Mental Health Awareness

Aims & Objects

• To gain a basic understanding of mental health
• To gain a basic understanding of common mental health conditions treated in the UK
• To gain a basic understanding of how to diagnose and treat mental health, including self-assessments
• To gain a basic understanding of how to work and communicate with people who have a mental health condition

Definition of Mental Health

• The WHO define mental health as

“A state of well being in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with normal stresses of life, can work productively, an disable to make a contribution to his or her community”

This summary demonstrates mental health is neither positive nor negative; it just is.

What is Mental Health

• Mental Health is defined as a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well being’
• Mental Health impact show we think, feel, behave and respond to one another
• Mental Health is viewed as a negative, however mental health is neither negative or positive it just is, and certain factors can influence whether or not one develops a mental health disorder in life
• It is important to note that a mental health condition is only considered problematic when you have ongoing signs and symptoms for over 2weeks, and it is impacting your ability to carry out day-to-day tasks
• Mental Health can affect anyone at any age

To learn more about mental health: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response

Mental Capacity Act(MCA) 2005

• The MCA is designed to protect and empower people who may lack the mental capacity to make their own decisions about their care and treatment.
• It applies to anyone over the age of 16
• It covers decisions on the daily life of people: clothes, food, shopping and serious life decisions
• Examples of individuals who, in some cases, would be considered lacking capacity and therefore fall under the MCA suffer from: dementia, several earning need, brain injury, severe mental illness or stroke
• Someone who is unconscious from sudden accident or being medically induced is also considered to lack capacity

To learn more about the mental capacity act please visit: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/9/contents

For anyone concerned about a loved one’s mental capacity, please contact your general practitioner who can refer you to the local authority for a care needs assessment or you can contact your local authority, who will be able to support you.

To contact your local authority, please go here: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

And for further information on: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/

Or:

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/arranging-care/care-needs-assessment/

Diagnosing Mental Health

• There are various professionals that can diagnose and prescribe mental health medication
• The first point of contact should be the GP and in extreme cases where one finds themselves in crisis, A&E
• Medicalprofessionalswillutilise1of2toolstoassesssomeone’smentalhealth:
  • DSMV– Diagnostic & Statistic Manual for Mental Disorders
  • ICD-10–International Classification of Diseases and related Health Problems The following can diagnose mental health conditions: Psychiatrist and Clinical Psychologist. Other people who can diagnose mild disorders include: mental health nurses, mental health practitioners

For more information on diagnosing mental health: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/mental-health-problems-introduction/diagnosis/

• The NHS have also included self-assessment tools(GAD-7 (anxiety) & PHQ-9 (depression)) utilised by medical professionals to explore diagnosis of anxiety, depression, stress, anger and social anxiety, for example
• https://checkwellbeing.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/check-my-wellbeing/psychological-wellbeing-checker/ can be used by medical professionals or as self- Please note, you do not use this in place of clinical intervention. If it is indicated that you may be struggling with something, we strongly recommend you reach out to your GP.

Mental Health Stats

• Currently in the UK 1 in 4 adults (age 16+) have some form of mental health condition, with 1 in 6 people stating they experience common mental health episodes like anxiety and depression
• Currently, roughly 1 in 3 people are access mental health support via talking therapies, medications or both, with the latter being more common
• In July 2021 they found that 1 in 6 children (ages5–16) had mental health concerns, with suicide rates soaring with teenagers
• 83% of people with mental health concerns have agreed their mental health was worsened by the pandemic
• However the highest suicide rate is for male ages 45-49 and it is officially the highest it has been since the pandemic.

For more information, visit: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/mental-health-facts-and-statistics/

Common Mental Health treated in UK

• Although mental health is a broad spectrum and there are a variety of mental health conditions, the below are the common mental conditions treated in the UK:
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Depression
• PTSD
• OCD
• Panic Disorder

Others include

• Other not able conditions treated more regularly now are:
• Personality Disorders, in particular EUPD formally known as BPD
• Psychotic disorders, such as paranoid schizophrenia
• Mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder, SAD, Bipolar
• Neuro diversity disorders, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia
• The above were formally under the umbrella of psychiatric disorders, however now have their own category as these conditions impact individuals at a fundamental

General Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health

Although all mental health conditions are specific to the individuals experience, there are generic signs and symptoms that are common with most mental health conditions. These include:

• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Avoid activities that they would normally enjoy
  • Sleeping too much or not enough
• Over-eating or loss of appetite
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Flashbacks(PTSD)
• Low energy/tired/lethargic
• Substance misuse
• Displaying negative emotions: low mood, crying, anger, etc.
• Difficulty in concentrating/remaining focus/memory difficulty and confusion
• Unable to carryout day-to-day tasks
• Suicidalideation or homicidalideation
• Libido(either too high or low)
• Auditory or visual hallucinations/paranoia(Psychosis)

Mental health can be daunting. However you can get support and make positive changes for yourself and your future. If you feel you may be experiencing some of the above symptoms, please do not wait for your symptoms to impact on your quality of life, and reach out for support by contacting your GP. Your GP can help you access relevant support services in the community. You can also self-refer to IAPT free Talking Therapies (please note there is a significant waiting list for this service).

For further information  regarding mental health and how to access services, visit:

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/nhs-talking-therapies/

Generalised Anxiety Disorder aka Anxiety

• Anxiety is your body’s natural way of responding to stress and stressful situations and is the most common form of emotional/mood disorder
• In some cases anxiety can be triggered by a stressor in life which has persisted, however in some cases anxiety can be unprovoked
• Some unique signs and symptoms of anxiety: stiffness, agitated, restless, sleep disturbances, high BP and fear
• Anxiety can be diagnosed using the GAD-7 questionnaire and preferred treatment is Talking Therapies and, in some cases, anti-anxiety medication such as Citalopram and Mirtazapine to manage the symptoms
• It is worth noting, women are more likely to be diagnosed with GAD

Types of anxiety disorders

• Panic disorder
• Phobia
• Social anxiety disorders
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Separation anxiety disorder
• Illness anxiety disorder (fear relating to mortality)
• Post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)

Depression

• Depression is a mood disorder characterised by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activity. Leaving you in a state of persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.
• There are various types of depression such as: MAD, SAD, psychotic depression, and depression in children and young people
• Treatment for depression is Talking Therapies and sometimes meditation: sertraline, quetiapine, clozapine

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

PTSD is developed when a person experiences a traumatic event that has now resulted in immense anxiety.

These can include: serious road accident, violent assault, serious health problems and child birth experiences

PTSD occurs immediately after the event and can last for weeks, months or years

• They often relive the traumatic events through nightmare or flashbacks and may experience isolation, irritability and guilt
• They may have difficulty sleeping and develop insomnia, resulting in These symptoms are generally severe and can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks
• 1in3peoplewhohaveexperiencedtraumadevelopPTSD
• People who experience repeated traumatic incidences are at risk of developing complex PTSD or complex trauma
• Complex trauma is very similar to PTSD, however can persist for much longer and symptoms can develop alot later in life
• PTSD can be treated with Talking Therapies such as CBT and EMDR
• Some individuals also require pharmacological intervention such as Paroxetine or Sertraline

OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

• OCD is a common mental health condition where an individual has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour
• An obsession is where you experience unwanted thoughts, images or an urge that repeatedly enters your mind, causing feelings of anxiety, disgust or unease
• A compulsion is repetitive behaviour or mental act that a person feels needs to be done to temporarily relieve the unpleasant feelings brought on by obsessive thoughts
• It can be distressing and significantly interfere with your life and can affect anyone of any age
• Treatment for OCD include Talking Therapies, CBT and medication such as Quetiapine or anti depressants

Panic Disorder

• According to the DSM-5, a panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterised by intense, recurrent, and unexpected panic attacks
• Panic disorder differs from anxiety as with PD your symptoms are more extreme; fear becomes terror, shortness of breath becomes rapid breathing and high BP becomes rapid heartrate and they experience panic attacks, randomly and for no reason
• There are 2 types of panic attacks: expected and unexpected
• Symptoms usually begin during late adolescence/early adulthood (18–35years) and can be triggered later in life or persistent from day 1
• Like anxiety, women are more susceptible to PD
• Trauma can lead to panic disorders
• Manypeoplelivingwithpanicdisorderdescribesfeelingliketheyarehavingaheartattack and about to die as they experience some or all of the following:
  • Chest pain & Pounding heart
  • Dizziness/weakness
  • Feelings of extreme terror
  • Sweating and trembling
  • Rapid breathing
  • Treatment is CBT, exposure therapy and panic focused psycho dynamic psychotherapy and anti-depressants (fluoxetine, citalopram and sertraline and in extreme cases benzos)

Treatment options

There are a variety of treatment options such as pharmacological interventions or Talking Therapies. Some popular therapies include:

• DBT
• CBT
• Counselling
• Gestalt
• EMDR
• Psychotherapy
• Integrative psychotherapy
• Psychoanalysis

There also exist a variety of mental health services in the UK, Online and face-to-face services include:

• IAPT– talking services
• CMHT– community mental health team
• HTT– home treatment team
• Crisis services
• A&E

For more information on various mental health diagnosis and how it may present for you, please visit: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/a-z-mental-health/

Useful MH links

• • A full A-Z list of mental health charities can be found here
    https://www.sblpcn.co.uk/mental-health-a-to-z/

• A list of local urgent mental health charities and organisations can be found here, when you input your age and postcode
  https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/