Our mental health plays a vital role in our lives, contributing to our ability to work, learn, interact with others, pursue our goals, and enjoy ourselves. As rates of mental illness rise, mental health continues to be an important topic of discussion among healthcare professionals, policy-makers, and citizens in the United Kingdom (and beyond). But what, exactly, is mental health? Discussing the subject can help us understand its manifestations, explore its effects, and find out when and how to seek help. Below, we’re providing a definition of mental health, discussing psychological challenges a person could experience, and outlining options for seeking care.
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Understanding mental health
Mental health is a broad term that can apply to one’s cognitive, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being. Our mental health helps facilitate our reasoning abilities, perceptual experiences, emotional regulation skills, physical movements, methods of communication, and numerous other crucial processes.
What is mental health? UK experts’ definitions
Many organizations in the UK have adopted the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of mental health, as “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to their community.” This interpretation is in line with our above explanation of mental health as an all-encompassing facilitator of everyday functioning.
The UK-based non-profit Mind provides a more succinct explanation of how mental wellness manifests: “Good mental health is being generally able to think, feel and react in the ways that you need and want to live your life.”
The effects of poor mental health
According to the WHO, 970 million people around the world live with a mental health disorder. This number is expected to increase in the coming years—and most experts agree that the high prevalence of mental illness amounts to an epidemic. The global economic burden caused by mental illness has been estimated at $5 trillion. But there are also serious challenges that can affect individuals on a more personal level. Poor mental health can impact a person’s livelihood, relationships, and overall quality of life. Mental health challenges can make it hard to care for oneself, reach out for support, pursue goals, or focus on tasks.
Mental health is also closely tied to physical health through a link known as the mind-body connection. For example, mental health challenges like stress can lead to various physiological complications, such as gastrointestinal distress, headaches, muscle tension, and sleep disruptions. Often, the mind-body connection is bidirectional, meaning mental health challenges can cause or exacerbate physical health concerns and physical challenges can lead to or worsen psychological concerns.
Anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other common mental health conditions
While periods of reduced mental health can be common, persistent or severe symptoms might signal the existence of a disorder that requires treatment. There are numerous diagnosable mental health conditions listed in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5 and the ICD-11. Below are descriptions of some of these common psychiatric disorders. This list of conditions is not exhaustive, though. Psychotic disorders, behavioral disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, eating disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and others can also impact mental wellbeing.
Anxiety disorders
Heightened, persistent feelings of nervousness and fear may be signs of an anxiety disorder. In addition to concerns related to mental health, concerns associated with physical health can arise out of anxiety, including physical tension, gastrointestinal distress, and headaches. The following are common types of anxiety disorders:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Specific phobias
Depressive disorders
Depression is often marked by feelings of hopelessness, low energy, fatigue, irritability, and lack of motivation. There are several different types of depressive disorders, including the following:
- Major depressive disorder
- Persistent depressive disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Postpartum depression
Bipolar disorder
Often characterized by shifts between high (mania) and low (depression) mood, bipolar disorder can cause significant disruptions to an individual’s daily life. There are three primary forms of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I disorder
- Bipolar II disorder
- Cyclothymic disorder
Trauma-related disorders
Extremely stressful or traumatic experiences can lead to strong emotional responses, which may include feelings of anxiety, intrusive thoughts, avoidance, and hypervigilance. Such symptoms could indicate the presence of one of the following trauma-related disorders:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Acute stress disorder
- Adjustment disorders
- Reactive attachment disorder
If you believe you may be living with a mental health condition, consider consulting with a healthcare provider. A medical or mental health professional can provide you with screenings and determine whether further testing, a diagnosis, and treatment may be necessary.
Remember that many mental illnesses will not go away without professional support and treatment, and that early intervention often leads to improved outcomes.
What is mental health? UK statistics can provide a fuller picture
An exploration of data on mental health concerns in the United Kingdom can help us understand how psychiatric illnesses manifest. Research suggests that approximately one in six people in the UK experience a mental health concern each week.
The following are approximate rates of mental illness per week, separated by disorder:
- Comorbid depression and anxiety: 8%
- Generalized anxiety disorder: 6%
- Post-traumatic stress disorder: 4%
- Depressive disorders: 3%
- Panic disorder: <1%
There is evidence to suggest that young people may be particularly vulnerable to psychiatric disorders. In 2023, one in five people aged eight to 25 experienced a probable mental illness. Evidence indicates that these young people may be less likely to develop robust social lives or participate in extracurricular activities and more likely to experience bullying.
Seeking mental health services in the UK
There are many options for receiving mental health care in the United Kingdom. A range of mental health services, many of which are free, are available through the National Health Service (NHS). If you’d like to work with a therapist, you can refer yourself to a professional through the NHS talking therapies service. A general practitioner can also refer you to an NHS provider.
You may also seek independent care through an insurance plan, employee assistance program, or a workplace support service. Additionally, there are several helplines that you can contact which will connect you with useful support or resources. For example, you can receive advice, support, or an evaluation through the NHS 111 line. There are also volunteers available to talk through the various helplines listed on Mind’s website.
Children and adolescents in the UK can also seek care through various means. Students may be able to work with mental health support teams (MHSTs), which operate in academic settings and can help individuals address common psychological concerns. The NHS’s children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS)—in which various mental health professionals provide treatment—are also available to young people.
How to foster mental wellness on your own as well
While professional care is typically recommended for mental health conditions, building healthy habits on your own may also help you promote mental well-being. The following are examples of self-care practices that may help you care for your mental health on a daily basis.
Exercise regularly
There is a well-established link between physical activity and mental well-being. Research suggests that exercise may help foster mental wellness by enhancing sleep, reducing symptoms of psychiatric disorders, boosting mood, and improving overall quality of life. To take advantage of these benefits, consider participating in exercises that you already enjoy, such as hiking, gardening, playing team sports, or swimming.
Maintain a regular sleep schedule
Sleep can be crucial to our ability to focus, regulate our emotions, and otherwise experience positive mental health outcomes. An ongoing lack of sleep has been connected to various mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Ensuring your sleep schedule is as consistent as possible may help you get higher-quality rest. Consider starting a regular, relaxing evening routine to help signal to your body that it’s time for sleep each night.
Develop a healthful nutritional plan
Research indicates that nutrition can also play a role in producing positive mental health outcomes. Studies have suggested that eating foods that are rich in different vitamins and minerals whenever possible might help reduce the risk of developing certain psychiatric disorders. There is evidence to indicate that foods with high levels of zinc, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, and other nutrients may be particularly beneficial. Meet with your doctor or a qualified nutritionist before making significant changes to your eating patterns.
How online therapy can help
If you’re interested in receiving mental health support from the comfort of home, you could also consider working with an online therapist. Online therapy services offer a convenient way of connecting with a huge network of professional therapists and meeting with one of these providers remotely.
The benefits of online mental health services
With an online therapy platform like Dr.mindconnect, you can speak with a mental health professional remotely, through video call, voice call, or in-app messaging. Online therapy through Dr. Mindconnect can also be an affordable option for therapy, with subscriptions as low as £45, billed every four weeks. Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.
The efficacy of online therapy
A substantial body of evidence points to the effectiveness of online therapy for treating common mental health disorders. For example, in a meta-analysis that included 13 studies and over 3,800 participants, researchers suggest that online therapy significantly reduced the severity of depressive symptoms. The analysis also notes that online therapy platforms can “provide easy and affordable” availability of psychological treatments and “reduce the cost of such treatments.”
Takeaway
Mental health is a crucial component of overall well-being, supporting people in numerous ways throughout their professional, personal, and social lives. Promoting your own mental health can be possible through self-care, healthy habits, and, in many cases, professional mental health care. With the right support, you may be able to foster emotional wellness and learn more about what mental health means to you.
