Wellbeing Support
No one should have to face a mental health problem alone or face isolation no matter what age a person is. Did you know that Mind UK states that 1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem each year?
The campaign to end loneliness reported that approximately 9M people in the UK say that they often feel lonely, with many struggling to make lasting, social connections with others.
Whilst loneliness is not a mental health issue in itself, mental health problems, particularly depression and social anxiety, can cause loneliness. In the other direction, loneliness can cause mental health problems. There is a similar relationship with dementia, where loneliness can cause cognitive decline, while dementia can lead to people becoming lonely. It is important to know that loneliness and social isolation don't discriminate. Life circumstances can change in the blink of an eye, meaning it can happen to anyone, no matter what age or background.
Handling grief can also be a curve ball. Grief can be difficult and stressful and nearly everybody goes through it at some point in their lives. Despite this, it can be very difficult to predict how we might react to a loss, as it is a very individual process. It can cause sadness or depression, shock, numbness, denial or disbelief, which can then trigger a mental problem.
Whilst loneliness can be a trigger for mental ill health, there are many other triggers. The following factors could potentially result in a period of poor mental health:
- childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect
- social isolation or loneliness
- experiencing discrimination and stigma, including racism
- social disadvantage, poverty or debt
- bereavement (losing someone close to you)
- severe or long-term stress
- having a long-term physical health condition
- unemployment or losing your job
- homelessness or poor housing
- being a long-term carer for someone
- drug and alcohol misuse
- domestic violence, bullying or other abuse as an adult
- significant trauma as an adult, such as military combat, being involved in a serious incident in which you feared for your life, or being the victim of a violent crime
- physical causes – for example, a head injury or a neurological condition such as epilepsy can have an impact on your behaviour and mood. (It's important to rule out potential physical causes before seeking further treatment for a mental health problem)
If you are reading this and you can relate to any part of this article please:
REACH OUT. TALK. GET HELP. YOU MATTER. THE TEAM AT FREEBRIDGE CARE. PEOPLE CARE.
IT'S OK NOT TO BE OK!
You can click on any of the links we have added on the right, or you can email our Tenancy Support Team and someone will call you back.
Equally, if you think that someone in your immediate community may not be OK please email us. Your email will remain confidential and the person you have alerted us to will receive the support that they need and are willing to accept.