World Mental Health Day: Dorset HealthCare say it's OK to talk
Dorset HealthCare are reminding us that it's okay to talk and ask for help if you're worried about your mental health.
'It's OK to talk', thats the message from Healthwatch Dorset who are among the many organisations raising awareness for World Mental Health Day.
They're releasing a new film sharing local stories about mental health to draw attention to the challenges people face.
The film has been produced by Healthwatch Dorset in response to public feedback they gathered this year about local mental health services.
It features the stories of Shannon and Will, both Healtwatch Dorset volunteers.
Shannon spent most of her twenties in a wheelchair due to a chronic back problem, but following three major operations, she has now regained almost full mobility. Will lost family members at a young age and this effected his mental health. They both believe that talking to their doctor and their friends helped them in their recovery, and they are both now able to recognise when they are feeling low.
Shannon said: "I wanted to take part in the film because I knew that talking about my mental health on camera would take me out of my comfort zone, and by talking about it, it would help me and other people."
Lucy Cribb, Healthwatch Dorset Engagement Officer, said:
"Healthwatch Dorset talks to local people about their health and social care experiences, to find out what works well and what could be improved, so that we can inform those responsible for delivering and improving local services.
"Real life stories are a powerful way to illustrate people’s health and social care needs. This film complements our ongoing work investigating and sharing people’s experiences of mental health services in Dorset.
"I would like to thank our wonderful volunteers for talking to us, and for being filmed while doing so, to help raise awareness about mental health. I would also like to thank Aztec Media, a local film and media company that helped us produce the film, along with two Film and Media students from a local college who wanted to gain some editing experience."
Where can I get support?
Support could only be a few clicks away if you're worried about your mental health.
COVID-19 is expected to have a significant impact on people's mental health this year and Dorset HealthCare are pointing us to where we can get help.
Dorset HealthCare has a wealth of information on how to combat COVID-19 anxiety and maintain your mental health at www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/coronavirus-1/mental-healthwellbeing-advice.
Clare Hurley, head of the Trust's Adult Psychological Services, said:
"At Steps2Wellbeing we offer support and advice on strategies to help people manage symptoms of low mood and anxiety, which can both have a negative effect on our daily lives.
"Our website at www.steps2wellbeing.co.uk has lots of resources, advice and guidance to help people. If anyone needs support from our service, it's really easy and quick to fill out a self-referral form on the website. Treatment might involve a self-help programme to do at their own pace or with the help of one of the team, an online course, or a counselling appointment - via video, over the phone or face to face."
Tailored support for young people with mental health issues is available through CAMHS at www.camhsdorset.org
And people of any age who feel they are in, or approaching, a mental health crisis can access 24/7 support by calling the Connection helpline on 0300 123 5440.