There is still a stigma in society about talking about mental illness. Yet figures show that one in four of us will experience mental health problems in any year. By far the most common mental illness those who are anxious and depressed, with women more likely to seek treatment than men. Men (particularly young men) are 3 times as likely as their female counterparts to commit suicide in the UK.
People turn to many different things to deal with depression and anxiety. We are all familiar with alcohol as a method of helping us relax, and an occasional drink is a good way of letting our hair down, however, when the levels are a hazardous levels then we are simply adding another health problem. But alcohol is not the only coping method, people often use drugs (both illegal and prescription), anger and things like self harm to cope again they are less helpful.
Talking therapy has shown to be very effective at dealing with depression and anxiety, yet with a stigma about talking about mental illness, you often worry about talking about it, will you be judged, what will people thing or will you be seen as weak? Where do you turn? Many find comfort from family and friends and can begin to talk about their difficulties. However, in doing so you can feel that you are not being listened too, or perhaps they want to tell you about their problems (or perhaps they are part of the problem). You can go to your GP and more and more they will have somewhere to refer you to. They can also prescribe medicines which can be effective in improving your mood. Counselling also offers a good source of treatment. Assuming that you pick a qualified counsellor you will have someone who can listen, without judgement and help you explore ways in which things can improve.
So don’t let society’s reluctance to talk about mental illness hold you back if you are depressed or anxious, get help today, because it is there all you have to do is ask.