Mental health problems can come about from any number of stresses and worries that all of us have at some time or another in our lives. Perhaps it’s relationship problems, homelessness, job stress or money worries.

It’s important to recognise when things are getting serious. This is usually when the problem begins to interfere with our ability to cope day to day.

It’s also important to remember that, with the right support, most people manage their mental health problems successfully and lead fulfilling lives.

1 in 4

The most common mental health problems include addictions, anxiety, depression, eating disorders. One in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. That’s a lot of people. Most of the time, people cope ok and find ways to switch off, chill out and relax. But when things start to take over and get on top of us, it can develop into something we need specialist help with. Everyone has bad days and some of the symptoms of mental health problems may not immediately seem obvious. Take a look at the list below, and if some of the things sound familiar and you’ve been experiencing them for a few weeks or more, you may need to do something:

• Problems getting to sleep, or waking up early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep again.
• Feeling really knackered even when you haven’t done much.
• Aches and pains for no apparent reason or feeling run down.
• Poor appetite.
• Not feeling like going out.
• Not being interested in the things you used to be.
• Feeling anxious and irritable for no real reason, or having difficulty managing your anger and ‘flying off the handle’.
• Repeatedly getting headaches or migraines.

If you’re concerned about your mental health, you could talk to your GP or contact one of the groups listed on this web site. If you want to talk it over first, give The Links Foundation a call. The people at The Links Foundation are non-judgemental and will give you the chance to explain the way you feel, and help you on what to do next.