mental health Archives - Up For Anything

The last decade has seen a sharp rise in the awareness of mental health issues and thankfully, after many strong campaigns by mental health charities and forward thinking businesses such as Slater & Gordon Lawyers, mental health his being seen in a new light. In truth there is nothing at all that separates mental health and physical health, with the exception of the stigma that has become attached to mental health problems.

This additional awareness has not only benefited those with mental health issues in terms of getting rid of the stigma attached, but it has also brought about change in many other ways. The worrying aspect of mental health is that we don’t know who has problems and who doesn’t, but at least we have now created a safe space where people can talk. If you believe that you are suffering with mental health, don’t hide in the dark, there are many benefits of having a conversation.

More Believable

In the past, if someone said that they were suffering from mental health one of two things would usually happen. The first response to such a remark would be to dust yourself down and ‘carry on regardless’ citing your mental health issue as weakness, the second would be a dismissive response where someone wouldn’t believe you. These days however, you would be surprised just how many people will not only believe you when you tell them about an issue, but would also do what they can to help you out.

Getting Help

Mental health is no longer a life sentence which will see you suffer in silence, many issues can be successfully treated, but you need to know the issue before you can treat it. Breaking down your barriers and having a conversation with someone can be the first step on the road to better mental health, but you have to open up the dialogue.

Showing You Care

It is not just those with mental health issues who should be talking, even if you have no issues you should be vocal about mental health and show that you care, in order to encourage those around you to open up about their health issues. Even something as simple as copying and pasting one of those inspirational messages on your Facebook, which basically tells the world that you don’t judge and that you are there for anyone who needs support.

Further Awareness

The reason that we have arrived at this point with regards to mental health issues, is because we have started talking, and we have opened up conversations without prejudice. In order to keep making changes for mental health sufferers going forward, we must continue this conversation in the public sphere in order to ensure that everyone who needs help, can get it with ease.

If you have an issue and you don’t know who to talk to, you can either try friends and family, you could even try co-workers, and if all else fails you can speak to you doctor or even a charity such as the Samaritans, the important thing is to know that there is always someone who you can talk to.

Source

Do you worry that someone you care about may have depression? It may surprise you that depression affects over 300 million people worldwide. Depression differs from the usual changes in mood and our brief emotional responses to challenges in our daily lives. Depression can become a serious health problem, particularly when it has been on-going for a considerable time. In severe cases, depression can result in suicide, with nearly 800,000 people taking their own lives each year.

Not a normal part of ageing

Experts believe that over 20% of people aged over 65 live with depression. However, depression is not simply an inevitable part of aging. In actual fact, research has shown that older people are generally more content with their lives, irrespective of any physical health issues. But if depression continues untreated, it can cause other serious health problems. This can include malnutrition, insomnia and contribute to some people developing dementia. A significant and common problem is that older people often don’t ask for help. They feel embarrassed or simply believe their feelings are just normal symptoms of getting older or associated with another condition. Therefore, it’s important that relatives and friends learn the signs to watch out for understand how they can help.

Helping someone with depression

If you have a friend or relative with depression, it’s firstly very important that you help and encourage them to see a doctor or mental health professional and get help as soon as possible. There are also a number of ways you can help an older adult with depression, including:

Give them understanding, support, encouragement and patience.
Help them to keep track of their appointments and regularly remind them to take their medication.
Try to make sure they can always get to see their doctor when they need to.
Talk to them, encourage them to open up to you and listen carefully to what they tell you.
Do not ignore any comments made about suicide. It’s important that you report anything like this to the person’s doctor or therapist.
Invite them to join you for walks and try to get them engaged in outdoor activities.
Try to keep positive and remind them that with time and treatment, their depression will eventually lift.

Other ways to help yourself

Try to still do the activities you enjoyed before you had depression. Doing these things, even if you feel reluctant initially, can help to make a big difference to lifting your spirits and boosting your well-being. Just take each day at a time. You can also:

Break big tasks down into smaller ones and only do what you can, when you feel you can. Don’t do too much at once.
Regularly spend time with other people and share how you feel with a friend or relative that you trust.
Keep to your treatment plan and be patient. It can take some time for treatment to begin to work.
Avoid making any important life decisions until you are feeling much better. If something does arise, then talk through it with others before you make any firm decisions.

If you have suicidal thoughts

Older adults with depression can be at risk suicide. If you have been thinking about hurting yourself in anyway, or having suicidal thoughts, then you must tell someone immediately. Call your doctor, go to your nearest hospital emergency room or call the emergency services.

Depression is not a character flaw, a normal part of ageing or a sign of weakness. It’s a medical condition that can be treated. But the key thing to remember is to go easy on yourself, talk to someone and find the best treatment for you. It can feel like a long dark road at times, but with help you can reach a healthier, happier and more positive path.

Why Talking About Mental Health Is So Important