Exploring Mental Health & Stigma Mind Health Presentation

The Direct Action Project is happy to share this presentation with Islington organisations. It is designed as a general introduction to mental health & to encourage discussion about this important subject. You will want to edit the slides to meet your own aims. Note that the statistics quoted here may change. Download our free Mind Health resources to support the information shared here, available from For more information contact the Direct Action The Peel Centre: / Presentation prepared September 2015.

We aim that together we will:- Increase our understanding of ‘mental health’ Increase our knowledge about local sources of help & support Be encouraged to take active steps to look after our own mental health & wellbeing

How many people in the UK will suffer with a mental health problem this year? a)1 in 25 of us b)1 in 10 of us c)1 in 4 of us d)1 in 100 of us

How many people in the UK will suffer with a mental health problem this year? 1 in 4 of us

How many young people in the UK have a mental health problem? a)1 in 25 of us b)1 in 10 of us c)1 in 4 of us d)1 in 100 of us

How many young people in the UK have a mental health problem? 1 in 10 (average 3 per class) Time to Change campaign, September 2013

How many of the following emotions have you experienced over the last few days / week?

Mental health isn’t something that just happens to other people. We all have a state of mental health. Hopefully our mental health is positive most of the time, but emotional lows are also normal. If you are mostly experiencing low emotions, especially if these feelings have continued for some time or if they’re interfering with your daily life, then its a good idea to seek support.

‘Mental health is about how we think, feel and behave. There are times when everyone feels stressed or unhappy. Generally these bad times pass, but sometimes they do not go away and we might need to seek help. Most people fully recover from mental health problems.’ NHS Islington, April 2011

‘Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.’ World Health Organisation, updated August 2014

depression anxiety stress

Anxiety is very common. It’s normal to feel anxious sometimes. 1 in 6 people suffer from anxiety disorders, when symptoms are frequent and / or more severe.

Constantly feeling worried & irritable Sleep problems Difficulties in concentrating Worrying that something terrible is going to happen Feeling stressed about going out in public  High stress levels can be a trigger

Depression is very common. Many cases are probably under reported. Causes are individual to each person.

Feeling very down or negative – feeling like this most days for at least 2 weeks Not going out, not talking to friends or family Loss of confidence in own abilities Feeling very sad / crying easily Constant tiredness / very low energy Finding studying or going to work really difficult  High stress levels can be a trigger

If ignored, stress can sometimes lead to other problems. If stress is significantly effecting your work, study or everyday life... If stress is stopping you do things you enjoy... If you’re feeling stressed all or most of the time......talk to someone!

TALK to friends, family etc What can you do to support a friend who is feeling low or anxious? What support do you need, when you’re feeling low or anxious? “When life throws you a challenge, don’t be afraid to seek help & support” (Life’s Challenges: Mental health film,

GP – free Can refer to iCope & other talking therapies iCope – free Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) You can self refer Excellent, informative website: Must be registered with an Islington or Camden GP Counselling – free & low cost Islington Mind, Stress Project, Highbury Counselling Centre, Maya Centre, Women’s Therapy Centre and some other Islington organisations.

Pulse, N7 (13-21 years) Drum, EC1 (14-21 years) TYS Youth Counselling Service ( years) Mind Connect & Young People in Platform & Lift youth hubs (16-25 years) /

A&E - dial 999 Samaritans Childline –

Learn lots about mental health Adult & Youth focused 2-day courses Regular courses delivered by Rethink Mental Illness FREE to anyone living, working, studying or volunteering in Islington

Mental Health Champions – a network of Islington people raising awareness about mental health & tackling stigma / Talk for Health – peer support to improve emotional wellbeing & confidence. Courses are free for Islington residents registered with a local GP /

We deliver a range of mental health awareness workshops & art programmes with groups of young people (12-24 years) & parents of young children in Islington. For more information contact Emma Charlton Direct Action The Peel Centre /

‘Recovery’ can mean different things to different people. Many people can recover from depression & anxiety disorders, and some other mental health problems, with the right support. The earlier support is sought the better. You probably know someone who experiences or has experienced mental health problems – but they may be feeling fine! ‘Recovery’ can mean different things to different people. Many people can recover from depression & anxiety disorders, and some other mental health problems, with the right support. The earlier support is sought the better. You probably know someone who experiences or has experienced mental health problems – but they may be feeling fine!

“People believe you can’t come back from mental illness but you can come back and you can enjoy life again.” Eleanor Hathaway, fire fighter “I’ve been to the darkest places...but I made it through and I want people to look at me and know that there is help available.” Neil Hemingway, paramedic “I spent years fearing that I was going to be judged if I talked about it (my mental health problems)... Don’t be afraid. Reclaim your life.” Inspector Wayne Goodwin, Kent Police Time to Talk campaign, 2015: “People believe you can’t come back from mental illness but you can come back and you can enjoy life again.” Eleanor Hathaway, fire fighter “I’ve been to the darkest places...but I made it through and I want people to look at me and know that there is help available.” Neil Hemingway, paramedic “I spent years fearing that I was going to be judged if I talked about it (my mental health problems)... Don’t be afraid. Reclaim your life.” Inspector Wayne Goodwin, Kent Police Time to Talk campaign, 2015:

What will YOU do to feel happy this week?

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