HEALTH & WELLBEING
STARTING A CONVERSATION ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
WE'VE CARED FOR YOUR EARS SINCE 2001
By Amanda Whitlock, Total Wellbeing Matters It can be a little overwhelming to talk about mental health especially if it is a topic that is new to you. However, the more you talk about mental health the easier it becomes. We all have mental health. This is shown by the way we think, the way we feel and our sense of wellbeing. When we talk about mental health, we are not always talking about mental illness. Some life events such as bereavement or relationship breakdown can adversely affect someone’s wellbeing. However, there may be no obvious cause as to why a person is feeling mentally unwell. There may be some signs that someone may have poor mental health. You may notice that they are always tired or more withdrawn than normal. They may be tearful or appear distracted. The reality is there may be many ways in which a person may reveal they are having problems – the key is to notice a change in behaviour and then talk to them about it. Choose a private space to start the conversation, somewhere you can both feel comfortable. It’s important to give enough time for the conversation and to ensure that you will not be interrupted. Don’t just ask them how they are – most people will reply with ‘I’m fine!’ Ask them how they are feeling because you have noticed that they don’t seem to be themselves. Share instances of where you have concerns.
Listen to what they say to you. Respect their feelings, experiences and values even if you do not share them. Ask them how long they have been feeling like this, who do they have to give them support and ask if there is anything you can do to help. The most important thing is to be genuine and show that you care. Encourage them to contact their GP – they may not be mental health specialists but they can refer onto the relevant services and treatment. If a person talks about thoughts of suicide or self-harming remain calm and do not be afraid of continuing the conversation. If you feel that the person is at real risk of suicide, do not hesitate to call 999.
Celebrating 20 years of independent hearing care in SHERBORNE
tel: 01935 815647
• • • • •
The very latest HEARING AID INNOVATION Ear wax removal with MICROSUCTION Hearing tests with AUDIOLOGY EXPERTS Experienced and IMPARTIAL ADVICE Local, friendly, FAMILY-RUN PRACTICE
Talking to a person experiencing 4 Swan Yard, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AX mental distress can be shocking and unsettling. It is very important www.girlinghearingaids.co.uk INDEPENDENT & HCPC REGISTERED that you take steps to protect your own mental health. It is okay to have boundaries - don’t agree to 16/09/2021 20:57:45 give any support that would put Untitled-1 1 you under too much pressure or makes you feel uncomfortable. It is important to identify those things that boost your sense of wellbeing and improve your mood – find those things that give you joy and actively include them in your life. Do not feel guilty for prioritising your own mental health – you cannot help others if you don’t at first take care of yourself. For more information about training for you or your staff on mental health awareness, contact www.totalwellbeingmatters.com.
To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk
41
