World Mental Health Day, is observed on October 10th, it is an international initiative dedicated to promoting global mental health education, raising awareness, and combating social stigma associated with mental health issues. This important day was first established in 1992, thanks to the efforts of the World Federation for Mental Health, a worldwide organisation with members and connections in over 150 countries. The World Health Organisation advises that mental health is a basic human right for all individuals, with everyone having a right to the most attainable standard of mental health.
Here are some common signs of a person struggling with their mental health:
-feeling sad or down
-confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
-excessive fears or worries, or extreme feeling of guilt
-extreme mood changes of highs and lows
-withdrawal from friends and activities -significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
What if someone I know feels suicidal? It can be very distressing if you are worried about someone who feels suicidal. They may have talked about wanting to end their life, or you may be concerned that they are thinking about it. You might feel unsure of what to do, but there are lots of things that might help. You could:
encourage them to talk about their feelings
encourage them to seek treatment and support
offer emotional support
offer practical support
help them think of ideas for self help
help them to make a support plan
The main aspect of supporting someone through this is compassion, listening and most importantly not over-reacting or becoming upset. Remaining calm and situation through is extremely important.
Where to get support
PAPYRUS is dedicated to the prevention of young suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional well being; we are proud to support World Mental Health Day and aim to make suicide, mental health and emotional well being a priority every day of the year.
The importance of starting safe conversations about suicide, mental health and emotional well being is vital, as suicide remains the biggest killer of under 35's in the UK.
Mind
Workplace support
Some workplaces offer free access to support services such as talking therapies. This is called an Employee Assistance Programme.
Peer support
Peer support brings together people with similar experiences. Your peers can:
support you and listen to how you're feeling
offer empathy and understanding
share experiences, information, suggestions for self-care and support options.
Friends, family, carers and neighbours
Sometimes it can help to talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling. They could:
help you to find information
discuss your options with you
come with you to appointments
help out with everyday tasks
give encouragement and support trained therapist
Trained therapists and counsellors
provide a range of different therapies through the NHS, for which your doctor could refer you (known as secondary care). In some cases you might be able to contact them directly.
Your doctor (GP)
For many of us, our local GP practice is the first place we go when we're unwell (known as primary care). Your doctor is there to help you with your mental health as well as your physical health.
Charities that offer help will mental health
Mind - Mind Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Telephone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm) Website: www.mind.org.uk
Papyrus - PAPYRUS Young suicide prevention society.
Telephone: HOPElineUK 0800 068 4141 (9 am to midnight, every day of the year) Website: www.papyrus-uk.org
YoungMinds -Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals.
Telephone: Parents’ helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 4 pm) Website: www.youngminds.org.uk/
Samaritans - Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Telephone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline) Website: www.samaritans.org/
The Big Issue
CALM - CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.
Telephone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5 pm to midnight) Website: www.thecalmzone.net
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