Mental health problems will affect 1 in 4 people at some point in their lives. This makes mental health disorders one of the top causes of ill health globally. Unfortunately, despite this, many people do not seek help due to the stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental health issues.
Every year 800,000 people take their own life and many more attempt suicide. However, there are many charities that try to help those in need and work towards breaking the stigma and encouraging conversation around mental health.
The Samaritans is a UK-based charity that offers around-the-clock support to those who are struggling to cope. They help people to talk about many difficult issues such as loneliness, depression and suicide.
If you or someone you know is feeling low, or you just want to know more, this blog talks about depression, self-help tips and treatments.
Helping Yourself
If you are suffering from depression or just feeling low, having a healthy lifestyle can help improve your mental health. If you can, try to:
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy diet
- Get plenty of sleep
- Limit your alcohol intake
Practicing mindfulness can also be helpful. Mindfulness advises us to be aware of the world around us, moment by moment, rather than rushing through life. This encourages us to experience more in our daily lives and reduce negative thoughts. You can read more about mindfulness HERE.
If you are feeling depressed, it can be beneficial to talk to family or friends about your problems. There are also many different types of talking therapies available, such as counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). In counselling one talk about their emotions and current situation, to try and find a positive solution. CBT involves breaking the negative cycle of thoughts and feelings, looking at practical ways to improve your mental health on a day-to-day basis. Your doctor can help you decide what approach is best for you.
If you are feeling suicidal, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. There are links below to charities you can contact or, alternatively, see your doctor who will be able to help and point you in the best direction.
Helping Others
Sometimes it can be difficult for people to acknowledge they are are depressed and seek help on their own. Often the people closest to them spot the signs of depression first.
These signs include:
- Feeling low over several weeks or more
- Difficulty sleeping, tiredness and low energy
- Losing interest in things they enjoy
- Eating too much or very little
- Unusually slow or hyperactive behaviour
- Difficulty focusing on normal tasks or memory problems
- Pulling away from others
- Becoming easily irritated
If a family member or friend is going through a difficult time, there are things you can do to help. Just listening to their problems and staying in touch can help and make them feel less isolated. Talk to them but try not to be judgemental or critical, people do not choose to be depressed, so be patient. Encourage them to live a healthy lifestyle and to seek professional help if needed, but don’t force them. However, through all this, make sure you look after your own mental health too.
If you are worried that someone you know is suicidal, or they express suicidal feeling, it is important for you or them to seek help as soon as possible. There are some links at the bottom of this article for some charities you can contact or, alternatively, see a doctor.
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Links
The Samaritans is a UK-based charity that help people through times of emotional distress — http://www.samaritans.org/
Befrienders Worldwide is a global organisation to prevent suicide, you can find a helpline in your country — http://www.befrienders.org/
Papyrus is a charity for the prevention of young suicide — https://www.papyrus-uk.org/about
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