We all have mental health. Good mental health is more than the absence of a mental health problem, it’s an asset that helps us to thrive. This means having the ability to think, feel and act in a way that allows us to enjoy life and deal with the challenges it presents.
This year the theme of the Mental Health Foundation’s Mental Health Awareness Week is Surviving or Thriving? The state of the UK's mental health.
Long-term physical conditions and mental health
Our physical and mental health are inextricably linked and people who live with a long-term physical condition,such as hearing loss or tinnitus, are also likely to experience mental ill-health, such as depression and anxiety.
Long-term conditions can't be cured, only managed, and they come with a risk of social isolation, low self-esteem, stigma and discrimination. This can easily give way to a mental health condition if support isn't available.
Mental and physical health in the UK
More than 15 million people - 30 percent of the UK population - live with one or more long-term conditions according to the Department of Health (2011) and more than 4 million also have a mental health problem. Evidence demonstrates those with a long-term condition are two or three times more likely to develop mental ill-health. People two or more long-term conditions are seven times more likely to experience depression than those without a long-term condition (World Health Survey, 2007).
Your mental health
The Mental Health Foundation’s website is the place to go for an A-Z of all things mental health, advice about looking after your mental health, podcasts and videos and inspiring stories about mental health and wellbeing.
Getting help
If you’re concerned that you’re developing a mental health problem you should seek the advice and support of your GP as a matter of priority. If you’re in distress and need immediate help and are unable to see a GP, you should visit your local A&E.
More information about getting help
Source: Mental Health Foundation
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