“Mental Health For All”
World Mental Health Day on October 10th saw wide scale activity to raise awareness of the issues surrounding mental health and to generate support for those struggling.
This year’s theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH)was ‘Mental Health For All’, promoting ‘Greater Investment-Greater Access’ to support those who need it.
The global pandemic has put a huge strain on many people around the world, causing high levels of stress due to the uncertainty of the situation. Working from home and/or homeschooling have meant a big change in lifestyle and intensified pressure on relationships. Many have suffered financial worries with furlough or redundancy. Added to which there is the fear – or indeed the experience – of the virus itself and the damage that it could do to health, security and family structure.
There’s been much cause for anxiety and worry, yet many of the normal coping mechanisms such as socialising and going out have been limited or unavailable, especially during the full lockdown period, leaving people without recourse to activities that might have helped, such as exercise, entertainment or socialising.
What’s more, for anyone needing help, access to GPs/doctors has been made much more difficult and mental health services have been put under strain, often having to reduce capacity due to COVID regulations at a time when demand has been going up.
The toll of coronavirus on mental health has been noted in the media and by major charities.
World Federation for Mental Health President, Dr Ingrid Daniels, said:
“The world is experiencing the unprecedented impact of the current global health emergency due to COVID-19 that has also impacted on the mental health of millions of people. We know that the levels of anxiety, fear, isolation, social distancing and restrictions, uncertainty and emotional distress experienced have become widespread as the world struggles to bring the virus under control and to find solutions.
“The current worldwide pandemic arose against an already dire mental health landscape that saw mental health conditions on the rise across the globe. About 450 million people live with mental disorders that are among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide (WHO’s World Health Report, 2001). One person in every four will be affected by a mental disorder at some stage of their lives while mental, neurological and substance use disorders exact a high toll on health outcomes, accounting for 13% of the total global burden of disease (WHO, 2012). The World Health Organization (2018) states that every 40 seconds someone dies by suicide. Annually, this represents over 800 000 people that die by suicide, which is more than people dying by war and homicide put together. For every suicide, there are many more people who attempt suicide every year. A prior suicide attempt is the single most important risk factor for suicide in the general population. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds while 79% of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting and devastating effects on the people left behind.”
The World Health Organisation has echoed the position, stating:
“Given past experience of emergencies, it is expected that the need for mental health and psychosocial support will substantially increase in the coming months and years. Investment in mental health programmes at the national and international levels, which have already suffered from years of chronic underfunding, is now more important than it has ever been.
“This is why the goal of this year’s World Mental Health Day campaign is increased investment in mental health.”
Private Mental Health Services, Bristol
The May Wellness Centre based in Redland offers a host of services dedicated to mental health, with therapists and experts to help you deal with whatever life throws at you. Services include:
- ADDICTION COUNSELLING – Sarah Walsh offers private counselling for a range of addictions and addictive behaviours
- COUNSELLING – Debbie Fryer is highly trained to help with a range of issues using person-centred therapy
- HYPNOTHERAPY – Sophie West is an experienced and accredited Solution Focused Hypnotherapist who can help replacing unwanted thinking or behaviour with positive new ways of being
- PSYCHOTHERAPY – Dr Janne Rodsten offers psychotherapy and counselling to help with a range of complex issues including PTSD, OCD, depression, anxiety and more
Services are fully private and confidentiality is assured. Appointments are carried out in calm and quiet consultation rooms.
Contact The May Wellness Centre
If you'd like to speak to someone about treatment with one of our professionals, please get in touch:
- Tel 0117 924 4592
- Email info@maywellnesscentre.co.uk
- Address 4 Redland Court Road, Bristol, BS6 7EE