October 10th is World Mental Health Day.

By Sheila Nursimhulu

One in four people in the UK are affected by a mental health problem each year. World Mental Health Day on 10 October is about raising awareness and driving positive change for everyone’s mental health.

It’s also to encourage everyone to talk about mental health and how important it is to get help if you are struggling.

There was a time when talking about our mental health struggles was the hardest thing due to the stigma attached, but our experience of mental health issues is not dependent upon us being weak or strong.

We are all different and we deal with stressful situations differently. Further, we do not live our lives in isolation and life has its own way of throwing its curve ball at us. When life’s pressures get too much, these can cause an imbalance in our mental health.

Mental health issues manifest themselves in many ways. These may include any one of the following:

Mood changes,
being hypervigilant or feeling low,
nervousness, stress/anxiety,
problems thinking,
sleep or appetite changes,
tearfulness,
feeling distressed,
feeling disconnected,
withdrawal,
depression and a feeling of hopelessness and that your life is no longer of any value.

Whatever your experiences, it is human to have these feelings and everyone should be able to get help to enjoy positive mental health again. It’s important to treat mental health problems as you would treat a physical injury. They deserve the same attention.

It is important to talk to family, friends or colleagues. Talk to your GP who can refer you for specific mental health support. There are also a number of organisations such as Mind, Samaritans, and CRUSE where people can self-refer for free advice and support.

Anyone who finds themselves in a situation of sudden acute distress, can call an ambulance or go to the local accident and emergency department to see a doctor who will help and provide a signpost to further long-term support.

Beckton Globe Library will be holding a special Mental Health Day event on Wednesday 11 October from 4-5.30pm. The free event will offer a talk on services available, as well as providing fun activities for the family. Email: CN.BecktonGlobeLibraryMailbox@newham.gov.uk or call 0203 373 0853

For information about mental health and related to the Mental Health Day across the UK, visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk

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