Mental Health

What is wellbeing?

Everyone deserves to be happy and healthy. It's important to understand that there are six areas that contribute to our sense of wellbeing:  

• Physical – This is the health of our body. Do we get enough sleep? Do we eat healthily? Do we get the medical attention we need?

• Psychological – This is your mental health, is your mind calm and balanced, or are there any mental health conditions?

• Emotional – This is different from psychological this is asking yourself if you are happy with who you are.

• Spiritual – This could mean a variety of things, whatever word feels right for you – for some, this is religion - for others, it’s the universe or self-care.

• Personal – Understanding who you are and what you enjoy aside from your family and job, what are your hobbies?

• Professional – This relates to your financial wellbeing and if you are where you want to be in terms of income and financial situation

Most of us tend to put ourselves last behind our families, jobs and responsibilities around our house. We say things like, “I don’t have time for self-care”.  What we are saying is that it's not a high enough priority.

When you neglect your care in any of the six areas, this has an impact on every other area. If you are physically not well, this could impact your mental health and motivation to maintain hobbies. If you don’t maintain the things that bring you joy, like hobbies, this may impact your emotional health.

When we prioritise our wellbeing, we help ourselves and everyone around us because when we feel good, it impacts others.

Preventing Self-Harm in Teens

Teens have the highest rate of self-harm among any age demographic, with approximately 17% of teens reporting at least one instance of self-harm in their lifetime. The average age of the first incident of self-harm is 13. Often teens will seek out support from loved ones rather than mental health professionals. However, many teens will take extraordinary steps to conceal their self-harm, or even deny engaging in such behaviour.

Suicide Prevention

Suicide is the 9th highest cause of death in adults. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, talk to someone you trust and never be ashamed to ask for help.

Who is at risk?

No one is immune to suicidal thoughts but some groups are at a higher risk than others.  Several factors can contribute to the risk of committing suicide such as:

• Suicide of a family member or friend

• A previous attempt of suicide

• Depression or other mental health illness

• Drug or Alcohol abuse

• Physical Illness

• Financial issues

• Loneliness

• Barriers preventing mental health support

Warning Signs

When a person is thinking about suicide there are sometimes indications which may include:

• Talking about suicide or hurting themselves

• Mood swings

• Withdrawal from friends and family

• Increase in alcohol or drug use

• Taking unnecessary risks

• Appearing very well and happy after a period of depression