Understanding Mental Health

   

Mental Health Legislation

One in four of us will experience a problem with our mental health at some stage in our lives. This means that its highly unlikely any of us will make it through life without having a problem or being close to someone who does.

 

Why do we have problems with our mental health? There are lots of reasons and factors that contribute to mental health problems. These can include past experiences, genetics, surroundings and the way we live our lives. Trauma can also affect our mental health and sometimes things that happen to us can have a lasting effect and continue to impact on our health and well-being for a longtime. Too much stress can also leave us open to developing a problem. Having a mental health problem doesn't have to be a long-term thing. The right help and support can help recovery. Most people will get well again and it is important not to lose hope and to try and keep a positive attitude.

 

"Mental health influences how we think and feel, about ourselves and others and how we interpret events. It affects our capacity to learn, to communicate and to form, sustain and end relationships. It also influences our ability to cope with change, transition and life events: having a baby, experiencing bereavement, going to prison." (Friedli 2004)

 

What's the difference between 'mental health' and 'mental illness'? Mental health means our ability to enjoy life and cope with its challenges. In a nutshell, are we able to get on and do the things we want to do? It's not a by-word for 'mental illness'. A mental illness is a problem that affects mental health (just like a broken leg affects physical health)

 

                                       

Most of us are familiar with the term 'mental health problems', but actually understanding what they are can be a different matter.

Click on the links below to view leaflets produced by NHS Scotland on a variety of mental health issues:


Get Help in a Crisis

  0141 848 9090
  0500 829 093
  FIRST Crisis Service


Value Statement

Our vision is to deliver services to individuals and their families in their local community, to enable recovery from mental ill health and promote well-being.


 




Renfrewshire Association for Mental Health | 41 Blackstoun Road | Paisley | PA3 1LU
Tel: 0141 847 8900 | Fax: 0141 889 3673 | Email: enquiries@ramh.org

Renfrewshire Association for Mental Health is a Voluntary Organisation, which is a registered charity in Scotland No. SC010430
and also a Company Limited by guarantee (No. 141458)


DISCLAIMER
This site provides general information only and may or may not reflect the position of Renfrewshire Association for Mental Health (RAMH).
Information provided is not a substitute for professional advice.
If you feel that you may need medical advice, please consult a qualified health care professional.
RAMH makes every effort to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of posting.
We cannot guarantee the reliability of any information posted.