There are many different kinds of mental health issues. They range from everyday stresses and worries to more serious long-term problems. Whatever the problem though, mental health issues can have a significant impact on they way we think, feel and behave. One of the greatest challenges for a person suffering with mental health issues is to recognise that something isn’t right and to seek help. It is important to remember that most people will experience mental health issues at some point in their lives. You are not alone, support is available and by reaching out and asking for help, whether from friends and family or a professional counsellor you are taking the first step on your path to recovery.
Mental health issues are usually considered to fall into one of two categories: neurotic (more common issues such as anxiety, depression and stress) and psychotic (less common conditions including schizophrenia or delusional disorder).
This section of the site aims to provide some general information on some of the most common mental health issues and the ways in which counselling can help sufferers.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts about suicide or self-harm, please contact the Samaritans now
Relationships
Bereavement
Anxiety
Human beings are by nature social creatures. Relationships are a very important part of our lives and good healthy relationships can bring us a great deal of happiness. But even the strongest relationships can face challenges from time to time and maintaining fulfilling and supportive relationships requires work and effort
Losing some important is something most of us will experience at some stage in our lives. Grief can be a dramatic emotion and it can be difficult to adjust to the changes that the loss of a loved one brings. Bereavement is the time we spend adjusting to this ; grief affects everyone differently and there is no right or wrong way to feel or cope.
We all feel anxious at some time and it is very common to feel worried about a potentially stressful situation such as a job interview or meeting new people. Anxiety is a perfectly normal physical and emotional reaction but, for some people these feelings of anxiety are very strong, last a long time and can become overwhelming
Depression
Abuse
Addiction
It is normal to feel sad from time to time, but depression can affect a person’s daily life and the lives of those around them. If you are suffering from depression you may find it hard to maintain your daily routine, it can sometimes be hard to even get out of bed and you may feel that you find no enjoyment in previously pleasurable things.
There are many different forms of abuse but any behaviour towards someone that causes deliberate harm can be considered as abuse. Abuse is often insidious; it is not uncommon for people to not realise that they are being abused or to deny it even to themselves. But, abusive behaviour can have a serious impact on our long-term mental health
Addictions often develop from what are seen as acceptable social habits such as drinking alcohol, eating or gambling. But when a person becomes addicted, these harmless activities become destructive with the need to repeat these behaviours excessively. Addictions may come from the way these habits or activities make us feel emotionally and physically.
Other issues
The above are just some of the most common mental health issues. But counselling can help with all kinds of problems or concerns and Jane is experienced in assisting people to work through the following:
- ADHD
- Affairs and betrayals
- Alcoholism
- Anger management
- Anxiety
- Attachment disorder
- Bereavement
- Bipolar disorder/Manic depression
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Bullying
- Cancer
- Career
- Carer support
- Chronic fatigue syndrome/ME
- Chronic pain
- Compulsive hoarding
- Couples issues
- Debt
- Depression
- Dissociation
- Drug abuse Emotional abuse
- Family issues
- Gambling
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Low self-confidence
- Low self-esteem
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Passive aggressive behaviour
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
- Physical abuse
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Postnatal depression
- Pre-nuptial counselling
- Redundancy
- Relationship issues
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Self harm
- Separation and divorce
- Sex addiction
- Sex problems
- Sexual abuse
- Sexuality
- Smoking
- Spirituality
- Stress
- Suicidal thoughts
- Trauma
- Work related stress
Whatever is worrying you, seeking help is the first step on your journey to understanding and recovery