In This Three Part Series We Will Investigate;
What an Invisible Disability/Illness is, Misconceptions, Recognition, Support Mechanisms and examples of Health Conditions that will challenge your perceptions. (https://timetoheal1210.wixsite.com/pituitaryconditions/post/invisible-disabilities-physical-health-well-being )
Focus on Mental Health Conditions, their symptoms, misinterpretations and stigma.
Finally, seek some support and accessibility to sport and exercise within our communities.
Never before have we had a greater opportunity to talk about Mental Health and its significant impact on ourselves and those around us. Through the pandemic Mental Health has been at the forefront of many Politicians statements. The impact on Children’s health, those loosing everything they have worked for and, a genuine empathy and insight into the world of millions who have battled these conditions day in day out for years and years, desperately seeking support, understanding and, recognition of their fears, as they try to make their way through life. It can be tough, isolating, frustrating and upsetting.
Welcome to the world of Mental Health!
Just take a moment to reflect and think about a world lost in a pandemic and how it made you feel;
Who were you able to turn to for help and support?
What feelings did you experience?
When during lockdown did you feel anxious, lonely, scared, confused or frustrated?
Where were you when you experienced these symptoms?
How did it affect the way that you normally function?
Why are we asking this? Because for many they have lived with the fear, the loneliness, the anxiety, frustration, lack of support, feeling they have no one to turn too. Wishing the day was over before it has even begun. Feeling unable to switch off, to fully relax and, to feel like you have lost control of mind and body. The body wanting to go out, to enjoy life, to have friends, a good job, access to hobbies and activities you enjoy. This is reality and our opportunity to change this is now. But have we all jumped in too far? Are there now too many programmes and a drain on the NHS Mental Health Teams like anything the country has experienced before?
Misunderstood
Mental Health problems don’t stop with depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Postnatal Depression. All of which seem to be acceptable. But what about other conditions such as Psychosis, Bipolar, Schizophrenia or Paranoia? Ever wondered down a street and seen someone oblivious to the surrounding, shouting out? What does that make you think of? Could it be someone drunk you might think? However, challenge that thought and think schizophrenia. Just because someone shows some anger or sees or hears something no one else does that they are ‘dangerous’ or a ‘psycho’?
Perceptions
Mental Health doesn’t just affect the way you think, the way you feel, the way you see, but also the way you communicate with the outside world. Coping strategies can make people seem withdrawn. Behaviour in general could make others judge and take offence.
The Mental Health Foundation report that;
‘Stigma is not only an element of mental health of course, but the extent to which it has permeated our language, compared to any other area of ill-health, is astonishing… words are a barrier to help-seeking and a motivator for making discrimination acceptable. It can be a provider of a context for many people, which further entraps them in a vicious cycle, of thinking that they’re suffering from “something” that they really shouldn’t be–or worse, that this “something” is somehow defining them as lesser members of their communities’.
Medication
It’s important to understand that medication is a big step and, although it isn’t always needed when it is be prepared. It’s not a simple process and the medication itself can cause problems. For those under the ‘Psychosis’ conditions, antipsychotic medication is highly effective in controlling symptoms but can in itself have side effects. Plus they don’t work instantly so expect a bit of trial and error which means a need to give mind and body time to absorb and react. Plus balancing medication with other therapies can also be effective. Caution is needed if other conditions are present.
Language
The way that you phrase a comment or conversation can have a significant impact on the person that you are talking to/working with, whether that’s in a social setting, in the community, at work or at your local gym. The New South Wales Government site reports that;
‘When speaking with someone living with a mental health condition the language you use must be respectful and accepting. The messages you give need to be clear, positive and show that you see that person as an individual’.
This easy to read article gives some great tips like encouraging to focus on the person, check you have understood them correctly and ensuring you focus on the person’s strengths and abilities. Avoiding the use of inappropriate wording, making jokes about the condition and pretending to know how someone else feels. (https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/psychosocial/strategies/Pages/communicating-language.aspx)
Social Media
Interaction on social media platforms can be fantastic for many but become depressing and unhelpful to others. Judgement of your own posts and comparing yourself to others who paint a series of happy place tweets, family photos and up beat posts. Are there for real? Do these really help us? Do we actually consider how what we write may affect those in desperate need of the opposite? To see others struggling? However, it can also be a great place if you follow specific groups like MIND or Rethink, both registered charities who support your Mental Health. Another balancing act to navigate.
Self Care
Action for Happiness report that;
‘Self-care isn't selfish, it's essential. No-one's perfect. But so often we compare our insides to other people's outsides. This month we're encouraging everyone to be kinder to themselves (as well as others), especially when things go wrong. Self-care increases our resilience and helps us get more out of life. It also helps us accept others as they are too’.
To highlight the importance of this they dedicated their September Calendar to self care which you can view below. It offers simple suggestions for each day that you can try to support your own Mental Health or that of a loved one. You can even try them yourself or work through them together.
Exercise
Help Guide report that exercise;
‘….relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts your overall mood. And you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to reap the benefits. Research indicates that modest amounts of exercise can make a real difference. No matter your age or fitness level, you can learn to use exercise as a powerful tool to deal with mental health problems, improve your energy and outlook, and get more out of life’.https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm
So whether it’s a virtual challenge through Race At Your Pace, Taking up the NHS Couch to 5 KM Challenge or dancing to your favourite track at home, getting moving can really help. Just remember that exercise produces natural endorphins so avoid this during the evening!
Sleep
Sleep can be a crucial part of anyones life who has mental health problems. Not only is it difficult to switch off from the problems faced by the condition, the medication can also impact on the ability to sleep. Some who realise the importance of this are actually high level sports performers. Supported by Dreams Beds. You have probably seen all the adverts of athletes jumping into their beds? The company has produced Sleep Matters which is a series of Q&A sessions, 60 seconds with and more. All guides to help us sleep well and perform better! You don’t have to be an athlete to utilise these ideas or buy any beds! There are blogs with the sponsored athletes from both Olympic and Paralympic GB team members, like this one from Jade Jones who talks about Cherry Juice, reading and protein drinks to support her good sleep hygiene.
To conclude!
Hopefully, this has challenged you’re thinking or provided you with the tools to share your Mental Health condition with others. Recognising what others may be going through and supporting them with some simple steps can make things more pleasant for everyone. However, if you are really concerned for you or someone else then approaching medical professionals is a crucial step.
Important Links
Mental Health Foundation - Why Language We Use To Describe Mental Health Matters
New South Wales Government - Communicating With People Who Have mental Health Conditions
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/psychosocial/strategies/Pages/communicating-language.aspx
Action For Happiness - Self Care Calendar
Health Guide - Exercise Benefits
Race At Your Pace
NHS - Couch To 5 KM
Dreams Beds - Sleep Matters
Dreams Beds - Jade Jones
Rethink - Information & Advice About Psychotic Medications