A few Sundays ago, I was trying to do some shopping – along with apparently two million other people – on London’s Oxford Street, when I saw a poster saying “What You Should Know About Mental Disorders”.
An estimated one in four people in the UK suffer from mental health problems in any one year.
If a physical illness were to produce such a statistic, it would be considered an epidemic and spark immediate action from the government, health authorities and drug companies, as well as a nationwide campaign of public awareness.
The fact that mental illnesses are often more difficult to diagnose, predict and treat, as well as still carrying the stigma of malingering or being weak willed, only add to the problem for the sufferers, their families and health practitioners.
In writing this blog, I have found that simple sets of rules people can remember and live by are often of big benefit to all-round health. So I stopped to see if the article in the poster had a few guidelines to help mental well being. Happily, it did.
Next to the sign was a young man from a spiritual group, handing out a pamphlet that contained a nine-point action plan. It was extremely practical and could apply to anyone, regardless of their beliefs:
1. Follow the treatment prescribed by qualified mental health professionals
2. Maintain a balanced and stable daily routine
3. Stay physically active
4. Get enough sleep
5. Take time each day to relax
6. Eat a nutritious and balanced diet
7. Limit alcohol consumption and drugs that are not prescribed for you
8. Avoid isolation; spend time with people whom you trust and who care for you
9. Give attention to your spiritual needs
Apart from point 1, this could be a wellbeing plan from a doctor, nutritionist, personal trainer or life coach. Only the first point focuses on treating a mental problem; the rest concentrate on the whole person, as the mind affects the body and vice versa. The approach is holistic and common sense.
Therefore, if someone you know is experiencing any symptoms of mental illness, encourage them to go to the doctor, just as you would if they were physically ill. The mental and physical aspects could well be affecting each other.
By seeking help, the negative pattern could be broken and either the patient recovers or finds a treatment and lifestyle balance that benefits them, and everyone around them.
Personally, I find peace of mind through point 2 – having a routine: living by a diary or planner, or working out a weekly schedule, that ensures all the nine points are covered and then sticking to it until it becomes a way of life.
This helps me focus, relax, and make the best use of my time. There are few more satisfying things than going to bed at night feeling that you have done something useful, enjoyable or both.
Spending a few minutes each day organising the next might seem a bit boring. But it is a quick and simple practice that might be the difference between mental illness and emotional harmony.
Remember the nine points: treatment; routine; activity; sleep; relaxation; nutrition; cut drink and drugs; socialise with positive people; and spiritual boosts. Let’s add a tenth: asking for help is the first step in getting better.
I was going to finish this there. However, after sending this piece to a friend, I thought his comments were worth adding. I’m naturally a “glass half-full” person, full of energy, and believe every problem has a solution. But other people approach life differently, as my friend’s response reveals:
“I can’t argue with any of that. It’s just that things start to unravel when life gets chaotic, often for reasons beyond our control.
I do most of those things on the list but pressure often builds which diminishes our power to stay on the right path. The 10 points are a decent coping strategy but don’t underestimate the power of events and simple bad luck to bring us down.
People struggle with weight, sleep, confrontation, the ability to deal with people who make unreasonable demands, financial worries, other health needs, sexual problems, work stress – you name it.
Life becomes a plate-spinning act and you can soon end up with smashed crockery all over the place. The old straw that breaks the camel’s back. Modern life can crush the strongest of beasts.
Find the things you enjoy and never forget them. Indulge your passions and hobbies. Even if it’s something others would think mundane.
Avoid the news. Too much misery out there.
Grow stuff. Feed the birds. Take photos. Walk more, look at your surroundings, really look. Eat fruit, nuts. Drink plenty of water. Don’t beat yourself up. Avoid people who suck the life out of you. Smell the roses.
I’d add ‘laugh’ to the list. Yes, smile and laugh, every day. Even through the darkness.”
I can’t argue with any of that either. In our own ways, I think we’re both trying to say the same thing.
Outside Help
If you need someone to talk to, other than family, friends or your doctor, the following numbers might be helpful.
Rethink Mental Illness has more than 200 mental health services and 150 support groups across England. Their number is 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 10:00-14:00)
The Samaritans provide emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Their number is 08457 90 90 90
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