Treatment can help East Londoners with mental health issues

Kay Atwal, Chief Reporter Wednesday, October 10, 2012
7:00 AM

Today is World Mental Health Day and health professionals are reminding people about different types of treatment that can help.

World Mental Health Day is celebrated around the world on October 10 and throughout the month to raise public awareness about mental health issues.

It aims to promote discussion about mental illness, as well as highlighting ways to prevent the development of serious mental health issues and the types of treatment which can help.

A spokeswoman for the East London NHS Foundation Trust said from time to time, everyone feels weighed down and overwhelmed by issues in their lives. In most cases, something changes, they are able to take action and the pressure lifts and they are OK again.

But some people continue to experience difficulties with worry, feeling down, anxiety, panic, anger, severe shyness, fears, phobias, intrusive thoughts or compulsions or continue to feel troubled by the effects of a traumatic event or a difficult period in their life.

If you can relate to any of these feelings, you are not alone and there are services that can help.

In Newham, East London NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of confidential Talking Therapies.

Talking Therapy can help you to gain or regain confidence and get more out of life. It can help you to develop skills that will last you a lifetime and enable you to approach problems differently.

You can speak to you GP about how you feel or call directly on 020 8475 8080.

Top Tips for Mental Well-being

*Talk about it – it can help to share your feelings

Keep active – regular exercise really helps if you are feeling depressed or anxious. It can give you more energy too

Relax – Try and make time for yourself. Fit things into your day that help you to unwind like reading, listening to music or walking

Keep in touch with friends – friends are important especially at difficult times. You don’t have to be strong and struggle alone.

Accept who you are – Our beliefs, background, culture, religion and experiences make us who we are. Everyone is entitled to respect including you

Accept others –It’s easy to feel threatened or intimidated by people who are different. Everyone has something to offer

Get involved – meeting new people and getting involved in things can make all the difference – for you and others. It can be very rewarding.