#everymindmatters
Mental health is a subject very close to my heart; it has affected my family, my close friends and myself.
The sad thing is, that once people identify that they may be struggling they are not encouraged to speak up or ask for help. For too long now there has been a dreadful stigma attached to Mental Health. This prehistoric mindset needs to be driven out and only through education and a clearer understanding of the subject can help this be achieved.
I would like to share with you a presentation that I delivered at work last week to my senior management that was enthusiastically received and generated an abundance of positive feedback.
If you only read or share one of my blogs, please make it this one.
The Alarming Facts
What is Mental Health?
Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Throughout your life, if you experience mental health problems, you’re thinking, mood, and behaviour could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:
Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
Family history of mental health problems
Mental health problems are common but help is available. People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely.
The Early Warning Signs
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little
- Pulling away from people and usual activities
- Having low or no energy
- Feeling numb or like nothing matters
- Having unexplained aches and pains
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Smoking, drinking or using drugs more than usual
- Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
- Yelling or fighting with family and friends
- Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
- Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head
- Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
- Thinking of harming yourself or others
- Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school
Are we at Risk – YES!
- Mental Health does not discriminate against anyone – We are all at risk
- In our industry, we work long hours to tight deadlines.
- Many of us are separated from family and friends
We:-
- Can become lonely/homesick
- Can become Isolated
- Can become vulnerable
- May miss births, weddings, birthdays, celebrations and deaths
- Have no one to confide in
Why do we choose to ignore our Mental Health Wellbeing?
- A Stigma attached / Not wanting to be labelled
- Fear of losing our jobs
- Pride
- If we ignore it. It will go away
How to Improve your Mental Health
- Talk about your feelings
- Keep Active
- Eat Well
- Drink Sensibly
- Ask for help
- Take a break
- Do something you are good at
If you suspect somebody may have Mental Health Issues
- Talk to them, listen and be non-judgmental
- Be sympathetic and respectful of their problems
- Keep everything discussed as confidential
- Reassure them
- Allow them time to take breaks
- Set them realistic deadlines
- Encourage them to go home on time
- Follow your support up
Support Available
- NHS – Call 111 Option 2
- Samaritans – Call 116 123
- MIND – Call 0300 123 3393
#everymindmatters
As usual, I hope you enjoyed this blog. Please feel free to leave a comment or share.
For more information please visit my website www.laughcryandwrite.com
Until the next time
One Love x
