1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England .
1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week in England.
What does this mean? That many people are struggling with mental health in UK, and I include myself among them.
The other side to the issue is there is still tremendous stigma about having mental health problems. Some people think it’s still okay to disparage another person for having depression, or anxieties.
It’s time to talk about another big issue. Don’t worry though, not all the news is bad. Did you know people with disabilities have a higher chance of developing mental health issues?
People with complex disabilities are four times as likely to say their general health is bad or very bad (25%) compared to the general public (5% according to the 2021 general census).
On average, people with complex disabilities have lower happiness levels (6.02) compared to non-disabled people (7.45), according to figures from the Office for National Statistics).
Those with complex disabilities have higher average rates of anxiety (5.09) compared to non-disabled people (3.12).
Additional research also shows that:
30% of people in the UK live with one or more long-term physical health conditions, over 26% of which also have a mental health problem.
70% of disabled people say that social isolation affects their mental health and wellbeing.
I’ve certainly found disability adding to my struggles in life, or is it down to social barriers?
Being disabled has left me feeling like a burden on others and unsure of my abilities. I don’t choose to be like this but it is my reality.
go outside for mental health, the issue for me is having somewhere fun to go. I have found it difficult to make friends or find community locally because am so different to others.
Yes, there are people who value you and consider themselves friends, but can’t relate to me or my life. There is help though.
There are lots of ways people can care for and support themselves. What works for some may not work for others.
Many people will say going out and being in nature helps them. The issue for me is having somewhere fun to go. I have found it difficult to make friends or find community locally because am so different to others.
I use other ways to care for myself. These include watching cartoons, gaming, getting myself a treat, watching a movie and writing/ drawing/ creating.
Find what works best for you.
Resources
GP/ NHS app – if you are struggling it is best to get in touch. There are waiting lists for support, but each council has some available for free. You could also get social prescribing through them.
Wellbeing apps like Headspace and Calm help with practicing mindfulness. There are also phone journals to document thoughts.
Samaritans – this charity runs a 24 hour mental health line
Action for happiness – this group offers a wide range of online resources, and run courses across the UK.
Mind – one of many mental health charities operating in Britain
Beth writes 