recognising a problem.
01/
Most people at some point or other feel worried, stressed or even down about things that are going on in their lives. Difficult experiences in life can have an impact on our mental health, e.g.
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Bereavement and loss
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Bullying and harassment
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Money problems
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Relationship problems or a family breakdown
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Work pressures or job loss
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Loneliness and isolation
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Sleep disorders
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Sexual orientation
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Abuse / domestic violence
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Alcohol or substance abuse
02/
It is estimated that one in four or five of us will experience some mental health problems in our lifetime. It can be hard to know when you should get help for a mental health dip or problem. For that reason, it's important to understand the basic facts of mental health and be able to recognise signs of a mental health problem. Here are some situations that might lead you to consider getting extra support:
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When you are going through a difficult time or feeling down, and you have been feeling this way for some time
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When you're feeling very stuck and you don't seem to be getting any better. This might mean you are feeling down or sad, or anxious and these feelings are not going away
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When you feel overwhelmed and can't think straight
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When you are low on energy and lack the motivation to do the things you normally like to do
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When you have racing thoughts, are beginning to avoid people, are having panic attacks, or feel really anxious that something terrible might happen
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When your friends and family say they have noticed a difference in you and are worried about you
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When your work, your interests, or your feelings towards your family and friends are affected and you don't want to engage with the people around you
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When you just can't seem to shake off your mental health difficulties despite trying your usual self-help strategies
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When you find yourself feeling that life is not worth living or that other people would be better off without you
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When you feel too ashamed or embarrassed to speak to anyone about what is really going on for you
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When you feel it is too late to get help because it feels as if things have gone too far
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When you feel suicidal or self-harming thoughts
If you're over 16, this mood self-assessment can help you better understand how you've been feeling recently.
With each question, think about how you've been feeling over the last 2 weeks.