Today is World Mental Health Day, a day that was first celebrated in 1992, following the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health. This day seeks to bring greater awareness and support to the ongoing issues surrounding mental health. This year, in 2023, the theme for the campaign is mental health is a universal right. 

There is a great deal to unravel behind this statement. The primary motivation is that, while mental health issues are currently becoming more ubiquitous across the globe, placing a significant amount of pressure on healthcare organisations, there is also a clear and persistent inequality among those who are struggling. Certain groups are facing disproportionately higher levels of mental ill-health, such as children, those experiencing poverty, those with long-term health conditions, and refugees. 

As of 2022, it is estimated that nearly a fifth (18%) of all children in the UK have a probable mental health disorder. Asylum seekers are five times more likely to require mental health support. 38% of those with mental health issues also have some form of long-term physical health problem. Those who are within the poorest fifth of the population are twice as likely to experience mental health issues than those who receive an average income. 

These inequalities are just a few examples of how mental health issues can disproportionately affect the population. They are, however, simply one side of the coin and, in addition to these inequalities, certain groups also face challenges when seeking to obtain health care and support. White British individuals, for example, are nearly twice as likely to obtain mental health support than BAME groups, demonstrating a significant disconnect between the mainstream support system and those in need of care.

This is why the World Federation for Mental Health has chosen to focus on the phrase universal right in 2023. It is a declaration that all citizens are deserving of support and seeks to highlight the instances whereby due support is not received, as well as the ongoing outcomes that discrimination and stigma create.  

If you are concerned about your own mental health, it can be difficult to start the conversation and begin a journey to recovery. Here are some considerations for taking the first steps:

• Find a trusted individual – whether a friend, family member or health care professional, it is important to identify an individual with whom you can share your thoughts and feelings openly and honestly.
• Engage in a safe space – the environment within which you begin your conversation is important and should be conducive to privacy.
• Measure your expectations – individuals, even those who know you well, may not immediately act the way you expect, which can leave you feeling a range of emotions. It is important to recognise that others may need time to process what you have shared.

Once you have begun this conversation, you may find yourself beginning to feel less isolated. For many, this is a significant step in a positive direction since mental health issues can often leave individuals feeling separated from social groups. Should the problems persist, however, it is important to seek professional help.

If you would like to seek mental health services in Bristol, our team can help. At Bristol Counselling and Psychotherapy, we have a team of experienced counsellors who are ready to offer support for a wide range of mental health issues, welcoming individuals into safe and non-judgemental spaces within which to begin their journey to recovery. For more information or to book an initial consultation, please email hello@bristolcounsellingandpsychotherapy.co.uk. Alternatively, to speak to us directly, please contact 07751 271 709.