Mental Health Awareness Week Booklet

Katy Hargreaves Welfare and Equality Officer Welfare.union@ncl.ac.uk 01912393917

Student Services, Level 2 Kings Gate www.ncl.ac.uk/student/wellbeing http://my.ncl.ac.uk/students/contact 01912083333

NUSU Nightline Out of hours listening service 8pm – 8am 01912612905

0191 232 7272 Confidential emotional support. 24/7 http://www.samaritans.org/

for more help & information:

www.mind.org.uk 03001233393

www.time-to-change.org.uk

WELFARE

The term ‘mental health problem/illness’ is generally used when someone experiences significant changes in their thinking, feelings or behaviour. The changes need to be bad enough to affect how the person functions or to cause distress to them or to other people. There are many different types of mental health problems. Some are more severe than others but all are important and need to be highlighted. common diagnoses (but there are many more!) the facts

Mental health problems are common. 1 in 4 of us will be affected at some point in our lives. Some people suffer for short periods of times, some for the rest of their lives.

Not enough people talk about it and not enough people get the help they need.

Although mental health problems are very common, stigma and discrimination towards people with problems are still very common and there are a lot of myths about what different diagnoses mean.

However, despite these challenges, it is possible to recover from a mental health problem and live a productive and fulfilling life. It is important to remember that having a mental health problem is not a sign of weakness.

personality disorders

Generally speaking, your personality doesn’t change much, yet it does develop as people go through different experiences in life. If you have a personality disorder, you are likely to find it more difficult to change your patterns of behaviour, and will have a more limited range of emotions to cope with everyday life. depression

Depression lowers your mood, and can make you feel hopeless, worthless, unmotivated and exhausted. It can affect sleep, appetite, libido and self-esteem, which may set off a vicious cycle, as the worse you feel, the more depressed you may become. anxiety

Anxiety can mean constant and unrealistic worry about daily life. It may cause restlessness, sleeping problems and physical symptoms.

Anxiety is common amongst students due to the stressful work load and lifestyle. eating disorders

Eating disorders can be characterised by eating too much, too little, or by having a destructive relationship with food. An eating disorder is likely to develop as a result of deeper issues and is possibly a way of disguising emotional pain. Anorexia, bulimia, bingeing and compulsive eating are common eating disorders, however there are many more! common behaviours:

• • •

Self-harm Suicidal thoughts Panic attacks

Talking about mental health problems can be one of the hardest parts of having a mental illness.

Whether it’s fear or awkwardness about talking to someone about their mental health problem – or talking about our own mental health problem, reluctance to talk about mental health isn’t good for anyone.

A few small words can make a big difference. Don’t be afraid to talk about mental health. be prepared: Think about the different reactions,

positive and negative, that the person might have so you’re prepared. choose a good time: choose a time and place

where you feel comfortable and ready to talk. courage is contagious: Often, once mental health

is out in the open people want to talk. Don’t be surprised if your honesty encourages other people to talk about their own experiences. be brave: It takes time and strength to talk about

mental health. Telling someone is the first step on a potentially long road. Don’t be scared. Stay strong and work at it. The end is worth getting to.