LIST OF MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS HELPLINES- UK
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (24 hours a day, free from any phone) or email jo@samaritans.org for emotional support and to talk about any distressing feelings you may be experiencing.
Shout: Text "SHOUT" to 85258 to speak with a trained crisis volunteer via text 24/7.
The NHS Mental Health Crisis Hotline: Call 111 (option 2) for support and advice from mental health professionals.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight, 7 days a week) or use their webchat service (5pm-midnight, 7 days a week) for support specifically for men who are feeling down or in crisis.
PAPYRUS: Call the HOPELINEUK at 0800 068 4141 or text "HOPE" to 07860 039 967 (9am-10pm weekdays, 2pm-10pm weekends, and bank holidays) for confidential support and suicide prevention for young people under 35.
The Silver Line: Call 0800 4 70 80 90 (24 hours a day, free from any phone) for emotional support and friendship for older people.
Mind: Call 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm, Monday to Friday) or text "85258" for support and advice on a range of mental health issues.
The Mix: Call 0808 808 4994 (Sunday-Friday, 2pm-11pm) or use their webchat service (Sunday-Friday, 2pm-11pm) for support and advice for under 25s.
It's important to remember that if you are in immediate danger or require urgent medical attention, please call 999 or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.
MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS IN THE UK
Mental health crisis has been a growing concern globally and the United Kingdom (UK) is no exception. In recent years, there have been several significant discoveries on mental health crisis in the UK and around the world. These discoveries shed light on the severity of the issue, the factors contributing to it and the need for urgent action.
One of the most alarming discoveries in the UK is the rising rates of mental health problems among young people. According to a report published by the Education Policy Institute, one in six children in England has a mental health disorder.
The report also found that the number of children referred to specialist mental health services has increased by over 50% in the past five years. This highlights the urgent need for early intervention and support for young people who are struggling with mental health issues.
Another significant discovery is the disproportionate impact of mental health problems on certain groups in the UK, including people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and people living in rural areas. These groups often face additional barriers to accessing mental health services and support, which can worsen their mental health outcomes.
On a global level, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought mental health crisis into sharper focus. The pandemic has disrupted daily life and led to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), the pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93% of countries worldwide. This has left many people without access to essential mental health support at a time when they need it most.
In addition, the pandemic has highlighted the need to address the stigma surrounding mental health. The pandemic has affected everyone in some way, and mental health problems can affect anyone. It is essential to recognize that mental health is a fundamental aspect of overall health and wellbeing and to ensure that mental health services and support are widely available and accessible.
To address these issues, there needs to be a coordinated effort from governments, healthcare systems, and communities. This includes investing in mental health services and support, increasing awareness and understanding of mental health issues, and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. It also involves addressing the underlying factors contributing to mental health problems, such as poverty, inequality, and social isolation.
In conclusion, the latest discoveries on mental health crisis in the UK and around the world highlight the urgent need for action.
Mental health problems are a growing concern, particularly among young people and certain disadvantaged groups. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this issue, disrupting critical mental health services and highlighting the need to address the stigma surrounding mental health. It is essential to invest in mental health services and support, increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues, and address the underlying factors contributing to mental health problems.
Only through a coordinated effort can we effectively address the mental health crisis and ensure that everyone has access to the support they need to thrive.
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OUR INNOVATIVE APPROACH ON FACTORS TO POOR MENTAL HEALTH
Factors such as poverty, asylum experiences, lack of skills, unemployment, and other health and economic factors can have a significant impact on an individual's mental health. These factors can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, and hopelessness, as well as a range of physical health problems.
Poverty, for example, can lead to a lack of access to basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare, which can increase stress levels and contribute to feelings of helplessness and despair. Asylum experiences can be traumatic and can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Lack of skills and unemployment can lead to financial insecurity, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression.
Other health factors, such as chronic illness, can also contribute to poor mental health. Chronic illness can cause physical pain, fatigue, and other symptoms that can affect a person's ability to function and enjoy life. This can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression.
At the Wellness Tribe, our focus is on addressing these factors to improve mental health outcomes for individuals and communities. We work to provide resources and support to individuals experiencing poverty, asylum experiences, lack of skills, unemployment, and other health and economic factors. By addressing these underlying issues, we aim to improve the overall wellbeing of individuals and promote positive mental health outcomes.
STESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES FOR A BETTER MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Stress is a common experience that affects everyone at some point in their lives. It is a natural response to demanding situations and can even be helpful in some cases, such as in the case of a fight or flight response. However, too much stress can harm your mental health and overall wellbeing. Therefore, it's essential to learn ways to manage stress to ensure a better mental health and wellbeing.
Here are some ways recommended by NHS and doctors that can help you manage stress:
1. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help reduce stress by releasing endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals. Exercise can also help improve sleep, which is essential for managing stress.
2. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment and intentionally focusing on your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It can help reduce stress by promoting relaxation and reducing negative emotions.
3. Take breaks: It's essential to take breaks when you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Taking a few minutes to walk outside, listen to music or take deep breaths can help you relax and refocus.
4. Get enough sleep: Sleep is critical for managing stress levels. Lack of sleep can lead to increased stress and anxiety, so it's essential to get enough restful sleep each night.
5. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced and healthy diet can help reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. Consuming too much sugar, caffeine or alcohol can increase stress levels.
6. Connect with others: Social support is essential for managing stress. Talking to someone you trust about your stressors can help reduce anxiety and provide a new perspective on a situation.
7. Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, praying and meditation can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
8. Set realistic goals: Setting achievable goals can help reduce stress by giving you a sense of accomplishment and control over your life.
9. Learn to say no: It's important to set boundaries and learn to say no when you feel overwhelmed. Overcommitting can increase stress levels, so it's essential to prioritize your time and energy.
10. Seek professional help: If you're experiencing severe stress or anxiety, it's essential to seek professional help. A doctor or mental health professional can provide support and guidance on managing stress.
In conclusion, managing stress is essential for a better mental health and overall wellbeing. By exercising regularly, practicing mindfulness, taking breaks, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, connecting with others, practicing relaxation techniques, setting realistic goals, learning to say no, and seeking professional help, you can reduce stress levels and improve your quality of life. Remember, everyone experiences stress, but it's how you manage it that makes all the difference.
RACIAL TRAUMA AND RACISM AS A FACTOR TO POOR MENTAL HEALTH
Racial trauma is a term used to describe the psychological and emotional impact of experiencing racism or discrimination. It can have significant effects on mental health and wellbeing, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Racism can take many forms, including overt acts of discrimination, microaggressions, and systemic oppression. These experiences can result in a sense of powerlessness, hopelessness, and a lack of safety, which can lead to chronic stress and trauma.
Research has shown that individuals who experience racism are more likely to suffer from poor mental health outcomes. For example, a study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that experiences of racial discrimination were associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety among African women and black men.
Racial trauma can also have a physical impact on the body. Chronic stress and trauma can lead to physiological changes, including increased inflammation and hormonal changes, which can contribute to a range of physical health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.
It is essential to acknowledge and address the impact of racism on mental health. This includes creating safe spaces for individuals to discuss their experiences, providing access to mental health services such as The Wellness Tribe CIC, where the team understands and has lived experience of this issue, and promoting anti-racism efforts to reduce the prevalence of racism and discrimination.
Therapeutic interventions can be effective in treating symptoms of racial trauma as well. These treatments can help individuals process their experiences, develop coping strategies, and regain a sense of control.
It is also important to address the root causes of racism and discrimination through education, advocacy, and policy change. This includes working to dismantle systemic racism and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas of society.
In conclusion, racial trauma and racism can have significant effects on mental health and wellbeing. It is important to acknowledge and address these impacts by providing access to appropriate mental health services, promoting anti-racism efforts, and working to dismantle systemic racism. By doing so, we can promote better mental health outcomes and create a more just and equitable society for all.
MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS IN AFRICA
Mental health problems are a significant issue in Africa, affecting millions of people across the continent. While there are many factors that contribute to mental illness, including poverty, trauma, and conflict, the lack of access to mental health services is a major barrier to treatment.
One of the most common mental health problems in Africa is depression. According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and in Africa, it affects approximately 30 million people. However, due to the stigma surrounding mental illness and the lack of available resources, many people in Africa do not seek treatment for depression.
Another mental health problem that is prevalent in Africa is anxiety. Anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways, including panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias. Anxiety disorders can be debilitating, making it difficult for people to carry out their daily activities. Like depression, anxiety is often stigmatized, and many people do not seek treatment for fear of being seen as weak or crazy.
In addition to depression and anxiety, there are several other mental health problems that are common in Africa. These include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and substance abuse. PTSD is a particularly pressing issue in regions affected by conflict and violence, such as Somalia and South Sudan. Schizophrenia is also a significant problem, affecting approximately 1% of the population in Africa. Substance abuse is also a growing concern, as drug and alcohol use becomes more prevalent in many African countries.
Despite the high prevalence of mental health problems in Africa, there is a severe shortage of mental health professionals and resources. According to the World Health Organization, there are only 0.05 psychiatrists and 0.19 psychologists per 100,000 people in Africa. This means that many people do not have access to the treatment they need.
There are several reasons for this lack of resources. One is the stigma surrounding mental illness, which can prevent people from seeking help and discourage governments from investing in mental health services. Another is the prioritization of other health issues, such as HIV/AIDS and malaria, which can overshadow mental health concerns.
Overall, mental health problems are a significant issue in Africa, affecting millions of people across the continent. Addressing this issue will require increased investment in mental health resources and services, as well as efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.
FACTORS TO POOR MENTAL HEALTH
There are many factors that can contribute to poor mental health. Here are some of the most common ones:
Genetics: Certain mental health conditions, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, can have a genetic component. If a family member has a history of mental illness, it may increase your risk of developing one as well.
Environment: Your environment can play a significant role in your mental health. Experiencing trauma, abuse, or neglect can increase your risk of developing mental health problems, as can living in poverty, experiencing social isolation, or being exposed to chronic stress.
Lifestyle choices: Certain lifestyle choices can impact your mental health. For example, using drugs or alcohol can increase your risk of developing a mental health disorder. Similarly, poor diet and lack of exercise can also contribute to poor mental health.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as chronic pain or chronic illness, can increase your risk of developing mental health problems. This may be due to the impact that these conditions can have on your daily life and ability to function.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS TIPS
Here are some general health and wellness tips that can help improve your overall well-being:
Eat a healthy, balanced diet: A well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help keep you hydrated, flush out toxins, and improve your overall health.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help improve your cardiovascular health, strengthen your muscles, and boost your mood.
Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help your body and mind recharge and rejuvenate.
Manage stress: Stress can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing meditation or yoga, can help improve your overall well-being.
Connect with others: Building and maintaining healthy relationships with friends, family, and community members can help promote mental health and reduce feelings of isolation.
Practice self-care: Taking time for yourself to do activities that you enjoy, such as reading, taking a bath, or going for a walk, can help you recharge and feel more relaxed.
Remember, everyone's health and wellness journey is unique, so it's important to find what works best for you and your body.