The question that we have chosen to document about is: what puts young people off in current discussions about mental health? So we decided to ask younger and older people some questions to get their views on the topic. We came up with a few open questions and below are their answers...
All persons involved are anonymous and will not be made explicit.
1- what puts young people off in current discussions about mental health?
Stigmatisation
2- Have you ever suffered with mental health issues? If so what did you suffer with?
Yes- Post Natal Depression
3- Have you ever spoken to anybody about your mental health?
Yes- Doctor/Psychiatrist
4- Do you know anybody who suffers from a mental health issue? If so how did they deal with it? Was it in a positive or a negative way?
Yes- They have PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)- Negative reaction as they jumped out of a window.
5- Has anyone ever spoken to you about their mental health issues and how did you deal with it? Did you tell them where they can find help? Did you tell somebody else about it?
Yes- students and family- I offered them support and also told them where they could go to get help.
6- Would you say that mental health is more important than physical issues/health and why do you think this?
Yes- because if a persons mental health isn't good then it would affect their physical being.
7- Do you suffer from mental health issues now and how do you deal with them if you do?
No
8- Do you know where you can go to speak about your mental health? If so please give an example...
Yes- MIND
9- Is it easier to speak about mental health in this day and age compared to say 10 years ago? What do you think?
Yes
10- What keeps you as a person happy and motivated?
People around me, my dogs and humor
11- What did you learn from your mental health issues? And if you have never suffered from one what have you learnt through other people's mental health?
I learnt that I am not as strong as I thought I was.
1- what puts young people off in current discussions about mental health?
Stigma ie. 'you're mental'- mental health has only recently been recognised as a real illness.
2- Have you ever suffered with mental health issues? If so what did you suffer with?
I haven't specifically been identified as a person that suffers with a condition but I think that most people have mental health issues at some point in their lives.
3- Have you ever spoken to anybody about your mental health?
Yes
4- Do you know anybody who suffers from a mental health issue? If so how did they deal with it? Was it in a positive or a negative way?
I know one person (a friend) that went to the GP to get a referral to CAHM's for support. They also considered medication to lift their mood.
5- Has anyone ever spoken to you about their mental health issues and how did you deal with it? Did you tell them where they can find help? Did you tell somebody else about it?
Yes- I contacted parents to seek support from GP. Confidential- only shared with key personnel.
6- Would you say that mental health is more important than physical issues/health and why do you think this?
I think mental health and physical health are equally important. Either can have an effect on the other.
7- Do you suffer from mental health issues now and how do you deal with them if you do?
Not at present.
8- Do you know where you can go to speak about your mental health? If so please give an example...
Yes- I can go to my GP.
9- Is it easier to speak about mental health in this day and age compared to say 10 years ago? What do you think?
Yes definitely. It is now recognised as a health issue and some support is available.
10- What keeps you as a person happy and motivated?
Routine and a social network of friends.
11- What did you learn from your mental health issues? And if you have never suffered from one what have you learnt through other people's mental health?
I think it is important for people to have someone to talk to even if that is a stranger on a helpline. Exercise is important too, to maintain good mental health.
1- what puts young people off in current discussions about mental health?
Young people see it as a taboo subject and often aren't confident enough to talk about it.
2- Have you ever suffered with mental health issues? If so what did you suffer with?
Yes- Paranoia, depression and also anxiety.
3- Have you ever spoken to anybody about your mental health?
Yes
4- Do you know anybody who suffers from a mental health issue? If so how did they deal with it? Was it in a positive or a negative way?
Yes, they went to the doctors and received help via medication and this turned out to be negative.
5- Has anyone ever spoken to you about their mental health issues and how did you deal with it? Did you tell them where they can find help? Did you tell somebody else about it?
I have only been told about people's mental health after they have dealt with it.
6- Would you say that mental health is more important than physical issues/health and why do you think this?
Yes, you can be happy with physical issues, mental issues and paralyse and hurt you mentally.
7- Do you suffer from mental health issues now and how do you deal with them if you do?
Not anymore but I have in the past.
8- Do you know where you can go to speak about your mental health? If so please give an example...
Yes, people are more open minded.
9- Is it easier to speak about mental health in this day and age compared to say 10 years ago? What do you think?
Yes, doctors, peers and family.
10- What keeps you as a person happy and motivated?
My younger brother and self improvement.
11- What did you learn from your mental health issues? And if you have never suffered from one what have you learnt through other people's mental health?
That everything can change or stay the same, its all up to you.
1- what puts young people off in current discussions about mental health?
Many young people do not understand mental health, the severity of it and how it can affect a person, therefore they cannot understand the situations they find themselves or others in so it is difficult to help.
2- Have you ever suffered with mental health issues? If so what did you suffer with?
No
3- Have you ever spoken to anybody about your mental health?
No
4- Do you know anybody who suffers from a mental health issue? If so how did they deal with it? Was it in a positive or a negative way?
Yes and many have dealt with it in a less than positive way like by keeping it hidden because it is not recognised as being important such as physical issues.
5- Has anyone ever spoken to you about their mental health issues and how did you deal with it? Did you tell them where they can find help? Did you tell somebody else about it?
Yes, I tried to help them find solutions and also make them comfortable in opening up about it. I also told another close friend so that they would also be aware and understanding.
6- Would you say that mental health is more important than physical issues/health and why do you think this?
Yes I think it is, I would rather have broken bones than a broken brain. I believe it is much harder to recover from and even if you do, it will most likely stay with you slightly and effect you throughout life. Also the support and acknowledgement for mental health is pathetic in comparison.
7- Do you suffer from mental health issues now and how do you deal with them if you do?
No, just stress from college.
8- Do you know where you can go to speak about your mental health? If so please give an example...
One place to about it is at sessions called NLP where the person will try to find the root of problems and erase them through certain techniques therefore making them less of a problem. I feel the NHS is not yet a good solution as they have not looked at different methods and solutions.
9- Is it easier to speak about mental health in this day and age compared to say 10 years ago? What do you think?
Yes. Especially in the NHS, the view on mental health is changing everyday and many years ago it was not considered a priority when compared to physical issues. However, it is still not at a level it should be to beat depression and stop suicides ect...
10- What keeps you as a person happy and motivated?
Family and friends that I am able to and feel comfortable with talking to about any problems. Also by getting rid of anything or anyone that is negative in my life. Exercise is also very motivating and definitely helps my mood.
11- What did you learn from your mental health issues? And if you have never suffered from one what have you learnt through other people's mental health?
From other peoples issues I have experience and learnt that it is not easy and quick to recover from mental illnesses and it is very easy to say the wrong thing and affect a person so be aware at all times of what you are saying. I have also learnt that not everybody deals with their mental health in the same way as there are so many different issues. You should be open and approachable at all friends and family in case they are suffering from mental health issues as it is not easy to discuss or admit for some people, especially with the perception of mental health from many people that still do not understand it.
1- what puts young people off in current discussions about mental health?
Thinking they're attention seeking from other people's point of view.
2- Have you ever suffered with mental health issues? If so what did you suffer with?
Possibly anxiety but not diagnosed.
3- Have you ever spoken to anybody about your mental health?
Not really.
4- Do you know anybody who suffers from a mental health issue? If so how did they deal with it? Was it in a positive or a negative way?
Not really known anyone.
5- Has anyone ever spoken to you about their mental health issues and how did you deal with it? Did you tell them where they can find help? Did you tell somebody else about it?
My friend had medication for anxiety after they were in a car crash.
6- Would you say that mental health is more important than physical issues/health and why do you think this?
I think that they are linked. A physical issue can also affect someone mentally.
7- Do you suffer from mental health issues now and how do you deal with them if you do?
I don't know if I do.
8- Do you know where you can go to speak about your mental health? If so please give an example...
A few teachers I know would be my first option I think.
9- Is it easier to speak about mental health in this day and age compared to say 10 years ago? What do you think?
I think so. I've heard stories from when I was younger, I think that its more widely accepted now.
10- What keeps you as a person happy and motivated?
Something to look forward to and also being around friends.
11- What did you learn from your mental health issues? And if you have never suffered from one what have you learnt through other people's mental health?
Everyone deals with things differently.
1- what puts young people off in current discussions about mental health?
It is hard to talk about your feelings when you cant understand them yourself, so others aren't likely to understand. It's quite scary because you feel as though people will treat you differently by being patronising or acting as if you are about to break, or simply tell you to get over it and cheer up.
2- Have you ever suffered with mental health issues? If so what did you suffer with?
Yes, depression and anxiety.
3- Have you ever spoken to anybody about your mental health?
Yes, mainly close friends.
4- Do you know anybody who suffers from a mental health issue? If so how did they deal with it? Was it in a positive or a negative way?
Yes, quite a few of my friends.
5- Has anyone ever spoken to you about their mental health issues and how did you deal with it? Did you tell them where they can find help? Did you tell somebody else about it?
Yes, I was supportive and suggested getting help. It's also quite helpful to talk to someone who suffers from the same illness as they can relate to your issues.
6- Would you say that mental health is more important than physical issues/health and why do you think this?
Yes, physical issues can be helped and be seen more easily. It's hard to make something better when you can't physically see it. Mental issues are harder to explain.
7- Do you suffer from mental health issues now and how do you deal with them if you do?
Yes, I don't deal with them very well as it's hard. However, I am in the process of trying to get professional help and I also have supportive friends.
8- Do you know where you can go to speak about your mental health? If so please give an example...
Yes- school, college, CAHM's and GP.
9- Is it easier to speak about mental health in this day and age compared to say 10 years ago? What do you think?
I presume so as people are more open about taboo subjects. e.g. being gay etc...
10- What keeps you as a person happy and motivated?
I lack motivation and happiness most of the time.
11- What did you learn from your mental health issues? And if you have never suffered from one what have you learnt through other people's mental health?
N/A
1- what puts young people off in current discussions about mental health?
Although we all face mental health issues at some point in our lives, it seems like a taboo subject because it is seen as embarrassing; like it's something we should be ashamed of.
2- Have you ever suffered with mental health issues? If so what did you suffer with?
Not that I know of. Of course I have suffered with negative parts of my life, where I just can't get myself up to 'face the world'.
3- Have you ever spoken to anybody about your mental health?
No, I have always been to scared. Mainly because my sibling has a mental health issue and my parents aren't proud of it so why would they care about my mental health?
4- Do you know anybody who suffers from a mental health issue? If so how did they deal with it? Was it in a positive or a negative way?
Yes, two people. One I act positively, like always involving them in my plans and talking to them ect... The other told a lot of lies so I didn't believe them at first.
5- Has anyone ever spoken to you about their mental health issues and how did you deal with it? Did you tell them where they can find help? Did you tell somebody else about it?
Not as such. The liar just said 'I have depression and anxiety'.
6- Would you say that mental health is more important than physical issues/health and why do you think this?
No, if one doesn't have the urge to change their thoughts and frame of mind (like I do when I feel sad) then why should time be spent/ wasted on narrow minded individuals.
7- Do you suffer from mental health issues now and how do you deal with them if you do?
According to the social stigma, yes. I suck my problems up, take control and deal with it/ sort the problem out myself.
8- Do you know where you can go to speak about your mental health? If s please give an example...
GP
9- Is it easier to speak about mental health in this day and age compared to say 10 years ago? What do you think?
I don't know.
10- What keeps you as a person happy and motivated?
Learning and doing what I/they love/enjoy that keeps me/them busy. My place of work is around animals and I love it, it keeps me occupied/busy whilst having fun.
11- What did you learn from your mental health issues? And if you have never suffered from one what have you learnt through other people's mental health?
Not applicable. Life has taught me, that my choices can make or break my happiness; nothing/no one else; mental health issues are simply people being narrow minded and not wanting to work hard for happiness, but that's just my opinion; each to their own I'd say.
1- what puts young people off in current discussions about mental health?
The fact that it is a difficult subject to talk about and people may not want to admit that they have mental health problems.
2- Have you ever suffered with mental health issues? If so what did you suffer with?
No but I do suffer from crisis
3- Have you ever spoken to anybody about your mental health?
Not really needed too.
4- Do you know anybody who suffers from a mental health issue? If so how did they deal with it? Was it in a positive or a negative way?
Yes, they tried to get through it with help from friends.
5- Has anyone ever spoken to you about their mental health issues and how did you deal with it? Did you tell them where they can find help? Did you tell somebody else about it?
No
6- Would you say that mental health is more important than physical issues/health and why do you think this?
Yes and no as if you don't take care of your body it will be harder for you to get over the mental health problems.
7- Do you suffer from mental health issues now and how do you deal with them if you do?
No
8- Do you know where you can go to speak about your mental health? If s please give an example...
N/A
9- Is it easier to speak about mental health in this day and age compared to say 10 years ago? What do you think?
Yes its easier now but it is still difficult as it is a social grey area.
10- What keeps you as a person happy and motivated?
The internet and the promise of food and sleep.
11- What did you learn from your mental health issues? And if you have never suffered from one what have you learnt through other people's mental health?
I have learnt from others that it is a broad spectrum that can be anything.
1- what puts young people off in current discussions about mental health?
Embarrassment and probably the feeling that other people will judge.
2- Have you ever suffered with mental health issues? If so what did you suffer with?
No
3- Have you ever spoken to anybody about your mental health?
Not personally no but have supported others.
4- Do you know anybody who suffers from a mental health issue? If so how did they deal with it? Was it in a positive or a negative way?
Yes, I listened and tried to support them.
5- Has anyone ever spoken to you about their mental health issues and how did you deal with it? Did you tell them where they can find help? Did you tell somebody else about it?
Yes, often. Yes signposted to different units of help. Discussed with psychologist.
6- Would you say that mental health is more important than physical issues/health and why do you think this?
Equally as important
7- Do you suffer from mental health issues now and how do you deal with them if you do?
8- Do you know where you can go to speak about your mental health? If s please give an example...
If I had a problem I would speak to close friends, partner or family.
9- Is it easier to speak about mental health in this day and age compared to say 10 years ago? What do you think?
Yes, because there is greater awareness of mental health issues.
10- What keeps you as a person happy and motivated?
I am a naturally optimistic person- i enjoy life ad have plenty of fun time, leisure activities and visits to friends and family.
11- What did you learn from your mental health issues? And if you have never suffered from one what have you learnt through other people's mental health?
From the mental health issues of others that I have learnt that depression and anxiety can be triggered by life events but also that encouragingly with the right help and support, professional intervention can be excellent and a person can recover totally. I also have observed that those with a posit outlook can overcome difficulties which would devastate others. I believe that the early years of life play a significant role in this- if you have experienced love you have a strong resilient love which protects you when challenges happen. The support of those who care about you, real friendships, interesting study/job/fun and adventures will all make you strong.
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