Your mental health is one of the most important parts of your overall well-being. It dictates your ability to operate emotionally, psychologically, socially and in some cases, physically. Your mental health is just like your physical health – taking care of it should be a priority.
Good mental health means having the ability to think, feel and act in the ways you need to live your life. Poor mental health can feel difficult or impossible to cope with, can be just as detrimental as a physical illness, or worse.
Around one in four people suffer from a mental health issue each year in the UK, ranging from common issues like anxiety and depression, to more unique issues like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
What are the most common mental health problems?
Many people will experience a mental health problem at some point during their lifetime – research suggests that up to 20% of people have struggled with poor mental health in the UK, with anxiety and depression being the most common illnesses.
Other common mental health problems include:
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Severe Stress
There can be a wide range of causes for these issues, from workplace pressures to relationship problems. Some causes may be more complex, originating from childhood trauma, for example. Sometimes, the origins of a mental health issue may not be entirely psychological – they can also arise from chemical imbalances or poor physical health.
How to spot a mental health issue
It may not always be obvious when you or someone around you is struggling with a mental health problem. However, there are signs to watch out for that can signal a shift in someone’s wellbeing. These include:
- A noticeable drop in energy levels
- Increased consumption of drugs, alcohol or tobacco
- Consistent feelings of despair
- Unexplained bouts of confusion, guilt, anger or worry
- Severe mood swings
- Difficulty sleeping or persistent tiredness
- Difficulty concentrating
Mental health in the workplace
As employers recognise the importance of their employees’ mental health, more measures are being taken in the workplace to ensure employees are happy and healthy. Mental Health First aid training aims to equip staff with the tools they need to help peers who may be experiencing mental health problems. Mental health first aiders are taught to understand mental health, how to spot the triggers and signs of issues, the right way to approach and support colleagues and where they can go for further support.
By training mental health first aiders, businesses can reduce stigma around mental health problems and encourage staff to be more forthcoming and seek help. They also help create mental health advocates that will identify potential triggers in the work environment and suggest ways to alleviate these. Finally, they introduce a mechanism for helping employees who are struggling with their mental health, many of whom are reluctant to speak to management or colleagues through fear of judgement, discrimination or harming their career prospects.
Read our other blogs for more information on first aid or contact us for further advice and information on our courses.
About the author:
Jo Stokes is a writer, marketer and trained first aider at Safety First Aid.