According to research, 1 in 4 people suffer with a mental health disorder

In the UK, mental health is a serious issue affecting a quarter of our society each year. Sadly, this is usually swept under the carpet and ignored by many people, including those who are suffering until it’s too late. In 2009, ‘The Health & Social Care Information Centre’ highlighted that 9.7 in 100 people suffer with a mixture of anxiety and depression in a household survey. This statistic only demonstrates the people who are willing to admit to suffering with the mixture of both disorders. This statistic does not give recognition to those who are battling with the disorder in silence. Furthermore, the survey displayed that 3 in 100 people self-harm in their lifetime and a further 17 in 100 people have suicidal thoughts. This again only presents the statistics of people who are willing to admit to dealing with these issues when in reality, many more are suffering each year.

This leaves us to question: How can we help and support those who are suffering by themselves? These figures of those who are admitting to depression and anxiety are high anyway, let alone adding to the statistic for those who are scared, embarrassed and ashamed to admit they are suffering. As a society we need to break down the barriers of stigma that surrounds mental health. Those who are suffering should not do it alone or in silence. It is essential that they feel like it’s okay and not in any way shameful to admit that they are suffering. In 2012, 5,981 suicides were recorded and it is estimated that 90% of those who attempted or died suffered with at least one mental health disorder. This devastating reality makes it clear that we need to take action quickly and efficiently. We need to stand together to help and support those who are suffering and in turn, prevent people from getting hurt. Too many people put on a front and pretend everything is okay when it isn’t. Too many people are afraid to admit that they are suffering with depression or anxiety because they don’t want to be judged. Too many people are dying because they feel like they don’t have another option. Because they don’t feel like anyone loves or cares for them. They need a backbone to hold them when they are weak and can’t carry themselves. They need someone to hold their hand on this difficult journey.

We’re a society that is always looking for a quick fix. Some Prozac and a sleeping pill will only help until the darkness traps you again. GPs are responsible for recognising what type of support the individual needs. Who can help you? A psychologist? Psychiatrist? Psychotherapist? Counsellor? Or maybe just someone who wants to listen to what you have to say. It takes 6 months to be seen by one of these support groups on the NHS. But by that point it might be too late. By that point an individual would have cut themselves off from society because they think they’re failing. Because they feel like nobody will understand. Because they have a lack of trust. Because they are in a vicious cycle of worrying and not being able to sleep. Never really awake, just alone with their thoughts. Caffeine, alcohol and nicotine numb and exacerbate the pain simultaneously, pulling the individual deeper into the dark hole they are stuck in. The NHS states “Suicide occurs in people of all ages, including children, but adults in middle- and late-middle age have the highest suicide rate”.

We need to recognise the signs when someone is wearing a mask and holding back their tears. We need to carry, support and love them and get them the help they need. Just to make it a little bit easier for them to move forward. Charities such as ‘Mind’ and ‘Samaritans’ do an amazing job in helping support those who are suffering and are trained to recognise when people are in need of their help. Ultimately, awareness is essential. Mental health is not a quick fix, it takes time and perseverance to get to the root of the problem.