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Managing Mental Health Issues

ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, BIPOLAR, SCHIZOPHRENIA, STRESS!

One in four adults and one in ten children will experience mental health at some point in their life.

One in five adults has considered taking their own life at some point.

These are the sad facts of people struggling daily with mental health issues. Life is far more stressful now than it has ever been. High profile jobs, working long hours to pay the bills and generally living life 100 mile an hour. Also, the amount of pressure we put on ourselves. More and more people are finding life harder to cope with. Mental Health can affect anyone. It is so important to realise that what may seem trivial or insignificant to you, could be a huge problem for someone suffering with mental health.

We all have days where “things” get on top of us but for most of us, we can shake it off. For myself I try and take an hour where possible, away in a quiet place and listen to relaxing music, with a BIG do not disturb sign on the door. For others this may not be as easy. The feeling of not being able to get rid of the black cloud that hangs over them is extremely distressing and daunting and they will need lots of reassurance and support at these times. They often display signs of low self-esteem, worthlessness or even self-harm.

It is vital that if you notice any change in a family member or friend that you offer your support straight away or seek medical help where needed.

SIGNS OF MENTAL ILLNESS:

  • Long lasting sadness or irritability.
  • Extremely high and low moods.
  • Excessive fear, worry or anxiety.
  • Social withdrawal.
  • Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping.
  • Lack of personal care.
  • Strong feelings of anger.
  • Panic attacks.
  • Delusions or hallucinations.

Mental Health has a huge impact on the people who are closest to the person suffering. It is so very difficult to help care for someone with such problems. You are faced with different challenges every day, a rollercoaster of emotions. You learn to get “tougher skin” and not to take things personally. You must be non-judgemental, have endless amounts of patience and just to take one day at a time. Your health is also important, so you must take time out and look after your own wellbeing.

 

ADVICE FOR CARERS:

  • Educate yourself about Mental Health.
  • Seek all resources (I found having the crisis team number at hand was re assuring)
  • Have realistic expectations.
  • Reach out for support.
  • Provide emotional support.
  • Help them manage day to day tasks (writing to do lists is a good way to keep focused)
  • Encourage them to seek help.
  • Encourage them to exercise, outdoors if possible.

Just remember you don’t have to be a professional person to help someone with Mental Health, you just need to Care. Please be kind, we never know what people are struggling with. You could be the difference of life or death. Reach out and be supportive.

We are here to help.