Throughout the second week of October the Department of Health’s Mental Health Service will be holding a series of events to raise the awareness of mental health on Island, as part of World Mental Health Day celebrations.
 
Member for Mental Health Services, Leonard Singer MHK said: “Each year the Department celebrates World Mental Health Day and each year brings new challenges and ideas for how we can raise the profile of mental health. Statistically one in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives.
 
“A survey involving 1,000 Isle of Man residents in 2011, showed that 35% of those interviewed, care for or are a relative of someone who has or had a mental health problem and 44% have a friend who has or had a mental health problem.”
 
The week of events, will explore some of the ways in which general mental health and wellbeing can be improved. The week will start off with exhibitions of art and creative writing, mainly by people with experience of mental health issues, which will be at various venues around the Island.  Also there’ll be Laughology sessions for public mental health, talks on Mindfulness and money management advice.  There will be an audio visual presentation on music and emotions, as well as the opportunity to attend a guitar workshop and discover how playing the guitar can have positive impact on mental health. On World Mental Health Day, 10th October, there is the Service Users’ Network (SUN) conference at Keyll Darree, which explores a decade of service user involvement and also a public information stand by Praxis at the Strand Shopping Centre.
 
Julie Bennion, Specialist in Mental Health Promotion said: “Each year, World Mental Health Day provides us with the opportunity to focus on mental health and to raise the issues and confront the stereotypes that surround mental health.  In a unified effort across the world thousands of people will be taking part in events to promote greater awareness and understanding of mental health. This year, on the Island, there will be a week of events from 8th October to 12th October to celebrate World Mental Health.
 
“The social stigma attached to mental health problems and the discrimination people may often experience can make their situation worse and make it more challenging for them to recover.  However, the more we talk and the more we provide information on mental health, the greater the understanding of the facts of mental health will be.”
 
The Mental Health Service has also chosen the theme of ‘recovery’ for the week of events.
 
Recovery in mental health can be defined as: ‘Living a satisfying, hopeful, and contributing life even with limitations caused by the illness, developing new meaning and purpose in life as a person grows beyond the catastrophic effects of mental illness.’ William Anthony, 1993.
There are many of things that can help people with their recovery: such as: supportive family and friends; support and treatment from professionals; social activities; and help with addressing social problems, such as money worries. Relaxation and doing things which are enjoyable and improve overall wellbeing, such as physical exercise are also beneficial. 
 
The World Mental Health Federation has chosen depression as the theme for World Mental Health Day. Depression is a common mental health problem that can have significant impact on the individual and their family, yet it is a disorder that can be successfully treated, and individuals experiencing depression can and do recover. Family members and friends can be an enormous help to a people dealing with depression. There are also GP’s and other staff in GP surgeries, mental health professionals and third sector agencies available to help support and treat individuals experiencing depression.  
 
Mental health conditions are common; many people will face stigma and discrimination by others due to the fact that they have mental health problems.  Research has shown that people who experience mental health issues are often pre-judged.  Some have limited knowledge about mental illness and their understanding and views can be factually incorrect.  Stereotypes, can also be portrayed on the TV, in cinema, and in some newspapers and can all contribute to negative attitudes towards people who experience mental ill-health, these can have a far reaching impact. Some individuals can find it difficult to get and maintain employment or sustain friendships, and relationships.
 
It is important to know that many people who experience mental health problems recover fully, or are able to live with and manage their mental health problems, sometimes with ongoing support.

At each of the venues there will be information on: wellbeing, tips for mental health, depression and recovery.

The full programme of events is available at: www.gov.im/health/services/mentalh.