This World Mental Health day, a leading expert in mental health is explaining what people should do if they’re struggling
This World Mental Health day, a leading expert in mental health is explaining what people should do if they’re struggling(Image: Getty Images)
We are living in an increasingly pressurised, extreme and electronic world. Data shows that mental health is worsening, as society changes and we are forced to adapt to more exposure to negativity and economic stress.
Our mobile phone use, social media and ability to connect with events all over the world at any given time is presenting more challenges for people as they try to maintain their mental health.
This World Mental Health day, MyLondon spoke to a leading expert in the topic to look at what people should do if they’re struggling.Dr David Crepaz-Keay, Head of Research and Applied Learning at the World Mental Health Foundation, believes that despite facing more challenges with out mental health, it is good to see that people are more comfortable discussing the topic.
Hobbies and downtime are an important way to maintain your mental health (Image: Getty Images)
“The current state of the world isn’t great – we are faced with real time images of things across the globe that have a direct personal resonance that make us feel anything between uncomfortable to down right scared,” he told MyLondon.
“Its perfectly natural to feel bad about this and you shouldn’t worry about being worried as that will make things worse, its important to feel you can share those worries and talk to people you trust about them.”
Dr Crepaz-Keay points our that certain types of people may struggle with their mental health more than others. He said: “The less well off, the less literate, the less secure your housing, less secure your job – all those things will increase the risk of having poor mental health.”
The key to maintaining good mental health is to find ways of trying to switch off from the constant stream of information. This can include spending time with loved ones, hobbies, exercise and even just getting a good night’s sleep.
“Some people find things like listening to music, my happy place is the kitchen, my wife’s is the garden, different people will find things so its making that time where you can switch off,” he said.
“You just have to consciously switch off at times you have to actively make time and making sure your support network includes people from different places and sharing those kind of thoughts with people who aren’t up to their eyeballs in the same thing.”
What should I do if I need to find help?
One of the most important things to do its to share your feelings with a person who you trust. Men especially, are often less comfortable with doing this, says Dr Crepaz-Keay.
For anyone struggling with thoughts of ending their life, Samaritans has a free helpline where you can find instant support. Anyone who is looking to enquire about medication or therapy can do so through contacting their GP, 111 or self-referring to NHS talking therapies.
If you are looking for resources which you can adopt into your daily routine, there are lots of these online at the Mental Health Foundation’s website, as well as the NHS-run Every Mind Matters.
NELFT Talking TherapiesNorth London NHS Foundation Trust Talking TherapiesMind Talking Therapies
Brent – CNWL Brent Talking Therapies
Bromley Talking TherapiesNorth London NHS Foundation Trust Talking TherapiesSLaM / South London & Maudsley Talking TherapiesEaling Talking Therapies (West London NHS Trust)Enfield Talking TherapiesTime to TalkCity & Hackney Talking TherapiesHammersmith & Fulham Talking TherapiesNorth London NHS Foundation Trust Talking TherapiesHarrow Talking TherapiesNELFT Talking TherapiesHillingdon Talking TherapiesHounslow Talking Therapies (West London NHS Trust)North London NHS Foundation Trust Talking TherapiesK&C Talking TherapiesKingston Talking TherapiesSLaMLewisham Talking TherapiesMerton Talking TherapiesNewham Talking TherapiesNELFT Talking TherapiesRichmond Talking TherapiesTalking Therapies SouthwarkSutton Talking TherapiesTower Hamlets Talking TherapiesNELFT Talking TherapiesWandsworth Talking TherapiesWestminster Talking Therapies (CNWL)
Got a story? Please get in touch at katherine.gray@reachplc.com
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