Urgent Need: Mental Health Resources and Support
At Wondersource, part of our goal is to shed light on mental health issues, normalize conversations surrounding them, and eradicate the stigma often associated with these challenges. While there's no doubt that the topic of mental health awareness has gained momentum, the question that begs an answer is whether we're doing enough.
The 2018 Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit, a gathering of leaders and experts from across the globe, marked a significant moment. During this event, Mrs. Theresa May, former Prime Minister of the UK, passionately addressed the issue of mental health on World Mental Health Day. She stated, "We can end the stigma that has forced too many to suffer in silence. We can prevent the tragedy of suicide taking too many lives. And we can give the mental well-being of our children the priority that it so profoundly deserves."
Her words echoed the need to prioritize mental health, a sentiment reflected in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals as well. Although discussing mental health issues is indeed a step in the right direction, it's crucial to recognize that there's much more that remains to be done.
Understanding Mental Health
Amidst the turmoil of our contemporary world, mental health and mental illness have taken center stage. Yet, it's essential to grasp the distinction between the two. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not synonymous. Just as physical wellness doesn't necessarily imply the absence of disease, one can have periods of poor mental health without a diagnosed mental illness.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a state of well-being where an individual recognizes their abilities, effectively manages life's usual stressors, remains productive, and contributes to their community. Mental health, akin to physical health, exists on a spectrum. People experience varying degrees throughout their lives, ranging from excellent to average, and sometimes facing mental health issues that may be transient or persistent.
At times, everyone may feel down, stressed, or overwhelmed, but good mental health enables one to navigate these challenges effectively. It doesn't mean being eternally cheerful; rather, it's the ability to cope, adapt, and thrive despite life's hurdles.
Current Realities
The tumultuous events of the past year have thrown mental health issues into stark relief. Reports on mental health concerns are indeed cause for alarm. In the UK, the president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists likened the pandemic's impact on mental health to the scale of that seen during World War II. The Centre for Mental Health predicts that the crisis could lead to up to 10 million people requiring first-time or additional mental health support.
Additionally, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding mental health, hindering many from accessing the care they desperately need. This challenge spans two ends of the spectrum. Some may underestimate their own mental health concerns, assuming they're in the clear. On the flip side, others view traditional therapy as their sole recourse, either due to cost concerns or apprehensions about its suitability for them.
Broadening Our Understanding
The path forward requires a broader comprehension of mental health, promoting alternative avenues of assistance. We must reach beyond the notion that discussing mental health solely involves speaking to a therapist. This traditional approach, while invaluable for many, may not resonate with everyone or even be an available option.
Mental and holistic health education is one of the ways we support individuals to live healthier and support themselves. Our curated programming for teams, covers everything from developing self-compassion to growth mindset to gut health to inflammation. Led by a leading clinical psychologist, executive coach and functional medicine practitioner our programs offer valuable insights, backed by science.
Coaching is also emerging as a potent alternative, offering unique benefits. It's essential to note that coaches aren't miracle workers, and success requires the individual's active participation. However, coaching can foster proactive mental health, significantly reduce stress levels, and empower individuals to seize opportunities and preempt crisis situations.
Coaching comes into its own in various scenarios:
Navigating Challenges: Processing difficult life events, such as job loss, business setbacks, health crises, or life transitions, often leads to suppressed emotions. A qualified coach can provide the support needed to navigate through these challenges, fostering growth and preventing lingering despair.
Breaking Through Stagnation: When it feels like you're stuck in a rut, coaching can dissolve limiting beliefs that hinder progress, enabling you to break free from comfort zones and explore new paths.
Pursuing Goals: Wanting to achieve something significant can be both exciting and daunting. Coaches provide valuable guidance, reframing limiting beliefs and helping you overcome self-made obstacles, whether in relationships, career changes, or starting a business.
Overcoming Uncertainty: When you're unsure about what's next or facing decisions like ending a relationship or leaving a job, a coach can guide you through this period of discovery and transition, empowering you to redefine your path.
Releasing Limiting Beliefs and Reframing them to Empowering Beliefs: Coaches can be an excellent support to help people let go of all the beliefs that are holding them back.
Prioritizing Prevention
Rather than waiting for a crisis, the emphasis should be on preventative care in mental health. A recent large-scale study co-led by researchers from Harvard Medical School and the University of Queensland said the results demonstrate the high prevalence of mental health disorders worldwide, with 50 percent of the population developing at least one disorder by the age of 75. Approximately 1 in 6 individuals in England report experiencing common mental health issues weekly. Regrettably, many only seek help from mental health experts after a crisis has unfolded. We must shift our focus to addressing these issues earlier, before they escalate.
Throughout a lifetime, 1 in 5 people entertain suicidal thoughts, 1 in 14 self-harm, and 1 in 15 attempt suicide. A strong correlation between mental and physical health underscores the urgency for timely intervention.
Our commitment at Wondersource is to provide individuals with tools and support in critical life areas, helping them maintain well-being and achieve success. Expanding our understanding of mental health and embracing evidence-based tools can empower individuals to explore diverse approaches, increasing the likelihood of finding a solution that resonates.
Remember, if you're experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, it's essential to reach out to a professional. Various strategies, from proper nutrition and meditation to exercise and coaching, can support mental health. For some, medication or counseling may be necessary. Partnering with a medical expert ensures you'll receive the right guidance tailored to your needs.
Should you have any questions, seek further information, or desire support from Wondersource, please don't hesitate to reach out to admin@wondersource.co. Together, we can strengthen resilience, bolster mental health, and promote holistic well-being. 🌟💚
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If you have a mental health illness or are having suicidal thoughts, it’s important to seek professional support. In the UK, there are free helplines to help when you’re feeling down or desperate.
Unless it says otherwise, they’re open 24 hours a day, every day. You can also call these helplines for advice if you’re worried about someone else.
Samaritans – for everyone
Call 116 123
Email jo@samaritans.org
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
Call 0800 58 58 58 – 5 pm to midnight every day
Papyrus – for people under 35
Call 0800 068 41 41 – 9 am to midnight every day
Text 07860 039967
Email pat@papyrus-uk.org
Childline – for children and young people under 19
Call 0800 1111 – the number will not show up on your phone bill
SOS Suicide of Silence – for everyone
Call 0300 1020 505 – 8 am to midnight every day
Email support@sossilenceofsuicide.org
If you do not want to talk to someone over the phone, these text lines are open 24 hours a day, every day.
Shout Crisis Text Line – for everyone
Text “SHOUT” to 85258
YoungMinds Crisis Messenger – for people under 19
Text “YM” to 85258
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