Local mental health support highlighted on World Mental Health Day

NHS in the North West is highlighting the support available for people struggling to cope with the pressures of their everyday life, as part of World Mental Health Day on 10 October.

It's an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma which will this year focus on the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Rich, a 39-year-old dad-of-three, found himself in a position that unfortunately many people can relate to.

Struggling to keep up with the demands of a high-pressure job and raising a young family, after working away from home regularly for over a year, his work-life balance began to crumble.

Rich said: “I was overworked, stressed and I wasn’t getting the right level of support at work. After a while, I just burnt out.”

The impact this had was not just on Rich’s emotional wellbeing - it began to take its toll on his physical health too. After 14 years without having a day off work due to sickness, he started to become frequently unwell and felt exhausted.

“My physical health has always been particularly important to me, but I was no longer looking after it like I had previously. I began to feel tired all the time - both mentally and physically.”

Recognising the impact stress and anxiety were having on his life, Rich visited his GP, who recommended NHS Talking Therapies.

Through the service, he was offered internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (also known as iCBT) and was also referred to the Employment Support Service to help him manage work-related stress and anxiety in preparation for a return to work.

He said: “It was great how well the two services complemented one other. The Employment Support was focused on helping me get back into work, whilst the online CBT helped me to manage my stress and anxiety, both in work and within my personal life.

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is how to say ‘no’. Now, I’m more self-aware and have learnt how to spot the signs when I am nearing my limits.

“The tools and techniques I’ve learned through Talking Therapies and Employment Support have helped me manage my workload. I’m more focused at work, which has had a positive impact on my personal life.

"I’m more present with my family now, and I don’t feel the constant burden of work hanging over my head. My relationships at home have grown stronger, and I’m clearer on where my priorities lie.”

Rich advises anyone who is facing similar challenges to considering reaching out to NHS Talking Therapies and Employment Support.

He said: “Don’t bottle things up - talk to someone and use the services available to you. You don’t need to feel alone with your struggles. They are only temporary and services like Talking Therapies can help you get back to where you want to be.”

According to research carried out by YouGov on behalf of Mental Health UK, nine in 10 UK adults experienced high or extreme stress in the past year, almost a quarter of UK adults feel unable to manage stress and pressure levels in their lives, and one in five workers needed to take time off work in the past year due to poor mental health caused by pressure or stress.

Mental health is just as essential as physical health and talking openly about mental health issues in the workplace can help break down barriers and foster environments that support good mental health for all employees.

Normalising these sometimes-difficult conversations provides opportunities to correct misconceptions and empower individuals to ask for help when they need it.

NHS England North West interim regional medical director Dr Gareth Wallis said: “Life is very fast-paced and it is important people at work look after themselves physically and mentally. We’re calling on everyone to take responsibility for enabling good workplace mental health.

"We must come together in educating each other to recognise the signs of poor mental health and provide mutual support so that we can create healthier, more resilient workplaces where mental wellbeing is a priority for all.

“By advocating for good mental health in the workplace we can create a more productive, engaged and fulfilled workforce. A mentally healthy workplace is a thriving workplace. Let’s work together to combat poor mental health and foster environments where everyone can flourish.”

Members of the public can access NHS talking therapies for free on the NHS by referring themselves directly with or without a referral from a GP.

The Rochdale Council website has a dedicated page for getting mental health support in Rochdale borough, including links to local charities, groups and help for young people.

www.rochdale.gov.uk/health-wellbeing/mental-health-support