1 in 4 people will experience
a mental health problem
in any given year
Think Positive is an NUS Scotland Campaign but it's
more than 'just another' campaign.
It's time to start caring about our mental health and
the mental health of those around us, it's time to create change on our campuses.
The campaign promotes good
mental health and tackles the negative attitudes that exist about mental health. We want a healthy, happy student population,
one that can talk openly and without concern about their mental wellbeing.
Mental health is simply the term for how you are feeling on the
inside. It is an expression used to describe your mental wellbeing, your emotional capabilities and your thought processes.
Whether you're male or female, a first year student or in your
final year, full time, a home student or an international student; you have mental health. It's not a diagnosis; it doesn't mean something is wrong. Then why are we scared of it? It
is this fear and lack of understanding that creates stigma. Although society has come a long way from straight jackets
and asylums, our perceptions of mental ill health are still skewed and negative. Often the terms ‘mental health or wellbeing' and ‘mental ill health' are confused. Many
people perceive them to be the same things however, caring for our mental health does not need to mean that we are unwell
in any way. Yes, mental illness can be diagnosed, but it
can happen to anyone at any time, and at any level. Yet,
if we just started talking more openly, honestly and supportively this stigma would vanish!
Before we can start promoting positive mental health it's important
that we can recognise and understand the many mental ill health issues that exist (note: mental health and mental
ill health are 2 different terms).
The following gives a brief overview on some mental ill health issues to give
you a better understanding of the realities of each one.
♦
Depression ♦ Anxiety ♦ Eating disorders ♦ Alcohol and mental health ♦
Drug use and mental health ♦ Stress ♦ Self-Harm ♦
Schizophrenia ♦ Bi-polar Disorder
You'll also find links to websites and resources for further
reading.
Depression Depression is the most common mental health concern in Scotland. It can effects anyone at any time
and can be caused in many ways. Depression can occur in a single incidence or can have a more long term effect through repeated
episodes. Depressive symptoms include; tiredness, loss
of confidence, hopelessness, lack of concentration, insomnia, loss of appetite, feelings of guilt or sadness, thoughts of
suicide. There are many support networks for individuals
suffering from depression and it is important that if you have these feelings you talk to someone about it.
10% of the population of Scotland
are taking
anti-depressant medication
Anxiety Anxiety and depression are often linked, as they can lead on from one another. Many individuals experience
both. Anxiety can manifest itself in many ways; from feelings
of tension which develop over a long time to panic attacks and phobias. Anxiety is defined by the following symptoms; increase
in heart rate, sweating, sense of dread, shortness of breath, dizziness, insomnia.
Anxiety and fear can be a difficult cycle to break, an individual who feels anxious about something
is very likely to start fearing the anxiety itself, which can start causing problems in their daily life and routine. That's
why it is so important to get support as early as possible.
1 in 6 young people will
experience an anxiety condition
at some point in their lives
Eating disorders The two main types of eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa; where the individual drastically reduces
their intake of food, in order to change their appearance and have control over their bodies, and Bulimia Nervosa; where are
individual tend to use binging/vomiting or laxatives as means to control their appearance.
Eating disorders are most prevalent in women however the number of men coming forward for support
is increasing.
Eating disorders can lead to a whole
host of problems, not just becoming unhealthily thin. These include intestinal problems, brittle bones, hair loss and heart
disease.
It is important to get as much support as
possible as recovery can take some time. As a supporter, it is important to view the issue with an open mind, as often the
cause of eating disorders is not always as clear as it seems, it can come from childhood trauma, feeling of a loss of control
or bullying.
Drinkorexia - this is a new term which has emerged
from the number of young people (the high majority being female) who are severely restricting their intake of calories during
the day to allow themselves to use their calories on alcohol units on nights out.
Not only is this a dangerous method of weight control, it also means that you are likely to become
more intoxicated more quickly then expected and makes you susceptible to all the dangers of binge drinking, along with the
dangers of an eating disorder.
If you are concerned
about your alcohol pattern then make sure you talk to someone: talktofrank.com.
Alcohol and mental health Alcohol and mental health has a two-way relationship. Mental ill health can
be a consequence of excessive alcohol consumption but also a cause of excessive drinking.
How often have you wanted to have a drink to ‘drown your sorrows'? But did you know
that alcohol is actually a depressive drug? While negative feelings may lessen in the short term, it has been found that excessive
alcohol can lead to depression.
Balancing and drinking
sensibly is good for both your physical and mental wellbeing. Drug use and mental health Depending on the type of drug taken (and the length of time taken for), substance abuse can lead
to psychological dependence which can later cause severe mental illness including depression, insomnia and psychotic episodes.
If you need support or know of someone in need of support contact talktofrank.com
Stress Stress is something we all experience at some point, some more then others. As a student you no doubt will
stress at a coursework deadline, before an exam...there could be many reasons.
Stress has both emotional and behavioural symptoms which can affect you, your academic performance
and your social interactions.
High levels of stress
can cause more serious mental health concerns and physical health concerns.
Stress is the second most
common reason for work
absence (after back pain)
Self-Harm Self harm is the term given when someone intentionally hurts themselves as a way of relieving pain
or frustration. It is an issue that effects people
of all background and can happen to both males and females.
The
reasons behind self-harm are numerous, a few include low self-esteem, sexual abuse, bullying or family breakdowns. Every individual
is different as are their reasons for self harming. The
most important things is that they do not feel alone and seek support quickly.
The UK has one of the highest rates of self harm in
Europe
Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is perhaps the mental illness with the most stigma attached. Through the media, there
has become a false stereotype created about individuals with schizophrenia.
Unlike what you may believe, someone with schizophrenia is very unlikely to be violent, or cause
anyone harm. They may hear voices and suffer from severe paranoia; they are likely to become withdrawn from society and fearful
of those around them. Asking for support in this condition
can be very difficult, however there are networks to turn to for instance hearing-voices.org, as a supporter, is it important
to be open minded and not fearful of the situation.
Most people diagnosed with schizophrenia are aged between
18 and 35
Bi-polar Disorder
Also known as manic
depression, bi-polar is the term given to someone whose mood changes dramatically from being severely depressed; feeling low,
guilty, worthless, to being erratically happy (manic); euphoria, easily distracted, rapid thoughts. It is estimated that 1 in 100 people are affected by Bi-polar disorder, and the reasons behind its
development are numerous; stress, traumatic experience, following post-natal depression. Treatment is often through medication.
More info:
bipolarscotland.org.uk
Fife Bipolar Group 
Last year, Think Positive surveyed over 1800 students in a national
stress survey. The results were published in the Silently Stressed report and reflected a worrying level of stress experienced by students and numerous barriers that they felt deterred
them from approaching support for a mental health issue.
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