Mental health
Mental health refers to the working order of your mind and describes your thoughts, feelings and understanding of yourself and the world around you.
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Manic depression (bipolar disorder)
- Post natal depression
- Schizophrenia
- Self harm
- Suicide
- Stress
Everyone feels sad from time to time, but when a person is severely depressed it can make coping with everyday life an impossible task.
Depression may not have an obvious cause, but in some cases it can be triggered by stressful or traumatic events and situations. These may include a bereavement, illness, work issue or financial problems.
Symptoms of depression can include:
- feeling down
- tearful
- loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- not laughing at things you once found amusing
- constant tiredness
- interrupted sleep patterns
- feeling helpless
- feeling useless
- lack of sex drive
- no motivation
- suicidal thoughts
If you feel depressed, talking to someone about how you feel may help you come to terms with your condition. If you don’t want to confide in someone close to you, you should speak to your GP who will offer advice about possible medication such as an anti-depressant or a counselling session.
Many people (both young women and young men) who suffer from eating disorders feel that they are in control of their lives because only they have a say in what goes into their bodies. An eating disorder isn’t just a desire to be thin – some people can have an eating disorder for many years before anybody notices they have a problem.
Anorexia nervosa
People with anorexia feel a need to stop eating food – even if they feel hungry. Food and exercise will become an obsession. When this spirals out of control, the weight loss is extremely dramatic and sufferers will take on a skeletal-like appearance. It can also contribute to ill health such as:
- problems with bones (osteoporosis)
- heart and kidney problems
- thinning hair
- girls’ periods will stop
- difficulty sleeping
- feeling cold
- facial hair
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia sufferers tend to have an irregular eating pattern. They alternate between frenzied binge-eating and then feel so guilty they will need to get rid of it by making themselves vomit or by taking laxatives.
The bingeing and purging often takes place in secret, and because their weight often stays the same others may not be aware of the problem.
In the long-term, bulimia can result in:
- teeth erosion
- kidney damage
- irregular heartbeat
- facial hair
Overeating
We all overeat from time to time, but some people turn to food when they feel upset and use it as a form of comfort. This is known as comfort eating and it can be a very difficult cycle to break. As with other eating disorders, eating too much can cause health problems such as:
- strain on the heart
- diabetes
- obesity
If you think you are suffering from an eating disorder you should make an appointment with your GP who will offer confidential advice and support.
People who suffer with manic depression or bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings. A person can go from feeling high and very happy to severely depressed, although there may be a period of stability and calmness in between.
Exact causes of manic depression aren’t known, however everyday problems, general stress and possible genetic factors may be linked to the condition.
Symptoms
During a manic or ‘high’ episode, you will have an abundance of energy and will believe that anything is possible. Bursts of creativity are common and you will survive on very little sleep. Concentration will waiver and your behaviour will become extreme, such as spending lots of money or taking risks.
When your mood reaches the depressed state, your energy levels will decrease and you will lose interest in life and take on other symptoms of depression such as low self esteem, feelings of worthlessness and in some cases, feel suicidal.
It is important that you try to avoid stressful situations and maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating and sleeping well if you suffer from this condition. A combination of counselling and medication for your mood swings will also help you to control your manic or depressive episodes.
As with all medical conditions, you should consult your GP for further advice.
Some mothers may feel a bit low after the birth of their child, possibly due to hormonal changes. These are sometimes known as ‘baby blues’.
However, in some mothers the bad feelings may grow and eventually develop into what is commonly known as postnatal depression.
Symptoms may include:
- inability to bond with your baby
- being tearful
- lack of interest in your baby
- inability to cope
If you think you have postnatal depression, you should talk to your family for support. You should also visit your GP who may be able to offer treatment, such as anti-depressants or counselling.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is when the minds perception of reality and the imaginary become confused. Many people think it means having a ‘split personality’, but this certainly isn’t the case.
There isn’t one type of schizophrenia and not everyone who suffers with it will have the same symptoms. It can be a frightening and distressing illness and sometimes, sufferers feel the need to withdraw from other people, even close family and loved ones.
Symptoms of schizophrenia may include:
- Thinking people are trying to harm you.
- Seeing or hearing things that others do not.
- Thinking that everyday things or objects have a secret meaning i.e. that a television is sending you messages to warn you about something.
- Having a different understanding of the world around you.
- Believing that others are putting thoughts into your head or can read your thoughts.
Unfortunately, the media often talk about Schizophrenia in a negative light, for example, that they are a danger to other people. A person with schizophrenia is no more likely to harm or kill a complete stranger than any other individual is and are far more likely to hurt themselves than others.
Treatments for schizophrenia are improving, and although some sufferers may need more daily support (i.e. day care) many sufferers can lead a normal life with the right combination of medicine, family support and advice and support from mental health experts.
If you think you have symptoms of schizophrenia or other mental health issue, or somebody close to you is suffering, speak to your GP or visit our recommended websites for further advice on what to do.
We all have issues from time to time, and we all cope with stressful situations in different ways. Some people seek professional help and counselling, others may scream out loud to get rid of their frustrations. But for some, turning on themselves is the only way they see of being able to cope.
Self harm can be defined as someone who purposely sets out to injure themselves as it’s the only way they feel they can communicate their feelings. It can often be a sign of an underlying problem, which would need to be addressed by specialist practitioners.
The most common forms of self harm are:
- cutting arms, hands, legs
- burning or scalding
- bruising the body by throwing themselves against something
- biting and scratching
Many people who self harm want to stop, and there are ways that self harmers can help themselves. For example:
- Think about what needs to change in your life to stop you from self harming.
- Deep breathing exercise.
- Take time out to think about what you are doing and why.
- Hit out at a punch bag or pillow to vent your frustration and anger, rather than injuring yourself.
Ultimately, you will need to seek expert medical advice if you want to stop self harming. If you don’t feel ready to approach your GP, there are a number of self help organisations that you can speak to, in confidence. Take a look at our recommended websites to the right of this page.
Planning to take your own life is a sign of extreme despair and desperation. It is not a cry for help – taking steps to ensure that you are not discovered until the act has been successfully completed is not an impulsive act.
People who feel suicidal wouldn’t end their life unless they believed there was a very valid reason for it.
Sometimes, suicidal thoughts can also be a sign of conditions such as:
- Schizophrenia or other mental illness
- Severe depression
- Drug or alcohol abuse
If you have been having suicidal thoughts, it is extremely important that you think carefully before doing anything. You may think that what you are currently feeling is too much for you to cope with, but there is always another way of dealing with things. Don’t look at suicide as the only option.
- Try talking to someone close – a friend or family member.
- Speak to your doctor about how you are feeling to try and determine what is happening and how they can help you.
- Speak to an organisation such as the Samaritans, who will listen to what you have to say.
It is important that we do not let the everyday stresses and strains of life develop into something more sinister, like depression.
Stress can be triggered by many factors such as the loss of a loved one in the form of bereavement, divorce or a separation. And we all know how stressful it can be moving house, changing jobs and taking exams.
Common signs of stress include:
- struggling to get to sleep / waking up
- irritability
- tension
- loss of concentration
- increased use of alcohol / cigarettes to ‘blot out’ stress
It is important that you seek help at the first signs of stress before it gets out of hand. If you are feeling stressed because of work or college, look into taking time off or speak to your tutor or teacher about your concerns.
Stress busters
The following stress busters may come in handy if things are getting too much:
- Deal with one thing at a time.
- Talk to friends, family or your GP.
- Avoid stressful situations.
- Scream to let off steam.
- Try some relaxation techniques, breathing exercises or yoga classes.
- Take up an exercise class – the release of endorphins gives you that feel good factor.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Take regular breaks from exam revision and get some fresh air.
For further advice about dealing with stress visit our recommended websites. As with all health issues, you should consult your GP for expert help.