Mental health is about how we think, feel and behave. One in four people in the UK have a mental health problem at some point in their lives that affects their daily life, relationships or physical health.
Mental health problems can affect anyone. Without support and treatment, mental health problems can have a serious effect on the individual and those around him or her.
Every year in the UK, more than 250,000 people are admitted to psychiatric hospitals and over 4,000 people commit suicide.
Mental health disorders
Mental health disorders take many different forms and affect people in different ways. Schizophrenia, depression and personality disorders are all types of mental health problem.
Diseases such as dementia generally develop in old age, whereas eating disorders are more common in young people.
There is no single cause of mental health problems - the reasons they develop are as complex as the individual.
Who is affected
Mental health problems are more common in certain groups, such as:
- people with poor living conditions,
- those from ethnic minority groups,
- disabled people,
- homeless people, and
- offenders.
Sometimes, people with mental health problems are discriminated against. This can lead to social problems such as homelessness, which may make the mental health problem worse.
Some mental health problems are more common in certain people. For example, women are more likely than men to have anxiety disorders and depression. Drug and alcohol addictions are more common in men, and men are also more likely to commit suicide.
Mental health problems can also develop from difficult life events, such as moving house, losing your job, or the death of someone special. Drinking too much alcohol over a long period of time and using illegal drugs can contribute to mental health problems, particularly in people who are already vulnerable.
Treatment and support
People with mental health problems need help and support to enable them to cope with their illness. There are many treatment options, including medication, counselling, psychotherapy and self-help strategies.
It is important that people with mental illnesses are told about the options available so they can make a decision about what treatment suits them best.
Another important step in the recovery process is for the person to accept that they are ill, and to want to get better. This can take time, and it is important for family and friends to be supportive.
There are also many support groups and charities that offer advice, confidential counselling and information about the types of treatment available and where to get help (see Useful links, above right).
Carers
If you look after someone who is ill or disabled, your mental health may be affected. An official report on the mental health of carers found that more than half of carers reported symptoms of mental health issues such as stress or depression, higher than in the general population.
To find out about services that could help you cope with caring for someone, visit Carers Direct.
