How can we be Stronger Together?

What is mental health? 

Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how individuals think, feel, and act; as well as influencing how they handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.  

Good mental health is essential at every stage of life, from growing up in school through to retirement. It encompasses a range of factors, including emotional resilience, the ability to function in daily life, and the capacity to cope with life's challenges.  

Mental health can be impacted by various factors in life, including genetic and lifestyle impacts. 

How many people suffer from problems in the UK? 

According to Mind 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England, and 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week in England. 

This data is from a 2014 report, which now 10 years old, however, it gives us a good insight into roughly how many people suffer from mental health issues. We also know that the levels of mental health issues in the UK would most likely have increased, given that the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a huge 25%, according to a scientific brief released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022. 

What types of mental health problems are there? 

There are many types of mental health problems that people can be diagnosed with, including: 

• Anxiety 
• Bipolar disorder 
• Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) 
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD) 
• Depression 
• Bulimia 
• Anorexia 
• Schizophrenia 
• Panic attacks 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) 
• Paranoia 
• Phobias 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) 
• Psychosis 
• Suicidal feelings 

You can see a full list of mental health problems, along with explanations for what they are and advice for how to cope on Mind. 

Why is mental health support important? 

When our mental health is good, we feel good – it's that simple. Having good mental health makes life easier for us, helping us to support ourselves when we’re upset, navigate life changes and challenges, and keep good relationships with people around us. 

For people struggling with their mental health, having support can be vital. Whether it’s the support of family, friends, colleagues, or even pets; having support can change our outlook on what’s happening around us. 

How can you support people who are struggling with their mental health? 

For a lot of people, it can be difficult to know what to say when you know that someone is suffering with their mental health. You don’t have to be an expert, and just being there for someone can make a huge difference to their outlook. 

Here are some tips to help others with their mental health: 

• Listen 
  Giving them the opportunity to talk, and listening to what they are saying can provide them with the confidence that someone is their for them. If they are struggling to talk and express themselves, let them know that you are available to talk when they are ready. 
• Be patient 
  It’s important to let them set their own pace, rather than rushing information out of them. While you may want to know what’s going on and why they feel the way they do, allowing them the time and space to seek support on their own will allow them to feel relaxed and not under pressure. 
• Keep in contact 
  Try to keep things as normal as possible by keeping in contact. Talking about your everyday life whether you’re at social events or online can help to provide more emotional support. 
• Offer reassurance 
  It can feel lonely and scary at times to seek help for your mental health. Reassuring someone by letting them know that you’re there for them and that they’re not alone can take some of this fear and anxiety away. 
• Avoid making assumptions 
  It can be useful to give your thoughts, opinions, and perspective, but try to avoid assuming what is causing negative feelings, and what will help your family member or friend. 
  

How to be #StrongerTogether 

With more people gaining knowledge in mental health support, we can become stronger together. A healthy support system can be crucial, allowing people to talk about their feelings without the fear of being judged. 

We offer a range of mental health courses, including a short online course that takes just 90 minutes – an ideal way to learn how to support people with mental health challenges in a short space of time. 

View our range of mental health courses today – support your loved ones to be #StrongerTogether