Category Archives: Mental health

How Do You Know If You Have A Mental Health Problem?

November 30, 2009

Even though mental health problems are common, affecting around 1 in 4 of us at any point in time, many people are still ignorant of the signs of a mental health problem, embarrassed to admit they might have a mental health problem, and unaware of the issues surrounding mental health problems in general.

A mental health disorder or a mental illness can be defined as when the psychological or behavioural patterns of an individual is causing distress to an extent that it is affecting the individual’s ability to carry out their normal routines.

Unfortunately, if left untreated, a mental health problem is unlikely to just go away by itself. However, getting someone to seek help is difficult if they can’t see or refuse to believe they have a mental health problem in the first place. The very first step that someone with a mental health problem has to take in order to start along the road to recovery is to admit that they need help.

What are the signs and symptoms of a mental health problem?

•    Persistent low moods and sadness
•    Excessive anxiety and fearfulness
•    Sleeping too much or too little
•    Loss of appetite or eating too much
•    Negative thinking
•    Bizarre behaviour
•    Complaints of vague aches and pains
•    Blaming oneself for everything
•    Emotional outbursts
•    Loss of interest in social activities
•    Hallucinations and delusions
•    Thoughts of suicide

This is not an exhaustive list but is an indication of some of the signs and symptoms that could indicate a mental health problem. However, just because you display some of the symptoms doesn’t mean you have a mental health problem. The only way a mental health problem can be diagnosed is by a qualified physician.

Who is likely to develop a mental health problem?

Absolutely anyone can develop a mental health problem, which may come as a big shock to some people who think it could never happen to them. Mental health problems can strike at any time, regardless of age, gender, social status, and so on. There is no one on earth that is immune to developing a mental health problem.

What causes mental health problems?

There isn’t a single identifiable cause of mental health problems, however a number of ‘triggers’ have been identified which may spark off a mental health problem in some people. These include:

•    Lack of Omega 3 fatty acids in the diet
•    Prolonged stress or trauma
•    Bereavement
•    Financial difficulties
•    Relationship breakdowns
•    Redundancy
•    Childbirth
•    Drug and alcohol abuse
•    Homelessness
•    Disability and long term sickness
•    Genetics

However, some people develop a mental health problem where there is no obvious trigger and yet others who do experience triggers don’t.

What to do if you suspect a mental health problem?

In the first instance, it’s important to speak to your doctor. The good news is that mental health problems are treatable and most people who develop a mental health problem will make a complete recovery sooner than they might think.

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What is Mental Health Screening?

November 30, 2009

Mental health screening is a way of identifying whether you may be suffering from a mental health problem such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder amongst others. Many people who are suffering from a mental health problem are unaware that they are, or unable to admit to themselves or to others that they could be suffering from a mental health problem.

It can be difficult to spot mental health problems as sadness, mood swings as well as some stress and anxiety is perfectly normal, it is the degree to which these things affect us and our daily lives that would indicate if there was something more serious going on. A mental health problem can also be masked by other conditions such as chronic illness, disability or even drug and alcohol abuse. Screening tools can help health professionals identify if there is an underlying mental health problem.

Depression and anxiety related mental health problems are extremely common and untreated depression can have tragic results. However it is neither practical nor viable to screen every member of the population. NICE guidelines recommend that people who have a past history of depression or other mental health problems or who have a significant physical illness or disability or who are considered high risk in any other way should be screened for mental health problems.

There are a number of different mental health screening tools at the disposal of health professionals and these include the following:

•    Patient Health Questionnaire – used to diagnose depression and the severity of the depression
•    Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale – used to assess anxiety and depression
•    Beck Depression Inventory – used to assess the severity of depression
•    Children’s Depression Inventory – for children over 7
•    Reynolds’ Child Depression Scale – also for children over 7
•    The Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale – for adolescents
•    Reynolds’ Adolescent Depression Scale – also for adolescents
•    The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale – to assess postnatal depression
•    The Geriatric Depression Scale – for the elderly
•    Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia – to assess depression in people suffering from dementia

You can also access many online screening tools that you can use confidentially in order to identify if you could be suffering from a mental health problem. However, it should be noted that these tests do not in any way confirm the presence of a mental health problem, no test can do that. All that a mental health screening test can do is highlight if a mental health problem is indicated.

Only a qualified professional will be able to officially diagnose a mental health problem. If you are in any doubt as to whether you could be suffering from an anxiety related mental health problem, depression, or something more serious then speak to your doctor so that you can get expert advice and appropriate help and treatment. This will give you the best chance of recovery. Mental health problems are treatable and most people do go on to make a full and complete recovery provided they get the help they need.

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Mental Health Professionals You Might Meet In The CMHT?

November 30, 2009

The first point of contact for anyone who suspects they may be suffering from a mental health problem is their own doctor. For many people with mental health problems such as anxiety or mild depression, it may be that their own doctor is the only person they will need to see as he or she will be able to offer advice and medication.

However, if necessary a doctor will also be able to refer an individual on to other professionals who specialise in mental health, such as the community mental health team, so who might you encounter there?

The Community Mental Health Team

The community mental health team are a group of individuals who work together, which can be from a doctor’s surgery, a hospital or even from their own premises. Collectively, they will be able to diagnose your particular condition, offer you the best advice and support as well as the most appropriate treatment.

The following is a list of the professionals most likely to be part of a community mental health team and a brief description of their roles:

Psychiatrists – will be able to carry out diagnostic tests, offer a diagnosis and prescribe medication

Psychologists – psychologists are often trained to specialise in different areas of psychology, they will not be able to prescribe medication but will be able to offer various kinds of psychological therapies.

Community Psychiatric Nurses or CPNs – These nurses may make home visits or can be seen at the clinic. They have multiple roles and again will often specialise in different areas but in general they will be able to offer advice and support with practical problems, will liaise with other professionals about your progress or any difficulties you may be having with medication etc.

Social Workers – social workers can provide assistance with applications for things like benefits and housing. They can advise and support you on practical challenges as well as offer advice and assistance with personal problems at home such as family or relationship or childcare issues.

Occupational Therapists – again they have multiple roles but in general will be able to assess your physical needs on a practical level and can help you to become more independent in your daily routines.

Key Worker – if you are referred to a community mental health team then you will be assigned a key worker who can be any member of the team but often a community psychiatric nurse. They will familiarise themselves with your particular case and will be there as an informal ear to talk to about any worries you may have.

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Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services

November 16, 2009

Substance abuse and mental health problems are both common. They also often occur together in the same individual and although there is a greater likelihood of an individual indulging in substance abuse when a mental health problem is present, they are actually two separate problems with different forms of treatment. So why is there a high correlation between substance abuse and mental health problems?

The question is not an easy one to answer. Sometimes an individual with a mental health problem will resort to taking drugs or alcohol in order to alleviate their symptoms, a practice known as self medicating. This seems to be more common with mental health problems such as depression, anti-social personality disorder, bipolar disorder and Schizophrenia.

Sometimes when a young person starts taking drugs family and friends will notice a change in mood or personality and associate the changes with the drugs whereas there’s always the possibility that the individual started to take the drugs in the first place as a result of an underlying mood disorder.

On the other hand people who indulge in substance or alcohol abuse can sometimes actually develop a mental health problem as a result of drug taking, particularly if the drugs they are taking influence serotonin function in the brain. There is also evidence to suggest that males in particular, have a much higher risk of developing schizophrenia if they smoke cannabis in their teens.

Also of course we have are some individuals who take drugs but who do not have a mental health problem and they require specialist treatment from professionals experienced in drug abuse. There are also people with mental health problems who do not take drugs and only require the expertise of professionals qualified in mental health.

When people are suffering from both a substance abuse problem and a mental health problem at the same time, professionals in mental health services dealing with mental health problems refer to it as a dual diagnosis or a co-occurring disorder.

As far as mental health services are concerned, the main problem is how to treat individuals with a dual diagnosis as currently each “problem” is dealt with separately, by different professionals in different treatment settings so that the individual can find themselves sent back and forth between each clinic. This is not ideal.

Currently researchers and mental health professionals are looking at how these two separate problems can be dealt with together using a more holistic approach and of course whether this would lead to faster and more effective recovery. Results of some studies have shown that if mental illness and substance abuse are treated together at the same time then the number of psychotic episodes reduces and the risk of suicide is decreased.

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Mental Health Tips

November 16, 2009

If you suspect that you or someone close to you is suffering from a mental health problem then the important thing is to seek help as there is evidence that the sooner treatment is starter, the faster the road to recovery.

Some social groups appear to be more at risk than others of developing a mental health problem. For example, homeless people, people going through divorce, those who are chronically sick or disabled, people who have lost their jobs, have experienced a traumatic event or who are in minority groups all have a higher risk of developing a mental health problem.

However, that doesn’t mean you will experience a mental health problem if you are in one of these groups or that if you’re not, you won’t. Mental health problems can affect anyone.

The most common types of mental health problems are mild depression and anxiety related problems. There are many self help tips that can help prevent a mental health problem or alleviate the symptoms of an existing mental health problem.

Tips for positive mental health

•    Speak openly about any problems you may have with family and friends as this will help release stress and prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness

•    Learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga or try walks in the countryside. Some studies have shown that a half hour walk in the countryside can reduce the need for medication in depression

•    Get plenty of exercise as this releases stress and encourages production of the body’s own endorphins and feel good hormones

•    Make sure you have a regular sleeping pattern and try to go to bed at the same time each night. Lack of sleep can make the symptoms of a mental health problem much worse

•    Avoid situations which make you feel stressed or anxious as much as you can. Stress can exacerbate the symptoms of an existing mental health condition or possibly trigger a mental health problem

•    Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and make sure your diet is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, particularly Eicosapentaenoic (EPA), as this has proven mental health benefits and in some cases has reduced the need for medication

Many people ignore their mental health until they discover they have developed a mental health problem. By taking steps to promote positive mental health and wellbeing it may be possible to prevent a mental health problem from developing. Even for those who already suffer from an existing mental health problem, by following the tips for positive mental health you may find you recover your old self much faster than if you rely on medication alone.

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Mental Health Statistics

November 16, 2009

Mental health problems can affect absolutely anyone, at any age and at any time. It does not matter whether you are male or female, married or single, working or not working, homeless or living mortgage free, no one is immune. This is something that it would appear many people forget when we consider the stigma and ignorance that still surrounds mental health in general.

The WHO doesn’t differentiate between physical and mental health when discussing health. They define health as “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.

Specifically, they define mental health as “a state of well being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community”.

Unfortunately mental health problems are common and widespread. Indeed depression is ranked as the leading cause of disability on a global basis affecting around 120 million people worldwide.

It is believed that around a quarter of the population will suffer from a some kind of mental health problem in any one year, and this can range from mild anxiety and depression to more serious mental health disorders such as schizophrenia and other forms of dementia.

Age is no barrier either, according to WHO statistics, around 20 percent of children and young people across the world have mental health problems and half of these find their symptoms beginning before the age of 14.

There is also a connection between the level of mental health problems and the level of mental health support. Those countries that have the highest number of young people with mental health problems also have the lowest level of mental health resources.

Indeed the level of mental health problems across the world could be much higher than the official statistics suggest as not everyone with a mental health problem will actually seek help for it.

Untreated mental health problems can have tragic consequences; nearly one million people commit suicide every single year with nearly 90 percent of those million coming from low or middle income countries and more than half of them between the ages of 15 and 44. This is unacceptable.

Until we remove the stigma surrounding mental health, educate the public about mental health issues and put in place adequate resources to combat mental health problems, we cannot put an end to the terrible suffering and isolation experienced by people with mental health problems. Each and every one of us is at risk.

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Mental Health Recovery, Symptoms Of A Mental Health Problem

October 13, 2009

Mental health problems are common, affecting roughly one in four of the population at any one time. However, it is reassuring to know that regardless of what kind of mental health problem you have, with appropriate treatment and support, most people do go on to regain control of their lives and the vast majority make a complete recovery.

First of all, who is likely to develop a mental health problem? The simple answer to this is anyone at all. Mental health problems affect people of all ages, from any social background or ethnicity and regardless of gender.

On saying that though, according to the office of national statistics, women are more likely than men to report a mental health problem to their doctor. Consequently it is believed that many cases of depression in men go undiagnosed.

The first step towards mental health recovery is in recognising that there is a problem in the first place. In a nutshell, if you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health problem and these symptoms are enough to interfere with your ability to carry out your normal routines then you could well be suffering from some form of mental health problem.

Symptoms of a mental health problem can include:

•    Sadness and lack of joy
•    Sleeping too much or too little
•    Lack of motivation
•    Hallucinations or delusions
•    Changes in appetite leading to weight loss or weight gain
•    Anxiety, stress and fearfulness
•    Obsessive or bizarre behaviour
•    Inability to concentrate
•    Fatigue
•    Social withdrawal
•    Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

It is vital that you seek help as soon as possible because research has shown that the sooner a mental health problem is detected and treatment given, the better the long term outlook is for the patient.

Mental health problems left untreated can ruin relationships, break up families, destroy careers, negatively impact on financial health and could even result in suicide.

Types of mental health problems

1.    Depression
2.    Anxiety and Anxiety related disorders
3.    Eating disorders
4.    Personality disorders
5.    BiPolar
6.    Postnatal depression
7.    Post traumatic stress
8.    Schizophrenia

This isn’t an exhaustive list but represents some of the better known types of mental health problems.

The most common type of mental health problem is depression and anxiety or anxiety related disorders. However, even people with more severe mental disorders such as Schizophrenia can lead relatively normal lives once they learn how to cope with their illness on a day to day basis.

To recover from a mental illness an individual first has to believe they are capable of recovery and this can be helped along by finding out as much as you can about mental health problems and the issues surrounding mental health. Trying to battle it out on your own could make the symptoms worse and unnecessarily extend the period of suffering.

In order to become mentally well again, the individual may need treatment in the form of prescription drugs, self help, some type of therapy and of course the right level of support from family and friends.

Mental health problems don’t discriminate against anyone, it could happen to any one of us at any time and by seeking help, or more importantly, not being afraid of seeking help for a mental health problem can lead to faster mental health recovery and a better quality of life.

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Mental Health Issues ,People With Mental Health Problems

October 13, 2009

Mental health can be confusing. First of all most people are ignorant as to the nature of mental illness and the issues surrounding mental health in general. Consequently there is still, despite massive awareness campaigns in an effort to educate the public, stigmatisation and judgement towards people suffering from a mental health problem.

People with mental health problems are suffering not only as a result of the mental health problem itself, but also as a result of lack of understanding from those around them. It can wreak havoc with their personal lives, relationships, career and quality of life in general.

The simple truth is that anyone can develop a mental health problem at any time. Children, adolescents, adults and the elderly of both sexes can all develop a mental health problem. It doesn’t matter what your social status or background is you can still develop a mental health problem.

Mental health problems can develop suddenly with little or no warning or can develop slowly over a period of time. No two individuals will show the same set of symptoms for the same mental health problem to the same degree.

Mental health problems are also very common, affecting around a quarter of the population at any one time. You would think that this would lead to a better understanding on the part of the public but unfortunately it hasn’t, although improvements are being made all the time.

Mental illness is still a taboo subject for many people which can prevent them from seeking the help they need. Many also mistakenly believe that people with mental health problems can snap out of it, they can’t.

No one knows what causes a mental health problem although several triggers have been identified which include genetic, biological, social, psychological and environmental factors.

No one can predict who is going to develop a mental health problem. Even if you are considered to be in a high risk group, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will develop a mental health problem. Similarly even if you are not in a high risk group, it doesn’t mean that you won’t.

There is no test that will conclusively diagnose a mental health problem in an individual so any diagnosis relies purely on subjective responses and observation of the symptoms along with a full analysis of an individual’s medical history and personal circumstances in order to rule out any other potential cause of the symptoms.

On saying that, great progress has been made into understanding mental health issues and new research constantly highlights better ways of treating people with mental health problems. For example, the development of sophisticated imaging scans has shed light on what is going on in the brains of people suffering with mental illness, which will ultimately lead to better treatment methods in the future.

These are just a few of the mental health issues surrounding mental health today but they are big ones. Only by educating ourselves and those around us can we hope to create a better, safer and more understanding society for us all.

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Mental Health Diagnosis And Mental Health Problems

October 13, 2009

One of the biggest challenges facing mental health professionals dealing with mental health is getting an accurate mental health diagnosis. Not everyone with a mental health problem will seek help and not everyone who seeks help believing they have a mental health problem is actually suffering from one.

Depression can present with a number of different symptoms which can vary between person to person and to different degrees of severity. There is no diagnostic test for a mental health problem like depression, so an accurate diagnosis rests upon a detailed analysis of the symptoms.

Only a qualified professional can make a mental health diagnosis as they will be able to assess the patient’s full medical history and personal circumstances in order to rule out any physical cause of the symptoms, whether the symptoms are due to another medical complaint, medication, or as the result of substance or drug abuse.

How to recognise a mental health problem

The main criteria for depression is low moods along with a loss of pleasure in activities you used to enjoy and that the symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from carrying out your normal daily routines. These symptoms can be physical, emotional or even social.

Physical symptoms can include complaints about vague aches and pains, headaches, changes in appetite leading to weight gain or weight loss, gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhoea, constipation or maybe both, as well as indigestion, nausea and dizziness.

Symptoms of depression can include feeling:

•    Sad
•    There is nothing to feel happy about
•    Hopeless, guilty or worthless
•    Tired most of the time
•    Restless and agitated
•    Excessively worried, anxious and fearful
•    Stressed
•    Life is not worth living
•    Alone

Other symptoms of depression can include:

•    Social withdrawal
•    Changes in sleeping patterns
•    Problems at work or in the home

Serious symptoms of a mental health disorder can include:

•    Experiencing hallucinations or delusions
•    Disorganised thoughts or speech
•    Catatonic behaviour
•    Bizarre behaviour or ideas
•    Dramatic changes in personality
•    Thoughts of suicide or attempted suicide

Dealing with a mental health problem

The first step in dealing with a mental health problem is to get an accurate mental health diagnosis. Only a qualified professional can do this. The good news is that the sooner help is sought, the sooner the individual can get back to their old selves again or at the very least regain some control over their lives.

The vast majority of people who do seek help for a mental health problem go on to make a full and complete recovery. For those who don’t and who are suffering from a severe mental disorder, appropriate treatment and support can dramatically improve quality of life. Mental health problems don’t just go away; they persist, and without treatment can cause unnecessary suffering and distress.

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World Mental Health

October 7, 2009

Mental health is a global issue as mental health problems and disorders are common in all countries of the world. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2002 and recent reports:

•    154 million people across the world suffer from depression
•    25 million suffer from Schizophrenia
•    91 million are affected by alcohol abuse
•    15 million are affected by drug abuse
•    50 million suffer from epilepsy
•    24 million suffer from dementia
•    Around 877,000 people commit suicide each year

These figures are staggering and go to show the extent of mental health problems in the world today. One of the biggest barriers to treating mental health problems on a global level is the lack of recognition about the seriousness of mental illness and lack of understanding as to how treatment can help.

Indeed, most organisations and members of the public make a clear distinction between physical and mental health and as such, some countries devote as little as 1 percent of their expenditure on health specifically to the treatment of mental health. This is tragic.

Facts about Mental Health

The WHO is a valuable source of information about world mental health and here are just some of the facts they have revealed about mental health on a global level.

Around 20 percent of children and young people in the world have a mental health problem and yet most low and middle income countries have just one child psychiatrist for every 1 to 4 million people

Stigma surrounding mental health problems and discrimination against people and families with mental health problems prevents people from seeking help. In South Africa, a survey revealed that most people believed mental illness was related to stress or lack of willpower and stigma was greater in urban areas and in people with a higher level of education.

Eighty six percent of suicides occur in low and middle income countries with more than fifty percent aged between 15 and 44. The highest suicide rates are in men from Eastern European countries.

In most countries there are human rights violations of people will mental health disorders which include denial of basic needs and privacy, physical restraint and seclusion. Few countries have adequate legislation in place to protect the rights of people with mental health disorders.

Tacking Human Rights Violations in people with mental health disorders

First and foremost it is necessary to change the attitude towards mental health and raise awareness of mental health and the issues surrounding mental health on a global level. Only then will human rights in mental health facilities improve, legislation be put in place to protect people with mental health problems and countries will be willing to invest more in the mental health of the people.

The World Health Organisation has initiated a mental health global action programme (mhGAP) in order to help countries combat stigma and improve mental health care in general.

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