Mental health

Every year, one in four people in the UK are affected by mental health problems. Yet, it is still a subject that many people find difficult to talk about, and can result in people feeling alone and isolated. 

Poor mental health, can lead to problems in everyday life, including poor physical health, money struggles or relationship problems.  Opening up about mental health and getting support can make some of these things easier to manage.

Different types of problems

Whether you are suffering from a mental health problem yourself, or you are worried about someone else, understanding the types of problem is a good start to being able to talk about them. 

Anxiety and panic attacks
Some anxiety is normal, especially when doing something that we find difficult. It becomes a mental health problem, when you feel anxious most of the time and are not able to do things that you would like or would normally do.

Bipolar disorders
A diagnosis of bipolar disorders is given to people who experience extreme periods of low (depressed) and high (manic) moods.

Depression 
If a person is feeling in a low mood and finds it hard to enjoy their lives or have fun, they may be diagnosed with depression. It may be triggered by an event, but people may also have no idea why they feel depressed. 

Eating disorders 
There are a number of different types of eating disorder, a diagnosis is usually given when someone has unhealthy thoughts, feelings and behaviours towards food. If you are worried about an eating disorder organisations such as beat, can provide more information and support. 

Obsessive - compulsive disorder 
People with obsessive compulsive disorder experience obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

Personality disorders  
Personality disorders can only be diagnosed by a psychiatrist, people with a personality disorder are affected in a way that makes it difficult to cope with day to day lives, especially relationships.

Post traumatic stress disorder
A diagnosis of PTSD is given to people who develop a certain set of symptoms following a traumatic event.

Psychosis 
A person experiencing psychosis will have hallucinations and/or delusions. A diagnosis of psychosis is usually made by a psychiatrist.

Schizophrenia 
This is a diagnosis given to people who are experiencing symptoms of psychosis alongside 'negative symptoms' which include withdrawal from family and friends and an extreme lack of interest and motivation. Diagnosis is made by a psychiatrist.

Find out more about these conditions at Time to Change, Rethink Mental Illness or Mind. 

Other Organisations 

• Drinkline - for anyone concerned about their or someone else's alcohol use
  Tel: 0300 123 1110
• Talk to Frank - Friendly, confidential drug advice
  Tel:0300 123 6600
  Text: 82111
  
• Mind - help, advice and support around mental health
  Tel:0300 123 3393
  Text:86463
  
• Relate - Counselling and workshops on relationships and family issues 
  Tel:0300 100 1234(Relate)
  Tel:028 9032 3454 (Relate NI)