I recently completed the study of the Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems. As I wait for my coursework to be evaluated and marked, I thought to reflect back on the material and point out some key messages that I took away from it.
About the course
The course comprises of 13 units, with each unit exploring a distinct aspect of mental ill health. It offers a comprehensive overview of mental health conditions, including their causes, risk factors, impact on the individual and others, and ways to manage the condition. The programme covers an array of mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, phobias, depression, postnatal depression, schizophrenia, dementia, eating disorders, ADHD, OCD and PTSD.
Why I did it
Mental health awareness is crucial because it affects every aspect of our lives, from our relationships to our work and overall wellbeing. Sadly, mental health issues are still stigmatised in many societies, and this often leads to a lack of understanding and resources for those who need help. By raising awareness about mental health, we can break down these barriers and encourage more people to seek the support they need. Moreover, being aware of mental health challenges can help us recognise the signs of distress in ourselves and our loved ones, which is essential for early intervention and recovery.
Three key takeaways
Media stigmatisation
The media has historically played a role in stigmatising mental health by portraying individuals with mental health conditions as dangerous, unpredictable, and weak. These negative portrayals perpetuate stereotypes and can cause further harm to people who are already struggling with mental health issues.
Schizophrenia is one of the most common mental health conditions that is often misrepresented in the media. One study looked at the ‘Portrayals of Schizophrenia by Entertainment Media: A Content Analysis of Contemporary Movies’ and found that a majority of characters displayed violent behaviour towards themselves or others, nearly one third of the violent characters engaged in homicidal behaviour and about one-fourth of the characters committed suicide.
As a result, the general public tends to fear mental illness rather than showing support for those affected by it.
Help is available
Charities and local resources play a crucial role in helping individuals and their families overcome the difficulties associated with mental ill health. Mental health charities offer a range of support services, from helplines to online resources and local support groups, providing people with access to information, advice, and emotional support. They also work to reduce stigma and increase public awareness of mental health conditions. Local resources, such as community mental health teams and primary care services, can provide specialist assessment and treatment for mental health conditions, and offer ongoing support to individuals and their families. These resources can be particularly important for people who are unable to access or afford private healthcare.
Some examples:
Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/
Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/
Rethink Mental Illness - https://www.rethink.org/
YoungMinds - https://youngminds.org.uk/
Mental Health Foundation - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
Support is key
Support from family and friends is crucial for individuals with mental health conditions. A strong support network can provide emotional support, practical help, and a sense of belonging and social connection, which are all essential for promoting positive mental health. Family and friends can also help to encourage individuals to seek help when they need it, and can assist in accessing and navigating the healthcare system. Furthermore, the support of loved ones can help to reduce feelings of isolation and shame that often accompany mental illness. With the right support, individuals with mental health conditions can manage their symptoms more effectively and work towards recovery. It is important to remember that supporting someone with a mental health condition can also be challenging, and family and friends may need their own support and guidance, hence they are encouraged to educate themselves about the condition that their loved one has.
Conclusion
Mental health awareness is crucial for promoting positive mental health and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health conditions. By recognising the signs of mental distress, seeking help when needed and offering support to those affected, we can all contribute to a more compassionate and supportive society. Let us strive to create a world where mental health is not stigmatised, but rather supported and prioritised.