We all have mental health. The World Health Organisation (WHO) uses the following definition;

“Mental health is a state of well-being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her society.”

Mental health problems are experienced by us all at some time, most of us are lucky enough to have a “passing” experience of a mental health problem for example feeling depressed when a relationship ends or stressed at work.

• Head injuries/Medication reactions
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Alzheimer’s disease/dementia
• Depression and Post natal depressionAddiction
• Post traumatic stress disorderPersonality Disorders,
• Schizophrenia Bi-polar disorder (manic depression)
• Phobias and panic attacks
• Self harm, Abuse/survivor guilt, Suicidal feelings,
• Anxiety or StressEating Disorders e.g. Anorexia nervosa or Bulimia nervosa

At any one time, one adult in six suffers from mental health problems of various levels and research suggests that one in four people will experience a mental health problem in the course of a year. Everyone has a personal definition of mental health based upon our individual life experiences and influenced by our gender, race, religious beliefs, social class, experience of family life, aspirations and beliefs etc. Because of these factors one person may cope with a situation whilst another may experience mental health problems or may have a different definition of “acceptable” behaviour and reactions.

Experiencing a mental health problem can cause real and lasting damage, both to the individual and the community. Fortunately the majority of people who experience a mental health problem can get over them or learn to live with them especially if they can get help early on. Unfortunately many people experiencing a mental health problem don’t receive the right kind of help or any help at all. Many people are shunned or discriminated against by their families, friends and community.

Many people living with mental health problems experience being avoided, ignored, talked about, laughed at or bullied – this is the stigma of mental health.

Like all prejudice it is based on fear and a lack of knowledge.
Stigmatising language and name calling because of a mental health problem is just as unacceptable as racist, sexist or homophobic language. Bullying or harassing someone because of mental ill- health is just as damaging as any other kind of bullying and should be challenged the same way.

The images of people with a mental health problem in newspapers or on television can make this situation worse. Often they are perceived as dangerous and violent or helpless and unable to cope. These inaccurate or exaggerated portrayals reinforce the fear, stigma and prejudice in the community and make it harder for those who need help to be open about it. For the person experiencing a mental health problem this time will be a frightening, confusing, frustrating and disorientating time. They may feel unable to trust themselves to make appropriate responses in social settings and so avoid people. People living with an ongoing mental health problem benefit greatly from having someone they can trust to identify any changes that may indicate their condition is deteriorating or their medication is not working.We have all needed someone to talk to about a problem or the way we are feeling in the past to help us to stop feeling low, anxious or depressed. In the same way with access to the correct help almost 80% of people with mental health problems recover fully, leading fulfilling and active lives. Without help and support from the community people with a mental health problem will feel frightened, isolated and unable to see a way through these problems. This person may not be you today – but it could easily be you tomorrow.

Our communities are only as strong as our most vulnerable members. If we do not help and support members of our communities to be all that they can be then we let down not only them but ourselves.

Useful contacts

Mental Health Foundation
020 7803 1101 www.mentalhealth.org.uk

SANE
020 7375 1002 www.sane.org.uk

MIND
0845 766 0163 www.mind.org.uk

Samaritans
08457 909090 www.samaritans.org.uk

National Self Harm Network
www.nshn.co.uk