This is just a little information on some mental ill health issues, so you have a better understanding of the realities of each one.
To find out more information visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/information
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Alcohol and mental health
- Drug use and mental health
- Stress
- Self-Harm
- Schizophrenia
- Bi-polar Disorder
Depression
Depression is the most common mental health concern in Scotland. It can effects anyone at any time and can be caused in many ways. Depression can occur in a single incidence or can have a more long term effect through repeated episodes.
Depressive symptoms include; tiredness, loss of confidence, hopelessness, lack of concentration, insomnia, loss of appetite, feelings of guilt or sadness, thoughts of suicide.
There are many support networks for individuals suffering from depression and it is important that if you have these feelings you talk to someone about it.
Anxiety
Anxiety and depression are often linked, as they can lead on from one another. Many individuals experience both.
Anxiety can manifest itself in many ways; from feelings of tension which develop over a long time to panic attacks and phobias. Anxiety is defined by the following symptoms; increase in heart rate, sweating, sense of dread, shortness of breath, dizziness, insomnia.
Anxiety and fear can be a difficult cycle to break, an individual who feels anxious about something is very likely to start fearing the anxiety itself, which can start causing problems in their daily life and routine. That’s why it is so important to get support as early as possible.
Eating disorders
The two main types of eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa; where the individual drastically reduces their intake of food, in order to change their appearance and have control over their bodies, and Bulimia Nervosa; where are individual tend to use binging/vomiting or laxatives as means to control their appearance.
Eating disorders are most prevalent in women however the number of men coming forward for support is increasing.
Eating disorders can lead to a whole host of problems, not just becoming unhealthily thin. These include intestinal problems, brittle bones, hair loss and heart disease.
It is important to get as much support as possible as recovery can take some time. As a supporter, it is important to view the issue with an open mind, as often the cause of eating disorders is not always as clear as it seems, it can come from childhood trauma, feeling of a loss of control or bullying.
Drinkorexia - this is a new term which has emerged from the number of young people (the high majority being female) who are severely restricting their intake of calories during the day to allow themselves to use their calories on alcohol units on nights out.
Not only is this a dangerous method of weight control, it also means that you are likely to become more intoxicated more quickly then expected and makes you susceptible to all the dangers of binge drinking, along with the dangers of an eating disorder.
If you are concerned about your alcohol pattern then make sure you talk to someone: talktofrank.com.
Alcohol and mental health
Alcohol and mental health has a two-way relationship. Mental ill health can be a consequence of excessive alcohol consumption but also a cause of excessive drinking.
How often have you wanted to have a drink to ‘drown your sorrows’? But did you know that alcohol is actually a depressive drug? While negative feelings may lessen in the short term, it has been found that excessive alcohol can lead to depression.
Balancing and drinking sensibly is good for both your physical and mental wellbeing.
Drug use and mental health
Depending on the type of drug taken (and the length of time taken for), substance abuse can lead to psychological dependence which can later cause severe mental illness including depression, insomnia and psychotic episodes.
If you need support or know of someone in need of support contact talktofrank.com/
Stress
Stress is something we all experience at some point, some more then others. As a student you no doubt will stress at a coursework deadline, before an exam…there could be many reasons.
Stress is also the second most common reason for work absence (after back pain). It has both emotional and behavioural symptoms which can affect you, your academic performance and your social interactions.
High levels of stress can cause more serious mental health concerns and physical health concerns.
Many Student Association Advice centres run stress management sessions or provide information on dealing with stress - so why not visit them and find out how they can help you.
Self-Harm
Self harm is the term given when someone intentionally hurts themselves as a way of relieving pain or frustration.
The UK has one of the highest rates of self harm in Europe, it is an issue that effects people of all background and can happen to both males and females.
The reasons behind self-harm are numerous, a few include low self-esteem, sexual abuse, bullying or family breakdowns. Every individual is different as are their reasons for self harming.
The most important things is that they do not feel alone and seek support quickly. Find out more at nshn.co.uk
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is perhaps the mental illness with the most stigma attached. Through the media, there has become a false stereotype created about individuals with schizophrenia.
Unlike what you may believe, someone with schizophrenia is very unlikely to be violent, or cause anyone harm. They may hear voices and suffer from severe paranoia; they are likely to become withdrawn from society and fearful of those around them.
Asking for support in this condition can be very difficult, however there are networks to turn to for instance hearing-voices.net, as a supporter, is it important to be open minded and not fearful of the situation.
Bi-polar Disorder
Also known as manic depression, bi-polar is the term given to someone whose mood changes dramatically from being severely depressed; feeling low, guilty, worthless, to being erratically happy (manic); euphoria, easily distracted, rapid thoughts.
It is estimated that 1 in 100 people are affected by Bi-polar disorder, and the reasons behind its development are numerous; stress, traumatic experience, following post-natal depression.
Treatment is often through medication. Visit bipolarscotland.org.uk to find out more.
