According to the Mental Health Foundation, one in two adults will suffer from a mental health problem in our lifetimes. In fact, recent stats show that 1 in 10 of people in the UK are suffering from depression and anxiety, the most common mental health issues, with the prescription of anti-depressants rising by 47% in the last decade.
Mental health issues also affect children and young people, with 1 in 10 suffering in some way. This includes depression, anxiety and behavioural issues, which according to research are often a direct response to what is happening in their lives.
According to recent stats, 70% of children and young people who experience a mental health problem have not had appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age.
What is good mental health? Our mental / emotional health is as important as our physical health. No matter how old we are, good mental health allows us to develop the resilience to cope with whatever life throws at us.
Common emotional and mental health problems include:
- Depression/ Anxiety – more common in adults but still found in young people, particularly teenagers. Stress is one major root cause of depression and anxiety
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)– an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events. Those with PTSD often relives the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks, and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt.
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)– common in both adults and children, GAD is characterised by persistent and excessive worry
- ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) –children who are consistently overactive (‘hyperactive’), behave impulsively and have difficulty paying attention. Many more boys than girls are affected.
- Eating Disorders –usually start in the teenage years and are more common in girls than boys.
- Self-Harm– an increasingly common problem among young people.
What help is available?
While support is available on the NHS, through schools or through your local council’s social services department, waiting lists can be very long and criterias for being referred are complex. If you are seeking help and advice and wish to avoid long waiting times, you may wish to consider private services including counselling, psychology / psychotherapy and early intervention programmes.
The most common triggers for poor mental health in adults are:
- Stress/ Anxiety
- Social disadvantage, poverty or debt
- Relationship issues
- Bereavement
- Childhood abuse, trauma or neglect
- Social isolation / loneliness
- Discrimination / Stigma
- Addiction
