Mental health problems can include a wide range of disorders, from everyday worries we all experience to serious long-term conditions. Mental health problems affect the way people think, feel and behave.
It is hard to get accurate statistics on mental health in the UK. However, it is estimated that 25% of Brits will have problems with mental health at some point in their lives. Surveys have shown that mental health problems affect 10% of children and young people. And further studies have shown that 75% of mental health problems are established by the age of 24 – making early intervention beneficial to good mental health during adulthood.
Mental health problems are generally divided into common mental health problems and severe mental health problems. Common problems include disorders that can be seen as extreme forms of ‘normal’ behaviour, such as depression, anxiety and panic. Severe problems, including eating disorders, schizophrenia, personality disorders and bipolar disorder, may cause psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions.
Mental health problems often contribute to symptoms, feelings and behaviours such as panic attacks, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and psychotic experiences.
If you’re not experiencing severe symptoms such as psychosis or suicidal thoughts and feelings, the best place to start is your GP. Your GP will probably be able to diagnose common mental health problems after one or two appointments. For more severe problems you will be referred to a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist.
Your GP will have information about support services in your area, including community mental health teams, social care, residential care, crisis intervention and hospitals.
If you are experiencing a crisis and feel you are at immediate risk, go to the A&E department of your local hospital or call 999. If you’re not sure whether you’re in an emergency, call NHS 111 or NHS Direct (Wales).
The most common forms of treatment available on the NHS are talking therapies and medication. Alternative treatments include arts therapies and complementary therapy. Finding the perfect treatment plan for you can take some time, but your doctor and local support services will be on hand to guide you through all the options.
Many people recover from mental health problems. Recovery is a journey, and will often require you to find ways to adjust your life to deal with your problems as they arise. Though your symptoms may rear their head again every now and then, you’ll be able to get control with the self-care and treatment options that you’ve found work best for you.