects and addiction concerns surrounding prescription drugs. Added to the recent news that one in 10 psychiatrist’s positions in the UK remain vacant, millions of people across the UK are desperate for options.’ He adds: ‘This initiative is extremely encouraging, and is certainly a step in the right direction for improving this country’s mental health services. However, there remains a great deal to be done to build on this and develop a range of options for people struggling psychologically to receive care and treatment.’ The campaign aims to make it easier for everyone to look after their own wellbeing and improve their mental health by providing a digital hub full of advice, tips and resources, and a new online tool to help everyone create their own action plan. Once you are armed with this knowledge, the scheme also provides practical tips and resources to help you maintain good mental health, including videos, online tools and links to help services. The website is a packed resource centre, full of free materials you can order or download, and you can use them yourself or promote them in your workplace or organisation to encourage others to do the same.
DID YOU KNOW? The Every Mind Matters campaign was launched in October with help from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
MIND YOUR MIND Follow these expert tips from Mind Cymru (www.mind.org.uk) to put yourself on the path to better mental health…
• If you are struggling, talk to someone you trust, a close friend or family member, maybe even your doctor. • Consider why you find it uncomfortable asking for help
and whether those reasons are actually stopping you from getting the support you need. • Read more about mental health and the varied guidance and advice that is easily accessible. • Find a support group – there are many around the country that are free and open to anyone. • Consider what are your best weapons to combat poor
mental health – it could be anything from regular exercise to spending time with friends. • Find stories and case studies that will help you understand what others have been through. You are not alone.
We’re all
together… Men, women and children in it
Everyone is in a different situation facing different pressures from society, expectations and daily life, and we all deal with our mental health problems differently too. So what should you do to combat these specifi c problems?
DID YOU KNOW? Exercise helps maintain good mental health. Research shows lowintensity aerobic exercise – brisk walking for 30 minutes, three to fi ve days a week – is best for boosting mood
MEN
Men have always had a hard time talking about their emotions and mental issues, which causes a series of problems including self-harm and suicide. The situation is improving but there is plenty more we can do to finally get rid of the stigma. In Wales, suicide rates for men are even higher than the rest of the UK – a shocking fact that needs to be addressed, says mental health campaigner and writer Lee Cambule, who works at the City & County of Swansea.
‘Part of the stigma is that men have greater difficulty talking about their own struggles than women do,’ says Lee. ‘I am still faced with some outdated stereotypes: men as a source of
strength, the idea that strong and silent is alluring/attractive, the “show no weakness” bravado of heroes in our media. In many of these macho images, there is little room for showing poor mental health. Wealthy, successful and powerful men do not always admit their struggles in public and that can leave the average bloke feeling uncertain about speaking out.’
Only the brave
Recently, Lee says, high-profile men have helped turn this tide. ‘When Prince William and Prince Harry began talking openly about their own mental health challenges, it gave the nation an incredible lift. One by one, more of these revered men are openly addressing mental health: footballers, politicians, actors – anyone can talk about it. I do not consider that these men are weak or failing by speaking out – in fact, they are the brave ones.’ As a man, there has never been a better time to seek help with – and be accepted for – your mental wellbeing. ‘I recently reminded a friend that while you can get better, the first step has to be yours,’ Lee says. ‘If you are suffering from poor mental health it might feel like the hardest step to take, but it can lead to easier and better steps too.’
While the suicide statistics for men are concerning, the suffering of women is potentially even more widespread, even if the results are less extreme. Women are more likely than men to have a common mental health problem and are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders, according to a recent NHS survey. The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, the biggest survey of mental health disorder and treatment in England, found that one in five women suffered with disorders such as anxiety, depression, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder.
While any of us is susceptible to any of these conditions, it is thought that many women’s situations are worse for various reasons – one prime factor being the ‘unremitting responsibility for the care of others’. Not surprisingly, motherhood causes many of these issues to come to light. It’s a hard slog that rarely leaves us time to take care of our own mental health. Lack of sleep, lack of routine, imbalance of hormones – it’s no surprise new mothers’ mental faculties are under strain when we’re mothering. of mental health disorder and treatment in England, found that one
Juggle struggle If there’s anything likely to increase stress levels even further, it’s attempting to juggle parenthood alongside work. Statistics show that almost half of working mums experience severe anxiety when comparing their ability to work and take care of their kids with others, and a third experience unmanageable levels of anxiety and stress when combining a job with childcare. In a survey, more than one in five admitted that they have faced mental health problems for over five years but have not found the time to seek help. Gerard Barnes of Smart TMS says: ‘Many suffer from expectations and pressures at work, but this is compounded for mothers. The working mother is a figure of extreme power and courage and should be celebrated, but I would encourage all mothers or mothers-to-be who intend to simultaneously achieve new career heights to take the time to be aware of the potential health consequences, and to recognise and respond to symptoms of mental health conditions. It is also vital for working mothers to understand that they are just as prone to depression as anyone else, if not more so, and should ensure they have a strong support network and treatment options available if needed.’
DID YOU KNOW? Children whose parents experience poor mental health are almost three times more likely to su er problems of their own, according to NHS analysis
CHILDREN
We’d love to think that our children live blissful lives while mental health issues are left to the grown-ups – but sadly this is not the case. More and more young people are suffering with mental health problems, and in many cases these are compounded by modern technology. Social media in particular is so potentially damaging that it is vital to understand its pitfalls so we can avoid disaster. A recent survey revealed that 82 per cent of people under 24 regularly compare themselves with friends, celebrities and even strangers on social media. Almost half of those asked have detagged themselves from a photo on social media, while a third have asked for one to be deleted; the most common reason given for editing or removing photos is the desire for a ‘perfect’ appearance. Feeling ugly or overweight is often cited as a problem.
Esteem spirit Dr Hayley Higson, a clinical psychologist for the NHS, says social media provides ‘unlimited opportunities’ for people to compare themselves with others. ‘While this can be a source of motivation and inspiration, it is more often associated with the development of negative self-perceptions, feelings of inadequacy, inferiority and low mood,’ Hayley says. As well as low self-esteem, internet addiction and cyberbullying also pose dangers to young people’s mental health. It’s a good idea to limit your child’s access to social media, and talk to them about unrealistic expectations and other issues social media can raise. If they do experience problems, organisations such as Ditch The Label (www.ditchthelabel.org) and Young Minds (www.youngminds.org.uk), as well as the NHS, offer resources to combat them.
Headspace
workplace… in the
Work is a huge source of stress for people in all walks of life. Employers are now recognising this and making the effort to give people the tools they need to improve mental health
Ever feel like there’s just too much work to do and that you just can’t manage it? To combat this many experts recommend mindfulness, a technique that helps people improve their physical and mental health and pay attention to the present moment using methods such as meditation, breathing and yoga. A popular app, Headspace, has been developed to aid in learning and practising mindfulness techniques and lots of organisations have signed up to use it, including many in the Shire area. One such institution that now offers the service to staff members for free is the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt (RJAH) Orthopaedic Hospital. ‘We understand that caring for the mental wellbeing of our staff is just as important as caring for their physical health, so we’re delighted to be able to support this through ‘We understand that caring for the mental wellbeing of our staff is just as important as caring for their physical health, so we’re delighted to be able to support this through
the Headspace app,’ says Sarah Sheppard, the hospital’s Director of People. ‘Life can be busy and stressful for us all and Headspace gives staff the opportunity to change their relationship with anxiety and stress at work and at home.’
Jack Titley, senior physiotherapist on the dedicated children’s ward at the Oswestry-based hospital, is one member of staff who has signed up to use the app. ‘I’ve actually used Headspace personally for a little while now and have found it really useful, especially to help me unwind and get to sleep,’ he says. ‘Headspace has a section for children too, which I sometimes recommend to the parents of my patients.’
Since the initial launch, over 80 members of staff have signed up to use the app. See www.headspace.com for more details. sometimes recommend to the parents of my patients.’
Since the initial launch, over 80 members of staff have signed up to use the app. See www.headspace.com for more details.
DID YOU KNOW? The Mental Health Foundation has a 10-point plan for taking care of your mental health at work, including talking about feelings and accepting help. See more at www. mentalhealth.org.uk DID YOU KNOW? The Mental Health Foundation has a 10-point plan for taking care of your mental health at work, including talking about feelings and accepting help. See more at www. mentalhealth.org.uk
