MENTAL HEALTH
What you really need to know!

This article has been written by members of The Leatherhead Clubhouse to offer some basic facts about mental health. We hope you will find it helpful. 

 

Mental health is a very big deal to the one in four of us who experience mental health problems in any one year (and to those who know and care about them). Even though so many people are affected, this issue remains one of the last taboo subjects in our society and is rarely spoken about.

 

Mental health problems is a blanket term for a range of conditions, some of which like depression and anxiety are extremely common, particularly when people experience stress, bereavement or other illness. 

 

Unfortunately, people with mental health problems often get a bad press and we very seldom hear the good news. However, there is good treatment and support available and people experiencing the full range of mental health problems can and do live full and rewarding lives.

 

We asked our members what they thought were the most important messages they would like to give the public.
This is what they said:

 

STIGMA

 

Stigma is the term used to describe the negative attitudes society has towards people experiencing mental health problems.

These are bad for everyone. They are distressing for people with mental health problems, affect the people they have contact with (including employers) and can stop people asking for help with their mental health when they need it.

Often people find that these negative attitudes disappear when they get to know people personally.

 

HOPE

 

Developing a mental health problem can seem like the end of the world.  However, help and support is available and effective. This can include self-help, medication, support groups or talking therapies.

 

The following are good sources of help and information:

Your own GP

NHS Direct

Tel: 0845 4647

(for advice about health-related issues– 24 hours a day, 365 days a year)   

The Samaritans

Tel: 08457 90 90 90

(for confidential support for people in emotional distress)

First Steps

Tel: 0808 801 0325
Website: www.firststeps-surrey.nhs.uk

Email: first.steps@nhs.net

(this web site has lots of good information about local resources and self-help)

 

LOOKING AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

 

We can all find life stressful from time to time. The following suggestions can help us all to maximise our mental well-being:

• Look after yourself physically. This includes taking regular exercise, eating well and drinking sensibly.
  
• Make sure that you find life rewarding and interesting- try a new interest or hobby, volunteer to help others or take a break somewhere relaxing. Think about planting and growing something or getting a pet.
  
• Keep in touch with friends. Talking about feelings is good for you and will help you cope with stress.
  
• Accept who you are!

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• “Don’t judge a book by its cover”- get to know people personally.  People with mental health problems are people like everyone else.
  
• Don’t be put off by the “bad news” stories in the newspapers.  Very, very few people with mental health problems pose any threat to the public.
  
• Try to be sensitive to people’s feelings– terms like “nutter” can be hurtful (as can some “jokes”!)