How is your mental health?
It’s suggested that around 19% of the world’s population suffer with their mental health, not surprisingly this has risen from around 11% in 2017.
Today’s world that we all share is fraught with difficulties for many and life can be a huge challenge on a day to day basis for millions of people.
Mental health issues can range from low level anxiety and depression to the more extreme condition of PTSD, phobias and also OCD.
On a positive note there is lot’s of accessible support available and also I believe talking about mental health issues is far easier and more acceptable today. If the global pandemic and the war in Ukraine has shown us anything it’s that we need to support and accept each other and step up when people need help.
For those who have mental illnesses, their brains have changed in a way in which they are unable to think, feel, or act in ways they want to. For some, this means experiencing extreme and unexpected changes in mood, like feeling more sad or worried than normal.
Having an issue with your mental health can feel like you are in constant battle with yourself. There is the person who you really are, and the part of your personality that is unwell and constantly dictating what you should do. This means you can feel like you are constant failure.
The five main warning signs of mental illness are as follows:
Excessive paranoia, worry, or anxiety
Long-lasting sadness or irritability
Extreme changes in moods
Social withdrawal
Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping pattern
Speak to you GP if you are suffering with any of these symptoms or if you are feeling anxious or your mood is often low.
If you would like to seek further help then many mental health charities are available including, Mind, Samaritans, Youngminds, Mental Health Foundation, CALM and Nightline.
Alongside this there are other things you can do for yourself which may help with anxiety and low mood.
Take some time out, maybe a regular walk everyday to relax and spend time in nature. This has a calming influence on our minds and can help reduce feelings of anxiety. Try and get enough sleep. Deep sleep will restore the brain's prefrontal mechanism that regulates our emotions, lowering emotional and physiological reactivity and preventing the escalation of anxiety.
Also try and limit alcohol intake. When dealing with stressful days or nervous situations, you may be tempted to have a glass of wine or a beer to calm your nerves. However, drinking alcohol, especially heavily and over a long period of time, can actually increase your anxiety.
Do your best day to day, Instead of aiming for perfection in your life which isn't possible, be proud of however close you get.
Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective. Life can be a challenge but there is always a silver lining to every situation.
Speak to a friend, it can be really helpful to talk about issues causing anxiety and this support can help you move forward to a happier place.
Please contact your GP for help if you are feeling any of the symptoms shown above.
Sarah x