Content warning: In this episode, we are talking about the topic of mental health and refer to self-harm and suicide. If any of the conversation causes you distress and you need to speak to someone, please consider contacting a family member or friend for additional support. However, if you need professional help, please contact NHS 111 option 2 (in the UK) or your region’s emergency response number, or healthcare practitioner.

Kelly Winstanley, the National Clinical Lead from the charity Mental Health Matters, joins us on this episode to explain the difference between mental wellbeing and poor mental health. At some point, everyone will experience poor mental health, which is why it is so important to talk about it to reduce the associated shame and stigma. Kelly provides us with some indicators to look out for, enabling us to spot changes early, seek help, and respond with calm, practical steps. 

 
“…if people are listening find themselves experiencing symptoms or feel they’re struggling with their mental health or maybe they recognise that in other people, their family their friends or work colleagues, it’s really important to seek some help. See their GP, as soon as possible, again the earlier they treat it the better, but everyone different and these conditions can affect people in different ways.”

For support:

• Visit your Healthcare practitioner
• Call NHS 111, option 2 - UK
• Zero Suicide Alliance - UK
• Hub of Hope - UK
• Mental Health Helplines - USA 
• Mental Health Support - Canada
• Mental Health Support - Ireland

 Hosted by Chantal Boyle, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.
 
 If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a rating and review.
 
 Find out more about the Sunflower by visiting the website hdsunflower.com

Music by "The Emerald Ruby" Emerald Ruby Bandcamp and Emerald Ruby website