It’s OK not to be OK!

Mental Health Awareness Week: 10-16 May 2021

This Mental Health Awareness Week we are raising awareness of the mental health campaign “Its ok not to be ok”.

Mental health support

Alcedo Care support people suffering with many different mental health issues. We compose a care plan that is person centred and make sure you receive the support you need, whether it is support to appointments, having companionship, help with socialising, or simply having a cup of tea and a chat.

In the UK 1 in 4 of us are affected by mental health issues every year. And while comparatively little is widely known about mental health and the issues that surround it, in many ways mental health is just like physical health: everybody has it and we need to take care of it.

Good mental health

Good mental health means being generally able to think, feel and react in the ways that you need and want to live your life. But if you go through a period of poor mental health, you might find these tasks becoming increasingly difficult, or impossible to cope with. This can feel just as bad as a physical illness, or even worse.

Common mental health problems range from issues such as depression and anxiety, to rarer problems such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Experiencing a mental health problem is often upsetting, confusing and frightening – particularly at first. If you become unwell, you may feel that it’s a sign of weakness, or that you are ‘losing your mind’.

These fears are often reinforced by the negative, and often unrealistic, way that people are shown experiencing mental health problems on TV, in films and by the media. This may stop you from talking about your problems or seeking help. This, in turn, is likely to increase your distress and sense of isolation.

Most people know someone who has experienced, or is experiencing, a mental health problem – and it happens to people from all walks of life. The good news is, when you discover a combination of self-care, treatment and support that works for you, you will start to feel better, and your quality of life will improve.

Don’t be afraid to ask

If you know someone has been unwell, don’t be afraid to ask how they are. They might want to talk about it, or they might not. But just letting them know they don’t have to avoid the issue with you is important. Spending time with your loved one lets them know you care, and can help you understand what they are going through.

Ask how you can help

Everyone will need support at different times and in different ways, so ask how you can help. It might be useful to help keep track of medication, or lend your support at a doctor’s appointment. If your friend wants to get more exercise, you could do this together, or if your partner is affected by lack of sleep, you could help them get into a regular sleeping pattern.

Keep in mind that having a mental health problem is just one aspect of your friend or family member’s life. Most people don’t want to be defined by their mental health problem, so keep talking about the things you’ve always talked about together.

Alcedo Care mental health support

Alcedo Care support people suffering with many different mental health issues. For an informal chat and to discover how Alcedo Care can help support you or your family member, call Alcedo Care Bury today on 0161 6764555 or email us on buryhc@alcedocare.co.uk.