Charity speaks of ‘national crisis’ as more people struggle with mental health
Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind are encouraging people to open up
A mental health charity based in Swindon and Gloucester is urging people to speak up about their mental health.
Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind have seen an increase in the numbers of people, and especially young people, struggling mentally in recent years and stress the importance of getting help early.
Statistically speaking, one in four people are likely to experience mental health issues at some point in their life.
Judith Vosper, communications officer for Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind, said: “It’s almost like a national crisis. There’s over two million people on the waiting list, waiting to talk to someone about mental health issues.
So, we feel, as a charity, it’s extremely important to talk about mental health issues. If you sit down and talk to someone, it could be the first step to just opening up”.
She added that the first step is always the hardest to take – especially given the stigma that still surrounds mental health.
According to Ms Vosper, this is due to a “society problem”.
“People think it’s a weakness, men in particular. And that’s why we’re focusing on men’s health and we just started a men’s group, because will see that as a sign of weakness or they feel their employers will see that as a sign of weakness.
“It’s not true – but it’s getting people to understand that. And good mental health is just as important as physical health”.
To her, the crisis comes down to a lack of funding – most of all in preventative services.
The most common mental health issues they are seeing are low-level moods, anxiety and depression.
Ms Vosper stressed that, even though those issues are not life-threating, they should be taken just as seriously since it is much harder to tackle them once they start spiralling.
To give people a safe space to open up, they offered workshops and activities in both Gloucester and Swindon yesterday in light of national Time to Talk Day.
Chris, who has been going to their events ever since he moved from Gloucester to Swindon 15 years ago, said: “I tend to live on my own, so I don’t get to see many people. And it’s nice to connect with people through groups and chat with friends. It’s always good to meet up with people – I find it really helps”.
Anyone seeking help with their mental health can contact Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind through their access line at 01793 547150.