Understanding Mental Health Challenges
Sunday 10th October marks World Mental Health Day, an international day for global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reveal the day “provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.”
This week across Avery, we wanted to share the importance of looking after ourselves, especially after the challenging period we have all faced together. Paying particular attention to:
- Understanding mental health challenges.
- Importance of mental well-being.
- Supporting mental well-being through activities.
- Mental health in later life.
- Avery’s training programme in practice.
Mental Health Challenges
The term mental health refers to the ability to function and deal with daily life. We all have mental health the same as we all have physical health. An example of good mental health would be a person who has a positive sense of who they are and the ability to deal with life on a daily basis.
Early signs of a person struggling to cope include, losing interest in activities that were previously enjoyed, increased anxiety levels, feeling exhausted and restless, isolating yourself and not wanting to socialise, changes in appetite and perception, such as hearing or seeing things that others don’t.
In England, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem each year. And 1 in 6 people will report experiencing a common mental health problem, such as anxiety and depression. That’s why it is paramount we understand the different types of mental health and their challenges.
Many factors may affect a person’s mental health. More prominent examples for healthcare professionals may be the coronavirus pandemic, bereavement, becoming a carer, money worries, relationship and family problems, and even the time of year. Even if there are many reasons for not feeling yourself, it’s ok if there isn’t a clear reason. Reach out, talk to friends, family and those around you.
For more on Mental Health Awareness, click here.
