Mental health is highly disregarded by a lot of communities and usually brushed off or completely ignored.

Here are the facts, in both the UK and worldwide:

• When a mental health issue becomes long term and gets in the way of your day to day activities, it’s considered a disability..
• Mental health problems are one of the main causes of the overall disease burden worldwide.
• Mental health and behavioural problems (e.g. depression, anxiety and drug use) are reported to be the primary drivers of disability worldwide.
• Major depression is thought to be the second leading cause of disability worldwide and a major contributor to the burden of suicide and ischemic heart disease

It is estimated that 1 in 6 people in the past week experienced a common mental health problem.

But unfortunately, people either have so little education on the topic or they find it very uncomfortable to address it.  People who suffer from mental health issues are usually afraid of admitting it to their friends and loved ones because they have no idea how they will react.

What people fail to understand is that, just like your body, you mind can get sick. Instead of pretending that this is ‘all in your head’ and that ‘it’s just a phase try and  educate yourself on why you might be feeling they way you feel and use resources that are in place to help you.   At this festive time of the year it is easy to feel alone when the message of togetherness and love is all that is being shoved in your face.

Who can you talk to when it gets too much? You are never alone & there is always help ❤️ add to your phone now ?
Childline: 0800 1111
Samaritans 116 123
Domestic Violence Hotline:0808 2000 247
Mind 0300 123 3393
Age UK 0800 169 6565 #seekhelp #mentalhealth

— Medical Centre (@clfsmedical) December 16, 2017

Check your friends, loved ones and the people close to you and try to offer a hand. Remind them that they are not alone.