1 in 4 Mental Health Awareness

Depression- generally low mood; interest/pleasure in life significantly reduced; noticeable loss/gain in weight; sleep disturbances; fatigue and loss of energy; concentration impaired; indecisiveness; feelings of worthlessness or guilt; recurring thoughts of death. .

Schizophrenia- Psychotic condition; loss of contact with reality; Hallucinations; delusions; disorganised speech; disorganised behaviour; loss of desire to do anything.

Anorexia Nervosa- Severe weight loss; hormonal changes; difficulty sleeping; dizziness; constipation; poor circulation; excessive exercising; wearing baggy clothes; lying about eating; obsession with dieting; distorted perception of body; need for control

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)- related to other anxiety difficulties like panic attacks and agoraphobia (fear of the outside world) highly anxious and uncomfortable; completing rituals repeatedly e.g. hand washing; counting; cleaning; checking locks.

Bulimia Nervosa- Sore Throat; stomach pains; mouth infections; eating large amounts; vomiting after meals; secretive; feeling out of control; mood swings.

Manic Depression- Mood swings between being 'manic' then 'depressed' manic- exaggerated self esteem; reduced need for sleep; increased talkativeness; racing thoughts; easily distracted; activities speeded up.

Binge Eating- Weight gain, eating large amounts of food, depressed; out of control; mood swings; secretive; emotional behaviour.

It is estimated 1 in 4 young people suffer from a mental illness in any given year! These are just a few!

If you are concerned yourself, or someone you know, then there is plenty of free confidential advice out there.

Mental Health Contact Details

There is a lot of stigma currently surrounding mental heath illness, but it is estimated that 1 in 4 young people suffer from a mental condition, ranging from Depression to Anorexia Nervosa every year.

If you are worried about yourself or one of your friends then below are some contact details for national and university services.

University Services;

Counselling services- 01902 322572
Email counsellingservices@wlv.ac.uk
Web www.wlv.ac.uk/counsellingservices

Student enabeling centre- for disability related support and queries- 01902 321074

National Services:

MIND- for information and publications on all forms of mental illnesses.
Information line- 0207535660163
Web- www.mind.org.uk

The Mental Health Foundation- for information on a range of mental health issues.
Information line- 02075357420
Web- www.mhf.org.uk

The Samaritans- offer a 24hr helpline for anyone experiencing emotional stress.
Helpline-0845 909090
Web- www.samaritans.org.uk

Anxiety, phobias and panic attacks.
No panic helpline- 01952 590545

Depression Alliance.
Tel- 020 76330557
Web- www.depressionalliance.org

Manic Depression Fellowship.
Tel- 020 77932600
Web- www.mdf.org.uk

Eating Disorders Association.
Helpline-01603 621 414
Web- www.edauk.com

National Schizophrenic Fellowship-
Advice Line- 020 89746814
Web- www.nsf.org