Gloucestershire mental health charity stresses need for connection
One in ten children experience mental illness
A Gloucestershire mental health charity is highlighting the importance of having a support network.
Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind are running a series of events across the town this week with the aim of getting people to connect and come out of isolation.
It is part of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week which is themed around communities.
Lynette Buebird, mental health trainer for the charity, told Greatest Hits Radio: “There are lots of wonderful communities.
“Joining these communities is really important to help with isolation and also there’s someone to turn to when people feel like they might be developing poor mental health or they be developing mental ill health.
“It’s a really useful tool to help people realise there is support out there for them.”
Mental Health Awareness Week is organised by the Mental Health Foundation and has been running yearly since 2001.
According to Mind, one in four people in England experience a mental health problem each year.
However, the true numbers are likely to be higher than this as the research excluded individuals under the age of 16 as well as everyone not living in private housing.
“There are quite a few causes and factors that result in poor mental health and wellbeing.
“Isolation is a big topic and a big factor that does contribute to poor mental wellbeing”, Ms Buebird explained.
“Communities are so important and we’re stronger when we’re in communities. That could be joining a club but it could also be ensuring that your friends with your neighbours.
“It doesn’t have to be going to the gym and it doesn’t have to be active – it could just be going for a coffee with somebody.”
The most common diagnoses are forms of anxiety and depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic disorder.
While one in five people with mental health issues will have suicidal thoughts, only a third of everyone struggling will get treatment.
“Sometime we’ve heard from a lot of people is that there is a lot of stigma attached to mental health.
“But there doesn’t need to be, and stigma is really dangerous because it stops people from seeking support”, added Ms Buebird.
“It can prevent somebody from asking for help because they’re worried about others’ perceptions. But actually, we’re all in it together. We’re all part of a community and we all want to help each other.
“And the sooner we get that message out, the sooner we can tackle our mental health crisis.”
People in the LGBTQIA+ community, Black or Black British people as well as women between the ages of 16 and 24 and people with other issues such as homelessness or substance misuse are most likely to struggle with their mental health.
If you, or someone you know is suffering with their mental health, or experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can contact Mind at 0300 102 1234 or speak to your GP.
If someone's life is in danger - call 999 immediately.