Scared, lonely, stressed? Talk about it.
Do you often feel anxious, gloomy or lonely? Do you experience a lot of stress? Do you feel you are not good enough? There are many people who know how it feels. They can support you. So talk about it with someone you trust, e.g. a friend, family member or your GP.
Call help immediately if you want to hurt yourself or are thinking about suicide:
- Call 113 Suicide Prevention: 0800-0113
- Call 112 in case of immediate danger
What are mental health problems?
Mental health problems are common. They can make you enjoy life less and have problems with everyday things. Sometimes they also cause physical symptoms, such as headaches, palpitations or stomach aches.
How do psychological complaints arise?
There may be several causes, such as:
- Problems at home, in your relationship or at work
- Health problems or long-term stress
- Taking little time for yourself
- Using alcohol or drugs
Sometimes hereditary factors play a role: symptoms themselves are not hereditary, but you may be more susceptible to them if they are more common in your family.
How do you notice you are suffering from mental health issues?
You can notice psychological symptoms in different ways. For example, you may be irritable more quickly or feel depressed. You may find it more difficult to concentrate and pay attention to things. Some people notice that they cry more often or sleep badly. You may also start drinking more and more alcohol, for example to think less about problems or to notice less unpleasant feelings.
Psychological complaints can sometimes lead to mental disorders. Examples include compulsive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety disorders.
As well as mental health issues, do you have any other problems?
Do you have any other problems as well as mental health issues? Are you finding it difficult to achieve a balance in your life? Talk to your GP to see if an exploratory consultation might help you.
What can I do for mental complaints?
Go to MentaalBalans.co.uk for reliable information and tips
Do you feel tense, down, anxious or often lonely? Or are you worried about someone close to you? At MentaalBalans.nl, you’ll find reliable information and practical tips on mental health. The information has been developed by professionals at Arkin, a mental health organisation in the Amsterdam-Amstelland region.
Among other things, you’ll find self-assessments, exercises, online courses and explanations on topics such as stress, worrying, sleep and resilience. Family and friends can also find information and support here.
Talk about your complaints
Talking can help you feel better. Talk about how you feel and what you find important in life. For example, you can talk about important questions such as ‘what gives my life meaning?’ and ‘what do I really care about?’.
Take care of yourself and balance your day
There are various things you can do to feel better, such as:
- Bring some routine into your days: Getting up, eating and going to bed at fixed times gives your day a sense of structure and reduces stress.
- Get some exercise every day: Spending time outdoors every day – for example, going for a walk or a cycle – gives you a boost of positive energy and helps you feel better. If walking is too much, try some light exercise at home or in your neighbourhood.
- Eat three healthy meals every day and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make sure you relax enough: Do something every day to help you relax, such as going for a walk outdoors, cycling, exercising, listening to music or pursuing a hobby.
- Keep doing things that give you energy.
Help through the GP
Call your GP to make an appointment if one or more of the following apply to you:
- Your mental health symptoms are getting worse.
- You’re doing things to live a healthier and more positive life, but you still don’t feel any better.
- You can no longer carry out everyday tasks, such as going to work or fulfilling other obligations.
You’ll discuss a number of things with your GP, such as:
- Whatever symptoms you’re experiencing: tell us about your feelings, such as low mood, anxiety, anger or sadness.
- The impact on your daily life: please indicate whether your symptoms affect you in everyday situations, such as in your relationship, family life, work, studies or hobbies.
- What support is best for you: you and your GP will decide together which support suits you best, so that you can start to feel better.
In the case of mild mental health issues, your GP may treat you themselves or refer you to a mental health practice support worker (POH-GGZ). For more serious issues, your GP may refer you to mental health services (GGZ), for example to a psychologist, psychotherapist or psychiatrist.
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