Mental health is a fundamental aspect of our overall well-being, just as crucial as physical health. Yet it is often neglected, surrounded by taboos and misunderstandings. This article aims to raise awareness of the importance of taking care of mental health, destigmatize mental illness and provide keys to detecting, understanding and supporting people in distress, whether in a work or personal context.
Understanding mental health
Mental health is a state of well-being that enables people to fulfil their potential, cope with life’s normal challenges, work productively and maintain healthy relationships with others. It is not simply the absence of mental illness; it is a dynamic balance, fluctuating throughout life according to personal and environmental circumstances.
We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. Just as we can catch a cold or break an arm, our mental health can falter under the effects of prolonged stress, traumatic events, or simply the accumulation of small problems. Taking care of our mental health is as natural as exercising to keep fit.
Destigmatizing mental health
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in four people in Europe will be confronted with mental health problems in their lifetime. In France, this concerns 13 million people every year. Yet stigma is still a major obstacle to access to care. Mental health problems are often perceived as weakness or lack of willpower, which discourages sufferers from seeking help. However, they are as real and legitimate as any physical illness, and can affect anyone at any time. Stigma can affect people’s work or personal life. Afraid of being judged or discriminated against, some people prefer to suffer in silence rather than talk about their mental health problems with their employer, colleagues or loved ones.
Spotting signs of distress
It’s important for us all to be aware of the signs that may indicate mental distress, whether in ourselves or in a loved one. Among the most common symptoms are loss of appetite or overeating, sleep problems, increased irritability, mood swings, low self-esteem, difficulty concentrating, loss of motivation, suicidal thoughts, excessive consumption of alcohol or medication, and difficulty completing daily tasks.
If you or a loved one experience these signs over a long period of time, it’s important not to be left to suffer alone. Talk to someone you trust, or consult a healthcare professional. In the event of intense mental distress and/or suicidal thoughts, you can call 3114, the national suicide prevention number, for either yourself or a loved one. This free and confidential helpline operates around the clock.
Helping and finding the right words
If you detect signs of mental distress in a loved one, it can be difficult to know how to react. Here are a few tips on how to provide appropriate support.
- Choose the right moment: talk in private, in a setting where the person feels safe. Make sure you’re both calm and available to talk.
- Listen actively: let the person express themselves without interrupting. Don’t minimize their emotions or propose immediate solutions. Rephrase what they say to show you understand.
- Use simple, encouraging words. Avoid phrases like “You must be strong” or “It’s not that bad”. Instead, say “I’m here for you”, “You’re not alone” or “How can I help?”. These expressions show that you are available and ready to support without judging.
- Encourage the person to consult their GP or a psychologist, while respecting their decisions. You can offer to accompany them, so they don’t feel alone in the process.
- Stay in touch: it’s essential to check in regularly, even if the person doesn’t yet feel ready to talk. Make yourself available to talk again at a later date.
Available resources
There are many resources and tools available in France to help address mental health challenges. The Psycom website (www.psycom.org) offers reliable, accessible information on mental health, mental illness, care and social support. It also lists psychological support helplines accessible to all.
It is also possible to take the Mental Health First Aid course (PSSM France), a fourteen-hour course that teaches how to help someone with mental health problems. The course, open to everyone, covers the various mental health problems and provides practical tools for crisis intervention.
Taking care of yourself
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. If you find yourself in a situation where a colleague or loved one is suffering, it’s important not to neglect your own mental health. Providing emotional support can be exhausting, and it’s vital to recharge your batteries, whether through relaxing activities, sport, or talking to someone you trust.
In conclusion
Mental health is crucially important for everybody. It influences not only our individual well-being, but also the smooth functioning of society as a whole. So it’s essential to take care of our mental health, to be alert to signs of distress in our loved ones, and not to hesitate to seek help when we need it. Mental health is everyone’s business, and it’s time to break the taboos and create an environment where everyone can flourish.
