Awareness is up
Thanks to national campaigns, media figures speaking up and improved training awareness of mental health is better than ever before. However there hasn’t been a significant increase in the amount of people getting support if they are struggling.
A study by the World Health Organisation, found that between 30 and 80 percent of people with mental health issues don’t seek treatment and it’s not uncommon to hear about someone who does want treatment, but they aren’t able to get that support.
Mental health is more visible than it’s ever been and is becoming part of an ongoing narrative both in society and business, so why isn’t this reflected in the amount of people who are actually getting support?
What needs to happen?
Awareness of mental is only half the battle, it’s important to look at what support options are out there and make those options available to those that need them.
There are lots of different options out there when it comes to getting support and we will look into some of these specifically and why people might not get support but it’s important that we turn awareness into action.
This includes having the skills to support others, to continue or own self care and to create the time in our days for personal wellbeing.
Why wouldn’t someone get support?
1. Stigma
Because of the stigma around mental health many people embarrassed or ashamed to feel the way they do. They might worry about being judged, ridiculed or discriminated against.
What can be done? Battling the stigma is a constant thing but finding someone you trust or maybe using an anonymous support line like Samaritans to speak to removes the risk of a negative response.
2. They don’t think they need it
Mental health issues are very gradual in nature so the thoughts and behaviours that come with it become part of what seems like a normal daily life, hence why someone might not see there’s an issue.
What can be done? Making mental health part of everyday conversation can shine a spotlight on certain thoughts and behaviours that someone recognises in themselves.
3. They think it won’t help
Many people can’t see the benefit of talking to someone or getting in touch with an organisation that offers support. They may think their situation is beyond help or they can’t understand how it would help.
What can be done? We don’t know what we don’t know. Often a simple conversation can open possibilities we didn’t know were there. Even a simple conversation itself can be helpful.
4. They can’t access the support
Due to life circumstances some people struggle to get the time or means to get support.
What can be done? Speak with work, friends & family to see if arrangements can be made to get the support. If we don’t ask, then nothing can be done.
Weekly Wellbeing Tip
Just before you return from a break, pause, take 3 deep breaths in and out and remind yourself that whatever the day brings, you will get through it.
