Getting Help—Mental Health and Mental Illness

Nearly all of us experience mental health problems at some point in our lives. Some recent research shows that in any one year 25% of us are affected by mental health problems, although many of us do not seek professional help. Of people who actually see a professional about their difficulties, about 80% suffer depression, anxiety and other stress-related problems, while 10% suffer from psychotic illness and a further 10% from dementia.

It is important for people with mental health problems to have access to as much information as they want and need about their illness and the range of treatments available. While medication is often an important feature of that treatment, particularly for people with psychotic illness, many people are helped by counselling and psychotherapy, relaxation and other stress-reducing techniques, including aromatherapy and massage. Meeting other people with similar problems and discussing ways of coping can also be of immense benefit.  The fear and stigma unfortunately often attached to mental health problems frequently stop people from talking about it and this leads to feelings of isolation of ‘I’m the only one who feels like this or has this problem.’

As a society we should be prepared to talk more openly about mental health, to admit that mental health problems affect an enormous number of us. We should all know what resources are available to us and our families.