SPEAKING UP WHEN STRUGGLING WITH A MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE IS DIFFICULT, BUT IMPORTANT, AS CHRISTINE SWIFT FROM BATH MIND EXPLAINS
The pandemic has made us all more aware of the importance of our mental health and wellbeing. More and more people are talking about their mental health difficulties, which, for many, may have increased over the past two years. But it can be hard to know when to manage our mental health on our own, and when it is time to seek help.
There's a plethora of information on websites, social media and apps, and there are numerous books available. With so many different and varied sources of information, some may feel overwhelmed and not know whether they need professional help, or what may suit them best.
Check-in with yourself regularly, ask yourself how you are feeling. We all feel different ways on different days. Notice if how you feel changes or if anxiety or low mood last for a prolonged period of time. You may like to keep a diary noting how you are feeling. Try to maintain good self-care, including relaxation, exercise, good nutrition and sleep, all of which support your mental health.
Talking things over with a friend or family member can be a good way to start a conversation about mental health and exploring how you’re feeling. Sharing how we may deal with difficult times can be helpful to others and we can learn by sharing our experience and listening to others.
For some, mental health difficulties can escalate. Taking action at an early stage can help to prevent symptoms worsening. If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties with your mental health, it’s never too early to seek professional help. There is no fixed timeframe for when you should seek professional help; everyone is different. If you’re unsure or you’re struggling, it’s always best to check at as early a stage as possible.
We all have mental health, in the same way as we all have physical health. Seeking appropriate help for either our mental or our physical health is an important step in improving our overall wellbeing. Mental health is not something to be trivialised; though we cannot see it as we can see our physical health, this does not mean it is any less important.
Some may not find it easy to ask for help. We may feel vulnerable or uncomfortable discussing our mental health issues. You’re not alone – thousands of people every year seek mental health support, and you can be proud of yourself for wanting to make positive changes in your life.
Taking the first step
It’s best to talk with your GP in the first instance. Never feel that
