Mental Health

 

Mental Health is the emotional well being and resilience which enables us to live life and enjoy it to its fullest.

Mental health is central to all health and well being because how we think and feel has a strong impact on physical health.

A mental health problem is any problem that disrupts how we think and feel. It can be anywhere along a continuum, from something temporary, for example experiencing bereavement or a limited episode of physical illness; or more enduring or permanent because of long term unemployment or inequalities. It can also stem from an accumulation of things that happen to you that make it difficult to function at all

• One in six adults at any one time has a mental health problem.
• One in ten children under the age of 16 has a mental health problem. Among 11 - 15 year olds, 13% of boys and 10% of girls has a mental health problem.
• Up to 1 in 4 consultations with a GP concern mental health issues.
• Work-related stress affects about 1 in 5 workers - nationally that's about 5 million people.
• Stress-related conditions are now the most common reported cause of sickness absence.

Health Inequalities 

"Inequality and exclusion are both a cause and a consequence of mental health problems."(CSIP/NIMHE 2005)

• People with mental health problems experience much poorer physical health than the general population. They are at increased risk of a range of physical illnesses such as CHD, diabetes, infections and respiratory disease. They are also more likely to suffer from obesity and have unhealthier lifestyles including poor nutrition, increased levels of smoking, low levels of physical activity. (Healthy Body Healthy Mind. Promoting healthy living for people who experience mental health problems. NIMHE/Mentality, 2004)
• Mental health problems are more common in areas of deprivation.
• Poor mental health is associated with unemployment, less education, low income/material standard of living and adverse life events. (Making It Possible: Improving Mental Health and Well-being in England CSIP/NIMHE 2005)
• Suicide is the leading cause of death amongst young men.
• Depression and anxiety affect women more than men.
• Black and minority ethnic groups have less access to mental health services.
• Where they do receive a service, they are less satisfied with the service they receive.

There is national target to 'reduce deaths by suicide and undetermined injury by at least 20% from 1995-97 baseline'.

What is effective in Mental Health promotion?

There is a growing evidence base on the effectiveness of a number of non-medical interventions to help people with mental health problems.

The national mental health promotion charity 'Mentality' produced the implementation guide 'Making it Happen', which is a valuable resource for anyone working to implement Standard 1 of the NSF for Mental Health. Mentality has also produced a guide to evidence based mental health promotion, 'Making it Effective', which provides a comprehensive overview of what works across a range of settings and with a variety of target groups.

 What Works in Mental Health Word document

National Electronic Library for Health (NELH)

National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE)

York Centre for Reviews and Dissemination

National Institute for Mental Health in England (NIMHE)

Health & Safety Executive

http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/look-after-your-mental-health/how-to-look-after-your-mental-health/

 

Local Services

For information on mental health services in Staffordshire visit the Staffordshire Mental Health website at:

www.staffordshirementalhealth.info

This is a resource which provides useful information and details of a range of mental health services and projects across Staffordshire where you can get help and advice.

Last Modified: 16/10/2008 09:34:58
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