Mental Health is a growing topic of conversation, particularly with the launch of the campaign Time to Change. The campaign encourages everyone to talk about Mental Health in order to reduce discrimination and stigma. We are committed to increasing awareness of mental illness for Mental Health Awareness Week (13th May – 19th May 2013).
Mental Health, Mental illness, Mental Health Conditions, difficulties, problems – What is the difference?
Mental Health describes your own psychological wellbeing. Some people are very positive and have excellent mental health; they are more resilient and can cope well in difficult situations for example when they have suffered a loss.
Mental Illness is when you have a clinical condition, which can be diagnosed by a psychiatrist. Many people are aware of common illnesses such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders. However, there is generally less awareness around psychosis, personality disorder and bipolar disorder.
The Statistics
- 1 in 4 people have a mental illness at some point in their life Anxiety and Depression are the most common disorder in the UK Men are less likely to seek help and are more likely to commit suicide than women
- Mental illness can be caused by or contribute to Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties.
- People with Autism and Asperger Syndrome often have increased levels of anxiety. This can reduce their ability to process language and communicate with others.
- A person who has speech or communication difficulties may struggle to meet new friends or socialise with others. This can lead to isolation and loneliness, which in turn can cause depression, anxiety or other mental illness.
- A stroke victim may experience a dramatic change to their life and communication skills post stroke. This can often lead to depression.
Breaking the Myths
The public perception of severe types of Mental Illness can cause stigma and discrimination. For example, this may happen when you meet a stranger who tells you he is a paranoid schizophrenic and you become fearful.
However, did you know that someone who suffers from a mental illness;
- Is more likely to be a victim of violence than to be a perpetrator
- Is likely to avoid contact with others rather than be aggressive or confrontational
- May recover from their illness
- Worry about disclosing their mental illness in fear that they will be treated differently
Further information
There are many sources of useful information about Mental Health. The following websites provide user-friendly information.
Time To Change Campaign – www.time-to-change.org.uk
Mental Health Foundation – http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
Mind Charity – www.mind.org.uk
NHS – www.nhs.uk/mentalhealth
If you think that you or your child may benefit from meeting our associated therapist e.g. clinical psychologist or a speech and language therapist Integrated Treatment Services could be of help. Contact us here
Lisa Franklin
13th May 2013
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Written on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services. I.T.S is a private Speech and Language Therapy service based in Leicestershire, East Midlands and Southern England. It specialises in providing highly-skilled Speech and Language Therapists, but also associates with other therapeutic professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and Arts Psychotherapists
