Mental Health Distress
Mental Health Distress
Mental health distress can quite often be a consequence of not feeling connected or a part of any of the support networks that exist in the community. This includes people who feel isolated and excluded; people who are experiencing bullying and victimisation; people who are living in poverty and / or living in fear of crime.
Mental health problems affect many people. One in four of us will experience a mental health problem during the course of a year.
What is a mental health problem?
Mental health problems include a range of health issues affecting an individual's thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
Mental health problems range from the stresses and worries that all of us experience at some times in our lives, to life-changing conditions which can affect an individual's whole personality.*
It's important to recognise when things are getting serious. This is usually when the problem interferes with your ability to cope on a day-to-day basis.*
With the right support, many people manage their mental health problems and lead fulfilling lives.*
Information taken from http://mindout.clarity.uk.net
No person need struggle alone with mental health difficulties.
Mental health problems are not necessarily for life.
How might I feel?
Mental health problems can alter the way you think about life. They can change the way you look at the world around you. Your view of yourself may change.
Some common signs*:
- Loss of interest in the things you used to enjoy
- Low confidence
- Isolation
- Feel that life is not worth living
- Hopelessness
- Feeling worthless
- Guilt
- Taking unnecessary risks with alcohol or drugs
- Not eating properly
- Not sleeping or sleeping too much
- Panic
- Sadness
- Anger
- Fear
- Not coping
- No motivation
- Decreased interest in sex
- Mood swings
If you feel that your daily functioning is affected by any of the common signs, your GP is a great source of information and advice about the services available in your area.
Your GP can also refer you to specialist services if you experience any of the signs below:
- See and hear things that others do not experience
- Self harm
- Paranoia / increasing suspicion of those around you
- Dramatic mood swings
- Obsessive routines
- Poor self image which may affect your eating habits
*You don't need all of these symptoms to be experiencing problems.