Time to talk about it – opening up on mental health

Having a mental health problem can easily lead to loneliness.

Mental health problems affect one in five of us at some point in our lives. But many people are reluctant to bring up the subject, fearing other people's reactions.

'There's still, sadly, a stigma attached to mental illness, based largely on prejudice and poor understanding. It can even be a taboo subject within the circle of family and close friends,' says Simon Lawton-Smith, head of policy at the Mental Health Foundation, which is launching its annual campaign to raise awareness about the issue.

'But any of us can develop a common mental disorder. One in four adults experience a problem in any one year – so it’s not unusual or anything to be ashamed about,' he says.

What are the most common problems?

An estimated 9 per cent of the population suffer from anxiety and depression at any one time, although many people go undiagnosed and recover without help from a doctor.

'It's been estimated that only around a quarter of people with depression receive formal care and treatment. This may be for a number of reasons – including the reluctance of people to seek help or discuss their problems,' says Lawton-Smith.

About half of people, who have anxiety and depression, will recover within 18 months.

Who is likely to be affected?

Anyone can have mental health illnesses – although poorer people, the long-term sick and unemployed people are more likely to experience problems and find them harder to overcome.

Children can, and do, suffer from mental health problems – although rates tend to increase as they reach adolescence.

Disorders affect:

• 10.4 per cent of boys aged 5 to10, rising to 12.8 per cent of boys aged 11 to15
• 5.9 per cent of girls aged 5 to10, rising to 9.65 per cent of girls aged 11 to15.

Overall, mental health disorders tend to peak in middle age.

What about dementia?

There are around 820,000 people in the UK with dementia, which is usually a disorder that affects you later in life.

But there are at least 15,000 people under the age of 65 who have the illness, many of whom are undiagnosed for a significant period of time.

'Most cases of early Alzheimer’s, and other dementias, remain undiagnosed,' explains Dr Marie Janson of the Alzheimer's Research Trust.

'Alzheimer’s Research Trust scientists are working on cutting-edge techniques to improve accurate detection, such as memory tests, brain scans and retinal examinations, which may spur on the development of new treatments and preventions for this set of diseases.

'Dementia, like other mental health problems, tends to be stigmatised, which is a barrier to people being willing to ask for help, and to receive the best care,' says Lawton-Smith.

Is a cure for dementia more likely in future?

'Dementia scientists, particularly in the UK, are making substantial progress in the race for better ways of preventing and treating dementia,' says Dr Janson.

'British scientists recently uncovered several genes that can be related toAlzheimer’s disease, while others are exploring the connection between lifestyle factors and dementia risk.

'With the right investment in research, we believe our scientists can offer hope to the hundreds of thousands, who live with this devastating condition,' she says.

What can be done about isolation and loneliness?

People with mental health issues, and their carers, may feel isolated and lonely as they deal with this issue.

Having a mental health problem can easily lead to loneliness because a person may withdraw from social situations, and they may even stop working if they’re really unwell.

A person’s carer, or partner, may also become isolated if they’re spending the bulk of their time caring.

'Everybody’s circumstances are different, but there are services and techniques available to help people overcome their isolation.

'The difficult thing is knowing where to begin. But take small steps at a pace that's comfortable and reassuring.

'Befriending and mentoring schemes run by charities and organisations can empower vulnerable people to build relationships,' says Lawton-Smith.

What can people do to help themselves and others?

'There are various things you can do, without seeking professional help – such as talking about your feelings to friends or family,' advises Lawton-Smith.

'Keep active: exercise releases chemicals in the brain that make you feel good, and regular exercise can boost your self-esteem.

'Stay in touch with friends and family, who can help share problems and offer different views to what’s going on inside your own head.

'There are strong links between how we eat and how we feel, so eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and avoid fatty foods,' he says.

Alcohol can be a temporary fix, but it will make the problem worse in the long term.

'You can seek professional help by going to your GP and being open about how you're feeling,' says Lawton-Smith.

'This isn’t a sign of weakness, and there are a range of interventions that the GP may be able to suggest to help you,' he says.