"Good mental health is absolutely fundamental to overall health and wellbeing," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.
Mental health conditions impact all aspects of people's lives, from disrupting education to impairing work performance, to putting pressure on relationships and cut people off from their families. When extreme, it can even lead to suicide. Mental health isn't just something that people who struggle with mental illness have to be aware of; we all need to pay heed to it. While it may be that some of us are more vulnerable than others, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. Lots of things can put a considerable strain on everyone's mental wellbeing.
The global The COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdown were putting a considerable strain on everyone's mental wellbeing. It was challenging to cope with fear and anxiety and a general sense of uncertainty about #COVID19. For students, adapting to taking classes from home, with little contact with teachers and friends, and anxious about their futures; for workers whose livelihoods have been at stake, that worry, isolation and loneliness have become collective experiences shared by literally everyone.
DON’T BE ASHAMED , IT'S OK TO ASK FOR HELP
However, not everyone who experiences challenges with their mental health will need to access a support service. Often the stigma around mental health prevents people who need help from seeking it. People respond to stressful situations in different ways, sometimes talking to a good friend, family member, or a trusted adult can be enough to get you through. Unfortunately, the stigma around mental health prevents people to seek help instead of hiding the issue. Clouded by stigma the importance and awareness of mental health isn't well practiced. Taking care of your mental health isn't selfish; you have nothing to be ashamed of. It's crucial. It's ok not to be ok. It's ok to ask for help. Do not be afraid to seek professional help. The more we open up, share and more we know we are never alone. It’s time to #endthestigma and #normalizetheconversation
Mental health help near me
If you need to talk to someone, below are a number of helplines you can contact for confidential non-judgemental support. They are often free-phone services which are staffed by trained volunteers or employees. If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide or self-harm, you should make contact immediately with one of the following:
- Phone or go to your local doctor
- Go to the Accident & Emergency department of the nearest hospital
If you are concerned that you or a family member/friend have a mental health problem you should seek the advice and support of your GP.
Ireland
- 112and 999 are the national emergency numbers in Ireland.
- Samaritans(http://www.samaritans.org/) is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in distress or at risk of suicide throughout Ireland. Freephone 116 123 for Samaritans anywhere in Ireland or Northern Ireland. 50808 (https://text50808.ie/) is a free, confidential 24/7 national crisis-intervention text-message service. It can be reached by texting HELLO to 50808.
- List of registered Counsellors & Psychotherapists practicing in Ireland www.iacp.ie, Tel: 01 230 3536
- Irish Advocacy Network, Peer advocacy, support and information to people with mental health difficulties. www.irishadvocacynetwork.com,Tel: 01 872 8684
- Childline, Childline provides free listening services to children and young people up to the age of 18. The Childline helpline is open 24 hours every day. childline.ie, Freephone 1800 666 666 Texting the word "Talk" to 50101
India
- Jeevan Aastha Helpline : Toll Free : 1800 233 3330 ( Verified ) ( 24 * 7 available , operated by Gandhi Nagar Gujrat Police in association with physcologist : VERIFIED : SUICIDE , DEPRESSION , CAREER COUNCELLING , ADDITION ) WEBSITE : http://www.jeevanaastha.com/ EMAIL : help@jeevanaastha.com
- AASRA : 09820466726 ( Language : Hindi and English ) Website- http://www.aasra.info/helpline.htm
- COOJ Mental Health Foundation ( GOA ) CALL : 0832-2252525 ( Verified ) TIMINGS : 1pm to 7pm : Monday to Friday
Malaysia
- 999 is the national emergency number in Malaysia
- Befrienders - The Befrienders don’t need any introduction. As one of the main suicide hotlines in Malaysia, they’re an NGO that globally offers emotional support 24/7 to people who are distressed, distraught, lonely, or troubled with suicidal thoughts.rTelephone: 03-7627 2929
- Malaysian Mental Health Association- Telephone: 03-2780 6803
United Kingdom
- 999 and 112 is the national emergency number in the United Kingdom
- 111, is the National Health Services' First Response Service for mental health crises and support. This is not available in all areas of the country yet.
USA
- 911 is the national emergency number in the United States.
- 211 is a phone number in the United States for people in crisis who need emergency referrals to social and community services but are not experiencing an immediate life-threatening emergency. Services available vary by state.
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Your Mental health matters just as much as physical health. It's okay not to be okay. You are not alone. Continue the conversation with us @https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthstory/ and inspire others. Let us normalise the conversation.