What is Mental Health?

What is Mental Health?
As human beings we have both a physical health and a mental health.
Mental health is the health and stability of our mind. Some people call it ‘emotional health’ or ‘wellbeing’
Your mental health doesn’t always stay the same. It can change as circumstances change and as you
move through different stages of your life.
What are Mental Health Problems?
Mental health problems range from the worries we all experience as part of everyday life to serious
long-term conditions. The majority of people who experience mental health problems can get over them
or learn to live with them, especially if they get help early on.
Everybody responds differently to the stresses and strains of modern life and it is common to describe
ourselves as ‘depressed’, ‘stressed’ or ‘anxious’ at times. For some, these feelings can become serious
enough to make it difficult to carry on with normal daily activities.
We all have mental health, the same as we all have physical health. Some common Mental Health
problems can include:
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Depression
Anxiety
Symptoms of Stress
Some more serious mental health conditions can include:
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Bipolar Affective Disorder
Schizophrenia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Personality Disorders
How common are they?
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Estimated that 450million people worldwide have a mental health problem right now
Approximately 30% of all GP consultations are related to mental health
No1 reason for time off work is due to stress
If you are experiencing mental health problems...You are not alone
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Improve your Mental Health
Being mentally healthy doesn’t just mean that you don’t have a mental health problem.
If
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you’re in good mental health, you can:
Make the most of your potential
Cope with life
Play a full part in your family, workplace, community and among friends
There are many things that you can do to improve your own mental health:
Connect with the people around you
Your family, friends, colleagues and your community. Be social and outgoing and talk about your
feelings.
Be active
You don’t have to go to the gym to be active. Take a walk, go cycling or play a game of football.
Keep learning
Learn new skills, take a class, play music, do some DIY, read a book! – The list is endless.
Give to others
Even the smallest act can count whether it’s a smile, a thank you or a kind word. Larger acts such
as volunteering at your local community centre can improve your mental wellbeing and help you
build new social networks.
Eating Well and drinking responsibly
Make sure you eat a nutritious and well balanced diet. Also remember too much alcohol
consumption can have a negative effect on your mood and your ability to get over mental health
problems
Get enough Sleep
Not getting enough sleep can negatively affect our moods and our immune systems. Aim to get at
least 7/8hours of sleep a night.
Tell your employer
If it is affecting your performance at work, speak to your employer about the problem.
Talk to your GP
If you think that you need further help and advice then speak to your GP who can direct you to
other services
Anyone can experience mental health problems
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Our Services
Our Community Wellbeing Service (CWS) - provides our clients with an activity programme
that meets their needs and promotes improved mental wellbeing. It consists of numerous different
activities including a women's group, a choir and an art and crafts group.
Through the CWS, people can also attend Coping With Life courses and have one-to-one recovery
focused sessions.
We have recently launched our Ecotherapy scheme which supports people to become more active
and promotes mental health healing through nature. This includes horticulture and all weather
walking.
Child and Adolescent Mentoring Scheme (CAMS) - Our service that helps children and young
people aged 10-18 to prevent them from developing mental health problems. A child is partnered
with a ‘mentor’ who's aim is to support the young person outside the family environment. It
encourages the young person to be healthy and active and supports them with the challenges of
childhood.
Befriending - Is a scheme aimed at helping to alleviate some of the isolation suffered by those
people affected by mental health problems. A volunteer befriender supports the client on a
one-to-one basis either in their home or accompanying them to leisure activities and by working
together to identify steps to achieve the individual's aims and overcome their difficulties, whilst
providing emotional and social support.
Older Persons Project (Doves) - This scheme is for people who are over 65. It encourages
them to be active and build self confidence through a variety of social activities.
Carers Support - This service offers support for the carers of those suffering with mental health
difficulties. We organise
confidential groups and information for carers , and provide them with a
listening ear, compassion and understanding .
Youth Track Advocate - Our dedicated advocate is here to support and empower clients aged
18 to 30 who are seeking employment, education and training or voluntary work.
REPS: Referral, Enablement and Pathway - Supports individuals in social crisis through
advocacy and action planning. Helps provide short term interventions to deal with housing, benefits
and debt, with the aim of preventing future relapse and further crisis.
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Fundraise for us
From themed parties, to coffee mornings, to golf tournaments to skydives,
there is always something you can do to raise money for us and support the
work we do.
For more ideas and advice, take a look at our Fundraising Pack on our website.
For more information contact Ciaran:
07711196254
Ciaran.white@haveringmind.org.uk
Volunteer for us
Got a few spare hours in your week? Want to help support Havering Mind?
There are a number of ways in which you can help us:
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Fundraising (helping out at events)
Helping out at one of our centres
Befriending an adult
Mentoring a younger person
For more information contact Sharon Fraine:
01708 457777
volunteering@haveringmind.org.uk
Contact us
For more information on Havering Mind please contact us on
01708 457040 or email reach.us@haveringmind.org.uk
visit our website www.haveringmind.org.uk
Twitter.com/haveringmind
Charity No. 1108470
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