Mental Health Awareness Week - 14th - 20th May 2018

Mental health awareness week has quickly approached us and it's something I wanted to write about due to having my own mental health condition that affects my daily living and the lives of those around me.

This awareness week will be starting tomorrow and lasting the full week, 14th-20th May.

I wanted to do my bit to help others struggling with mental health or caring for a loved one who is struggling and most of all to break down that gigantic wall that is "Stigma".

Although 1 in 3 of us will experience some form of mental health issue during our lives, its still not spoken about half as much as it should be. Hospitals aren't equipped enough to cope with the amount of patients experiencing mental health symptoms, the waiting lists for much needed help are far too long and the emergency services aren't being given adequate training to respond to calls regarding a mental health crisis.

There are so many flaws in the mental health service and this just isn't good enough.

Over the next few days, I'll be publishing a series of posts based on my personal experience with mental health issues. These posts will be everything from a short background story of my condition, diagnosis journey, seeking help and lots of tips, support and advice along the way.

We all have mental health. I personally have a mental health condition, many people have good and healthy mental health, many more (estimated 1 in 3) will go through stages of poor, unhealthy mental health throughout their lives and many may have a chronic mental health condition.

It's down to all of us as human beings to be aware and on the look out for mental health issues arising in both ourselves and in others.

Mental health can make a person believe that they are truly alone in the cruel world that the symptoms create. Hopefully this week, those suffering will feel less alone and those who aren't will step in and offer a helping hand and a listening ear.

Links and Useful Phone Numbers:

• If you're interested in finding out more about mental health and the different types, symptoms and advice, visit www.mind.org.uk

• For advice and helplines dedicated to your area visit Rethink Mental Illness here. 

• The Samaritans have a 24/7 365 days of the year free telephone service for anybody who needs to talk about mental health: 116 123.

• You can find other methods of contacting a service for advice or support here.
• For mental health training and first aid visit MHFA here.

• You can speak to your GP about mental health within working hours. Outside of these hours you can ring 111.

• If your life or lives of others are at immediate risk, please call 999.