| Frequently Asked Questions
What is mental health?
We all have varying degrees of mental health that is made up of our beliefs, thoughts, feelings and behaviours. A person is considered mentally healthy when they can manage mood changes and function independently.
What do I do if the support doesn’t help?
As unique individuals, a therapy that works for someone else may not work for you. Whether a therapy works for you or not is determined by your value system and personality. Hence, it is important to be open to a range of approaches and to be committed to finding the right help and to continue to be hopeful, even when some things do not work out.
Can you prevent mental health problems?
We can all suffer from mental health challenges, but developing our wellbeing, resilience, and seeking help early can help prevent challenges becoming serious.
Are there cures for mental health problems?
It is often more realistic and helpful to find out what helps with the issues you face. Talking, counselling, medication, friendships, exercise, good sleep and nutrition, and meaningful occupation can all help.
What causes mental health problems?
Challenges or problems with your mental health can arise from psychological, biological, and social issues, as well as life events.
What do I do if I’m worried about my mental health?
The most important thing is to talk to someone you trust. This might be a friend, colleague, family member, or GP. In addition to talking to someone, it may be useful to find out more information about what you are experiencing. These things may help to get some perspective on what you are experiencing, and be the start of getting help.
How do I know if I’m unwell?
If your beliefs , thoughts , feelings or behaviours have a significant impact on your ability to function in what might be considered a normal or ordinary way, it would be important to seek help.
What should I do if I’m worried about a friend or relative?
This may depend on your relationship with them. Gently encouraging someone to seek appropriate support would be helpful to start with.
How do I deal with someone telling me what to do?
Some people may advise you on good evidence of what works with the best of intentions, but it’s important to find out what works best for you.
‘I don’t feel good these days.’ Is it good enough a reason to approach a psychologist or an expert?
At times, we just feel ‘not good’ but we are not able to find the reason behind it. Here, just reaching out to an expert and sharing whatever is on your mind can not only make you feel lighter however, it might also make you understand the core issue and eventually discover the resolution.
What is the right age to seek counselling or any form of mental health?
You can seek guidance on mental health at any age. As soon as you feel the need, just reach out to an expert.
Can simple talking also help if I don’t want to go for any therapy?
Talking and sharing is where the resolution starts. At times, we feel that there is no serious issue but we have a need to be heard in a non judgemental way. We need a neutral person who can offer a comfortable space to give you a patient listening and just empathise.
I don’t see any problem but I get irritated easily and get angry at the drop of a hat. Do I need to approach an expert?
We often tend to overlook or undermine our own emotions. We start rationalising things and often people around us just try to convince us that it’s just a phase. Even if it is just a phase, there is no harm in looking out for a safe space and expression.
I feel the problem is not with me but with my loved one. But if he/she is not ready to take help but his/her behaviour is affecting me, should I take counselling?
Definitely. We can’t force a person to take help but if it is affecting you, the least you can do is to take care of your mental and emotional state and work on how it is affecting you.