Mental Illness Is No Joke

23/11/2015
Lisa Ellam

Source: ShineAloud

Lisa Ellam explores the reality of mental health in the UK and tries to find safe spaces for support.

One in four people in the UK will experience mental health problems every year…

One in four people in the UK will experience mental health problems every year, according to a study carried out by mind.org.uk. I bet most of you didn’t know that.

While overall numbers of people with mental health problems have not increased over the years, the study showed that worries associated with money, jobs, benefits and society in general, are threatening to change that.

Mental illness is not a joke. Nor is it trivial. How many times have you caught someone saying ‘this is depressing me’ or ‘I’m so depressed’ to express something that is boring. Depression is very real. And very different to boredom or dislike.

Recent studies carried out by Mental Health show that a million people worldwide are known to have a mental health problem, with depression and anxiety being the two most common in the UK. The study states that ‘suicide rates show that British men are three times as likely to die by suicide than British women and self-harm statistics for the UK show one of the highest rates in Europe: 400 per 100,000 population’, according to the study

I am one of those four people I mentioned at the start. I have felt the horrible feelings and I have thought the darkest things. But the power to defeat the demons ignites only when we allow it to. You are strong enough to push through the pain and smart enough to climb up those steps leading you out of the depths of depression.

It is in our times of trouble, when we all believe the world is bad. However, it is not the world that is bad; it’s the moments that led you into believing that statement. But, nothing actually last forever, everything known to man has a deadline and the pain, problems, stresses, and the lonesome feeling. It will all soon, fade away. Just give it time. Luckily, the proof of the life, changing moments have been written by the survivors themselves. Here is a link to read recovery stories from the victims of mental health

“If I can do it, so can you. I believe in you. I believe in recovery.”– Hanne Arts

Whether it’s you, a sibling or a friend, there are helplines available. The helplines offer as much support and comfort as possible. Ranging anywhere from- suicidal thoughts to a conversation regarding a bad day, which has left you feeling low and defeated. There is help out there; you just need to look.

Here’s a link to all the organisations that can support you with mental health issues in Bristol

Webpages such as MindLine helpline offer great help to those going through tough struggles. They also have tons of options for different types of mental health helplines. You can talk about things like self-harm, depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders and many more.

Saneline- 0300 304 7000

Saneline is a UK-based organisation open, Mon-Sun, 6pm-11pm.

Bristol MIND- 0808 808 0330

Open; Wed-Sun, 8pm-midnight

Bristol MIND is a mental health resource for people in Bristol who are currently struggling or slightly worried about their own, or their peer’s mental state.

Bristol Active Life Project

Bristol Active Life Project is put in place for those who are dealing with long-term mental health issues. They are based in Bristol and are willing to help anybody who has been diagnosed with a mental illness.

These websites and telephone numbers cost nothing to contact and are always free to use. Some telephone numbers disconnect after a certain time but, if you are in need of conversation, you can always search online for some 24/7 services. If you feel the need of conversation… Don’t second-guess calling a helpline, a single conversation can change your mind.

If you feel like you or somebody you may know, may have a source of mental illness; you can take an online test to gain some-type of understanding. Click here to access a test located on the NHS website

Here’s a link to all the organisations that can support you with mental health issues in Bristol