This article [here] talks about some of the reasons why older people tend to get less help than others when they experience depression and anxiety. These reasons include them being less likely to reach out for help, GPs at times not recognising the signs of difficulties, and society in general tending to expect depression to be a natural consequence of ageing, loss and loneliness. There is a link in the article to an NHS Choices mood self-assessment tool [also here].
Am I depressed?
What is depersonalisation disorder?
People with this disorder describe feeling detached from their own self and the world around them to the extent that it interferes with their functioning in day to day activities. People with the condition describe their experience in this article [here].
Are you among the one in six who experience mental health difficulties?
This BBC article [here] describes some of the reasons behind the increasing rates of mental health problems in England.
How much exercise is good for me?
Countless articles describe the benefits of exercise upon mental and physical health. This one [here] is more useful in that it ends by offering some useful guidance regarding the amount and type of exercise that different age groups should undertake.
Schizophrenia - still misunderstood
This condition is still often misrepresented in the media and so also in the minds of the public. This article [here] corrects some common misconceptions.
The pressures of social media
This article [here] talks about the impact that social media has upon mental health - particularly in girls. This involves exposure and comparison to others' lives which increases the pressure upon them at a vulnerable time in their lives.
Overcoming fibromyalgia
A woman describes the experience of fibromyalgia [here] which is a long term health condition that causes pain. She details some of the aspects of a helpful treatment.
Difficulties in getting help
This article [here] describes how individuals don't always get the help that they need when health professionals find it difficult to see past their 'public facade' (the front that people often display to others that masks their true feelings).
You are not alone!
This BBC article [here] notes that psychological problems are the most common reason for people taking time off work for sickness.
Coping with suicidal thoughts
This man talks about the difficulties [here] that men in particular tend to have in being able to be open about having such thoughts due to societal pressures, the need to respond to individuals in such situations and how service issues such as waiting lists add to the experience of suffering. Helpline numbers are provided at the end of the article.
Experiencing OCD
Whilst this article focuses focuses on teenagers, it goes into some detail regarding the condition [here]. Unfortunately, you need to sign into the site to read the full article.
The role of work stress in the development of mental health problems
Work is considered to generally be good for mental health but in the video embedded in this article [here], a man talks about how his work life contributed to the development of problems. The video also touches on how work policies can help to support individuals.
The dangers of rigid dietary rules
Some earlier posts in this blog point to articles that examine the relationship between diet/exercise and mental health. This article [here] highlights some dangers associated with rigid dietary rules for those who are attempting to lose weight.
Sugary diets may increase risk of mental health problems (in men)
This article [here] suggests that sugary diets may give us positive feelings in the short-term, but thereafter significantly increase the risks of developing mental health difficulties.
Towards the formula for happiness?
This article [here] attempts to tease out the things that those who are happier possess in common.
Getting a better night's sleep
This article (here) talks about how having a direction in life helps those over 60 to sleep well, but also includes some useful sleep tips for us all.