Positive Mental Health

There was a time, not so very long ago, in a country that you are probably living in, when the words mental health, had a negative connotation.

The words still have.

How negative the connotation depends upon who you are speaking to and what has happened recently.  As an example, read the papers the day after somebody commits a crime which outrages the country.  I can guarantee that at least one paper will use the term "mental health" in a negative context.

I believe that mental health just like "health" itself has to become a neutral term.  There are campaigns to improve our physical health (eg the 5 a day), so why aren't there campaigns to improve our mental health? 

Or, to put it more accurately, why aren't the existing campaigns given a stronger voice?

Looking after your emotional mental health should be given the same weight as looking after  your physical health.  All beings have a mind/body connection - how you feel physically affects how you feel mentally.  And vice versa.

In this Age of Austerity, looking after your mental health is really important as MIND (www.mind.org.uk) has reported as increase in mental health problems as people worry about finances, about keeping their jobs and, uncomfortable as it is to think about, losing their houses.

The saying is that from small acorns, giants oaks grow.  The truism is that same for mental health: from small worries, anxiety grows, and depression often isn't far behind.

It is important to remember, and I will quote a friend, that there are always solutions to problems.

Talking helps.  But try it when you're sober, and to people who you know will give you constructive advice, not just the mate in the pub.

I'm writing this today not just for people with worries, but also for people who have friends who may have become quieter than normal, more distant and less sociable.  They are people who may be experiencing difficulties, but just don't know how to ask for help.

If you know somebody like this, don't panic. There IS help and there IS hope.

    1. You have to keep positive.
    2. You are not alone.
    3. There is always support to help you.

Firstly talk to a friend.  If the problems are financial then the first step may be to contact citizen's advice bureau.  They have trained staff who are able to offer professional confidential advice.  See http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ to find a service near you.

If the problems are relationship-oriented try contacting RELATE www.relate.org.uk

If the problems are work related, speak to your boss, preferably in a supervision/review and get it documented that you are struggling.  If they don't/can't help, speak to human resources.  It may be that you have a union representative that you can speak to.

Don't suffer in silence. 
Whilst here's no guarantee that any of these options will bring you the result that you require, practical action can have a significant impact on reducing worries, simply because you are taking action.


Asking for help is a good thing.

I'm bringing it up now because I'm acutely aware that these aren't easy days to live in.  People I know are struggling and life shouldn't be that way.


Have a great week.  Take care.

Joe. 
Other useful organisations:
www.mind.org.uk
www.thesamaritans.org
www.nhs.uk