SMARTT North East

First Aid, Health & Safety, Educational Products

Mental Health

Mental Health First Aid Dementia

By Leave a Comment

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a condition in where there is a gradual decline in the brains functioning – it can cause a number of different symptoms that interfere with a person’s ability to carry out the normal tasks of daily living.

Name of dementia:

What are the most common forms of dementia?

Alzheimer’s disease

Causes:

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common sort of dementia. Alzheimer’s is where there are damaged tissues building up around the brain and as a result of proteins deposit and this causes the cells around them to die.

There are two types of proteins, called amyloid which forms plaques around the brain and tua, which form tangles with in the cells of the brain. Also, chemicals that carry messages in the brain are affected.

Signs and symptoms:

There are 3 different stages of Alzheimer’s disease which show different signs and symptoms – they are as follows;

Mild Alzheimer’s disease – common signs and symptoms could be;

  • Confusion
  • Becoming forgetfulness or poor memory
  • Speak difficulty in selection of correct words
  • Becoming disorientated

Moderate Alzheimer’s disease – common signs and symptoms could be;

  • Loss of ability to function independently
  • Progressive loos of memory

Severe Alzheimer’s disease – common signs and symptoms could be;

  • Become extremely confused and disorientated
  • Suffer from delusions and hallucinations
  • Become very wary of people around them
  • Severe memory loss
  • Not been able to know how someone is
  • Some individuals may become violent

Vascular dementia

Causes:

Vascular dementia is when arteries that supply blood to the brain become blocked – this can cause a stroke and the brain is starved of oxygen and tiny areas of the brain are damaged, leading to vascular dementia.

Signs and symptoms:

Signs and symptoms of Vascular dementia may sometimes develop very sudden or gradually over a period of months – common signs and symptoms could be;

Slow concentration levels making simple task become very hard for them

  • Low attention span
  • Memory loss
  • Chane in mood swings and general personality
  • Signs of depression
  • The ability to function when walking and loss of balance

  • Not sleeping and wandering during the night

Lewy Bodies

Causes:

Dementia with Lewy Bodies are tiny protein deposits found in nerve cells that disrupt the functioning of the brain. When a build-up occurs, it prevents the brain from making the required amount of important chemicals

Signs and symptoms:

Signs and symptoms of Lewy Bodies may sometimes develop gradually and become worse over a period of years – common signs and symptoms could be;

  • Memory loss
  • Instable confusion
  • Loss of smell
  • Rigid movement
  • Slow walking with a shuffle
  • Hallucinations
  • Unable to contain a regular sleep pattern
  • Muscular jerking in the arms and legs
  • No facial expression

Mental Health First Aid Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia

Causes:

Frontotemporal dementia is common form of dementia in people under 65 years of age.  It is caused when damage to the front areas of the brain by clumps of abnormal protein forming inside.

Signs and symptoms:

The most common symptoms Frontotemporal dementia involve severe changes in personality and emotional behaviour – other common signs and symptoms could be;

Sudden changes in personality and emotional behaviour, for example, the individual may become less complex to other people emotions and seem bitter towards them. This can also include a person who was very outgoing, may become very isolated or vice versa.

Shyness and not willing to speak to anyone due to difficulty in understanding what people are saying.

  • Have very childish behaviour.
  • Poor personal hygiene.
  • Mood swings and possible depression.
  • Repetitiveness behaviour and possible hording of other people things.
  • Have very inappropriate behaviour to others, such as inappropriate language or comments or even inappropriate sexual suggestions.
  • Become very aggressive.Become easily distracted.

For further information on our Mental Health First Aid Dementia courses please contact us here or for our mental health done for you training package please see here

Schizophrenia Mental Health First Aid

By Leave a Comment

Schizophrenia Mental Health First Aid – Part 2

How can an individual’s schizophrenia may affect others?

Not only will schizophrenia affect the individual life it may also affect others around them.  It will affect others, but mainly family and friends, even though friends and family will have the persons best interest at heart they may become frustrated after a period of time if the individual has not made any progress.

Some examples could be;

  • Sometimes family or friends may not be able to cope with the individual suffering schizophrenia due to the slow recovery time. This can become very frustrating for the family. The individual may be suspicious or aggressive to family and friends and they may feel they cannot offer the support for this condition, in some cases they may wish to cut ties with the person.
  • As previously mentioned, a person suffering with schizophrenia has delusions and hallucinations bringing a huge dysfunction to their normal daily routine, such as hygiene, eating, and exercise. This again can cause frustration and anger after time from friends and family.
  • Schizophrenia suffers will depend on alcohol and drugs to take away any self-relieve. This will affect the family by watching the person worsen and even develop further mental health issues such as paranoia

What are possible interventions and treatments for schizophrenia?

Medical interventions for schizophrenia are to help reduce they illness or even reduce the possibility of a relapse.

Some examples of possible interventions for an individual suffering from schizophrenia would be:

Antipsychotic medication

Antipsychotic medication is a prescription drug, but it will not cure schizophrenia. It can however, help relieve the symptoms of schizophrenia such as delusions and hallucinations.

Hospitalisation

Individuals who suffer with schizophrenia illness are mostly treated by specialist GP’s or mental health nurses as out patients. However, people who suffer with severe schizophrenia illnesses or those who may talk about self-harm or suicide will need specialist treatment in hospitals to help them recover and be kept under special observation

Electroconvulsive Therapy

This form of treatment was once known as electroshock therapy. This is mainly given under a general anaesthesia where seizures are electrically induced into the individual to help them with some relief from mental disorders

Psychological Treatment

Psychological Treatment can help with the behavioural, psychological, social and emotional problems with this condition, thought therapy would allow an individual to control their symptoms and realise the early warning signs and put an action plan in place to stop any relapse.

These types of therapy can include;

  • Training sessions of rehabilitation that will help the individual to improve confidence and social skills in order to help them live more independently and not rely on friends and family on a day to day basis
  • Individual psychotherapy activities to help build self-esteem and allow the person to understand their illness in a less stressful environment
  • Support group therapy – this will give ongoing support to the individual or more important to discuss with other sufferers just how they are feeling at times
  • Family support therapy will allow the whole family, as well as the person suffering with schizophrenia illnesses to understand more and be able to deal better with any situation they may encounter

How can an individual with schizophrenia can help manage their own illness?

Following on from Medical interventions and treatment for schizophrenia an individual can also help to manage their own illness. This self-help can be managed in a few different ways for example;

Self-help groups

By attending self-help groups, this would provide an opportunity for individuals moving forward to share experiences best practice and different ways of dealing with the illness, the groups will also help better understand the condition and other advice and support out there.

Avoid unnecessary stress

A person could also avoid undue stress where possible, if a person is working long hours at work then they could reduce this time by speaking with their line manager or employer. The equality act 2010 makes “reasonable adjustments” to facilitate the employment of a disabled person, this includes individuals diagnosed with a mental health illness

General good health

A Healthy life still is so important for self-help with an individual who is diagnosed with schizophrenia illness, especially if they are antipsychotic medication as this could cause high risk to the persons physical health. Nutrition and a healthy balanced diet are essential and it’s also advised for a more day to day healthy life style too, this could include; taken regular exercise such as walking, jogging, biking, swimming etc.. along with having a regular sleep pattern and avoiding doing stressful jobs or activities.

How can others help an individual with schizophrenia to manage their illness?

There are many different ways in which other people can help someone diagnosed with the illness schizophrenia. First and foremost, family and friends can have a pivotal role in helping an individual manage their condition.

People with schizophrenia need to feel loved and wanted and really need and benefit talking to someone so they can discuss their feeling and thoughts.

Here are some ways that friends, family and others can help someone with schizophrenia illness;

Know more about the schizophrenia illness.

People can conduct in-depth research in order to find out more about the illness and by knowing more about the illness, this will allow them to emphasis with the individual and notice any possible triggers. For example, it can be very difficult to understand and act if the person is disagreeing with you on something they believe in which is not actually true. So by understanding the illness and symptoms, will become more beneficial to focus on how the person is actually feeling instead of what they are actually experiencing

By understanding the illness more will also help to put planning in place and looking at different way in dealing with it.

Practical support

They could offer practical support such as helping them find accommodation or taking them to therapy groups if they lack the transport or if there are any barriers.

Schizophrenia Mental Health First Aid

Keep a diary

It is very useful to keep a record of the person who has the illness and log everything down. This can include, any types of symptoms, old or new, any medication that the person is or had taken and if there have been any side effects from the types of mediation. By keeping this type of diary will help friends and family to look out for the various signs in the future.

Join support groups

Friends and family can play a major role in encouraging the person to attend and join support groups. This will help the individual talk to others who suffer with schizophrenia and share experiences and best practice on how they cope with different symptoms

Continued offer of help and support

Also let the person know you are there for them anytime of the day or night. This will help them feeling wanted and loved and can help reduce any stress levels.  By offering strong emotional support will be huge for a person with schizophrenia, friends and family could also encourage the person to continue with their treatment and offer encouragement.

Provide emergency help

This is a vital part in the ways in which others can help the individual with schizophrenia. For example, we discussed earlier that a person who suffers from severe schizophrenia may have self-harm or suicidal thoughts. If this is the case then friend and family need to act fast and get the immediate help in order to get the person safe and the appropriate treatment

What resources are available to an individual experiencing schizophrenia?

Local resources would be GP’s

A GP is normally the first port of call – they can offer advice, make referrals and prescribe any appropriate medication.

The GP’s will also put in place the next stages for the person such as, mental health assessment, a care plan, appoint a social worker to work on a day to day basis with the person and monitor and review the person on a regular basis

What they offer

Medication that is prescribed could be a therapy in order to help control symptoms.

Community mental health teams

The community mental health team provide the day to day support for the individual and any treatment in order for them to make sure the person has as much independence as they can.

Other treatments and services involved could include taking therapy, counselling and cognitive behaviour therapy which will work with the individual to self-control their condition. An independent social worker can also be appointed

Schizophrenia Mental Health First Aid

For further information on our Mental Health First Aid schizophrenia courses please contact us here or for our mental health done for you training package please see here

 

Mental Health First Aid Schizophrenia

By Leave a Comment

Mental Health First Aid Schizophrenia Part 1

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a severe psychotic mental health disorder that affects how a person may be thinking, feeling, and behaving. Individuals suffering with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality and will not know what is real and what is unreal

Schizophrenia is a long-term condition that will also affect a number of psychological symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations

Even though schizophrenia may not be as common as other mental health disorders, the symptoms can be very disabling.

 How does media coverage cause fear and misunderstanding to schizophrenia?

The media tends to blow schizophrenia out of proportion and it is widely misinformed in the media, due to this a lot of the general public have a fear of this condition. For example, the media often use the term “schizophrenia” to portray someone as being totally out of control or having a split personality – but it’s not and this leads to high volumes of the general public to believe it is without understanding the disorder.

Media coverage can also portray an individual with this condition as violent and that the individual is only safe to society if they are locked away in an institute. Well this is not the case as most people who suffer schizophrenia do not tend to commit any violent crime – but studies have shown that individuals with drug or alcohol problems are twice more likely to commit violent crime

Stigmatisation of the media cover of is schizophrenia can be excessive.  For example, the individual can be seen as being so disruptive that people with those conditions must be isolated from society. This can also cause fear for the person suffering and also their family

What are possible causes of schizophrenia?

With schizophrenia, there is no evidence or answers as to why some people will suffer with schizophrenia and some people won’t – but at the same time, its not easy to identify what caused it. Individuals who will be diagnosed with schizophrenia will have a few ongoing factors in their life which could possible trigger the causes,

The possible causes of schizophrenia could be:

  • A genetic inheritance can be a cause of this, as some families are more prone than others. By developing a certain gene can make someone more vulnerable but not necessarily develop schizophrenia however, someone is more likely to develop this condition if their parent has schizophrenia.
  • Drug abuse can be a possible cause of schizophrenia – for example, using excessive amounts of cannabis, an individual is six times more likely to develop this condition if they use cannabis or any other recreational drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, LSD or ketamine on a regular basis.
  • Brain damage can be a possible cause of schizophrenia – for example, either an infection during pregnancy or the possible lack of oxygen to the brain is reduced during birth.
  • A stressful life event may trigger schizophrenia, this could be things such as, being homeless or living in deprived areas where poverty is high, a job loss or loss of a family member.
  • Physical or verbal abuse may also be factors of the causes of schizophrenia.

What are the feelings an individual with schizophrenia may experience?

A person with schizophrenia may experience positive and negative feelings

Positive feelings with schizophrenia do not mean good, it actually refers to symptoms not present in an individual without schizophrenia – the positive symptoms help identify abnormal mental functions such as;

  • Delusions such as a false belief a person has even though there is over whelming evidence to suggest otherwise, such as believing they are being followed or spied on constantly. There is limited examples of delusions as it can be about anything.
  • Hallucinations are when a person is hearing, seeing, feeling or smelling things that are not real, most people with schizophrenia say they hear voices, these voices may give orders that they feel should be followed and can be often aggressive voices or of a sexual nature
  • Thought process, this can be things such as, thought insertion where a person belief their thoughts in their mind are not their own.
  • Another one could be thought broadcasting where the individual believes their thoughts are being read by others.
  • Thought withdrawal, this is where the individual thinks someone is removing their own thoughts from their own mind
  • Thought blocking, this is where the individual had a mind block where they cannot remember what they were actually talking about in a certain conversation

Mental Health First Aid Schizophrenia – Negative symptoms

  • Some negative feelings with schizophrenia are the absence of the mental function that should be present and these could be:
  • Lack of motivation where everything seems as an effort, tasks may not be complete and concentration levels are poor. This can include facial expressions and voice tone
  • Emotions may be flat and sometimes these emotions maybe odd, for example they mag giggle at something that is actually not funny or sad
  • A person experiencing negative feelings would also be more likely to self-neglect and show signs of poor personal hygiene, and may appear to be in their own zone of thoughts. Education can be difficult and this could have memory problems for the individual and also difficulty in planning and organising.

How can schizophrenia affect the individual and their life?

Schizophrenia can carry a vast negative impact with major affects to an individual’s life and normal day to day life and routine can become near impossible. Delusions and hallucinations will stop the individual focusing and they are more likely to neglect themselves such as personal care, dressing, eating and drinking and going shopping.

individuals suffering with schizophrenia often turn to alcohol and or drugs to take away any thoughts. This would have a huge effect as it will make the condition worse, especially if the individual is on medication as it would not work as effective.

An individual with schizophrenia may withdraw themselves and this would make it harder for them to have a healthy relationship with their friends and family, they may even become suspicious or hostile of them.

Individuals with schizophrenia often have suicidal thoughts. Any talk of suicide from someone suffering schizophrenia should be taken extremely serious and help should be sorted immediately

Mental Health First Aid Schizophrenia

For further information on our Mental Health First Aid schizophrenia courses please contact us here or for our mental health done for you training package please see here

First Aid Mental Health

By Leave a Comment

 First Aid Mental Health – Bipolar is associated and influenced by daily demands, stress can trigger bipolar to peak.

This manic side of bipolar is triggered by pressure and the reaction to stressful daily demands or events. The depressive episodes can be brought on by relationship problems and financial pressures of problems. It is thought to believe that the manic episodes are an escape from the feelings of depression. Bipolar is associated and influenced by daily demands, stress can trigger bipolar to peak.

Examples of symptoms that may occur in a manic and depressive episode.

Manic

As previously discussed, manic will show signs that the individual is very active and feeling very high and creativity, and euphoria are common.

People suffering a manic episode will often talk more than usual with an increased speak in their speech. Symptoms of sleep deprivation are often experienced due to high energy and hyperactive. Manic episodes may also make the individual feel like they’re invincible or untouchable. This could be a dangerous episode as the individual also can be easily distracted from their daily routes or work activities.

Although this episode of mania makes the individual feel on a high it often tends to spiral out of control. This can make the person behave recklessly during a manic episode. First Aid Mental Health

And can lead to excessive gambling, engaging in inappropriate sexual activity, or making foolish business investments or decisions – for example, they may become angry, irritable, and aggressive- often leading to confrontation when others don’t agree with their plans and retaliating to anyone who challenges their behaviour.

Some people even become delusional, hallucinate or start hearing voices.

Depressive symptoms

Depressive symptoms will affect individuals in a variety of ways and a mixture of different symptoms and range from mild to severe

The more common symptoms of a person with depressive could be:

Feeling unhappy, worthless and empty. This can cause many physical affects for the person such as sleep problems, eating disorders low or no sex drive and show signs of anxiet.

Concentration levels and memory problems are very common with the individual not motivated in day to day life. This can make feelings of worthlessness or guilt. With more severe symptoms the person can also have thoughts of self-harm or even suicide

What are medical intervention for Bipolar Disorder?

Medical intervention for an individual who is suffering from bipolar disorder could include:

Medication can be prescribed by the individuals GP who’s suffering from the condition. Common drugs that are be subscribed can include, Anti-anxiety drugs, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics and Anticonvulsants

Drugs cannot cure Bipolar Disorder but it can help to control it.

An individual could be admitted to hospital if they are very distressed, this will allow for an assessment and provide relief for anyone supporting the individual with depression. The individual can volunteer to go or can be sectioned under the Mental Health Act 1983.

Electroconvulsive Therapy is given under general anaesthetic and involved passing current through the brain in order to cause a fit. It is given for cases of severe depression, it is not commonly used as much now but can be an effective treatment.

What are the different ways in which an individual with Bipolar Disorder can help to manage their illness when entering a manic and depressive episode? 

An individual with Bipolar Disorder can man manage their own illness in a number of different ways

They can seek and ask for support from other people suffering with bipolar, it can reassure them they are not alone and talk about their feeling in compassion with others.  Monitoring episodes and detecting worrying signs as early as possible can mean the individual is prepared.

They can avoid triggers which have set off the illness in the past and avoid stress where possible. Also having a daily / regular routine will keep the person in high moral and keep the mind relaxed and focused.

It would be wise to avoid stimulant drinks, alcohol and recreational drugs such as smoking cannabis or taking cocaine as this can trigger manic episodes.

A change in general life styles can also help manage the disorder such as, taking regular exercise to keep a positive mind. This can also be combined with a healthy diet and a good sleep pattern

Also, they should try and keep depression at bay by challenging negative thoughts and adopting a positive attitude where possible.

How can others help an individual with Bipolar Disorder to manage their illness?

Bipolar Disorder can be either mild or severe and there are many different ways in which friends, family and others can help a person manage their illness. Some common ways are;

By family and friends can educating themselves on the condition and its triggers, also how it affects the individual to be able to notice the warning signs. This can be a great way to communicate with the person and help them set daily routine tasks. This can also include helping them find appropriate support groups and the expert help that is available to them.

People can be supportive and try and understand the individual’s illness so that the person with bipolar can open up about their feelings without the worry of being judged.

They can encourage the individual to seek help and intervention to control illness. They can help individual with certain jobs and roles to reduce the pressure at times.

Give the person some practical and motivational support – this could be things like encouraging them or even take part with them in regular exercise, help set daily goals with them including a healthy diet and sleep pattern

Try to be patient with the person suffering with bipolar and try to understand and respect their decision making, but also monitor the persons behaviour and contact support lines if the person is feeling very low and thinking self-harm thoughts or suicide thoughts.

What local resources and treatments are available to an individual experiencing Bipolar Disorder?

Care programme

This resource is where the person can have their needs assessed and their care planned, a thorough assessment will be completed and action plan put in place. As with all mental health conditions the community mental health team (CMHT) maybe involved in this process, they can work with the individual to sort out any issues such as housing, benefits and day centres.

Local day centres

There are many different day centres which included, local community centres, day hospitals and drop in centres to support people with bipolar disorder illness. These types of centres can provide some excellent help and support such as therapy, counselling and further information advice and guidance on other support available.  First Aid Mental Health This type of service is provided by professional mental health experts.

Other types of drop in services may offer a different range of support, for example mindfulness activities such as arts and crafts, music lessons or even just to pop in for a chat with other people in the centre

First Aid Mental Health

Treatments

Local treatments could include supported accommodation. This would entail the individual suffering with bipolar lives in a supported environment until they have the confidence to live on their own, The community care service can also make an assessment of the individuals needs which will cover everything from housing to day centres.

Day centres themselves may offer therapy groups, counselling and information. They can be a place for the individual to gain new skills and increase their confidence, they may also use it for a social activity.

mood stabilisers

Psychological Treatment

Psychological Treatment can help with depression, such as cognitive behavioural therapy. It’s a form of talking treatment which makes a speciality focus of how your thoughts, ideals and attitudes have an effect on your feelings and behaviour, and teaches you coping abilities for managing unique troubles.

It combines cognitive remedy inspecting the things you believe in and behaviour therapy, examining the stuff you do

is a type of which focuses on how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect your feelings and behaviour, and teaches you coping skills for dealing with different problems.

For further information on our Mental Health First Aid courses please contact us here or for our mental health done for you training package please see here

First Aid Mental Health

Mental Health First Aid Bipolar

By Leave a Comment

What is meant by the term Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is when an individual behaves in two opposite ways, it is an extreme mental illness, it provokes sudden mood swings and the individual will have times of feeling very high and then times of feeling very depressed and may experience strange hallucinations or delusions

What are the possible causes of bipolar disorder?

Science has shown that bipolar disorder is not fully understood, however, like many mental health illnesses there is different range of causes for bipolar disorder, such as the following

Genetic

  • It can be inherited and more likely it may run in the family, however no gene within the family maybe responsible for bipolar disorder

Everyday events

  • Bipolar disorder can be triggered by everyday life and stress, these may include
  • Stress at work or home
  • Relationships problems or breakdown in marriage
  • A tragic event such as a loss of life to family or friends
  • Emotional, violent or sexual abuse
  • Any type of physical illness  

Chemical imbalance

  • A traumatic event of situation can cause bipolar due to the disturbance of chemicals in the brain. Example could be norepinephrine or dopamine – an imbalance of these levels can cause bipolar disorder

What is a person with Bipolar like?

The feelings of bipolar disorder will vary depending on the individual, for example when an individual suffering with bipolar disorder is feeling high, or known as mania, it can seem like the best feeling and they will have a lot of energy and feel positive. It can make the person feel more productive whilst others may feel angry and restless.

When an individual suffering with Mental Health First Aid Bipolar feels low with depression they may have very low self-esteem and self-worth. It can restrict a person’s life as it can occur for a long duration. Some may suffer from hallucinations or believe they are untouchable. Some describe the manic bipolar as a buzz and exciting.

With both cases of individuals suffering with extreme bipolar disorder, these can last for weeks or in some cases even longer

How does Bipolar Disorder affects the individual and their life?

It can contribute to the individual having a negative outlook on life and thinking negatively, for example, the person cannot function or communicate well. It can affect judgement which can result in serious repercussions or regret.

People with bipolar may experience their life as a roller coaster of high and low emotions and this affects their daily route and life in general.  Examples could be relationship breakdowns and affect work, the individual may have to take a lot of time of work due to depression, it may also make it harder for the individual to hold employment and this could lead and financial problems.

The manic phase can challenge the individual to become aggressive and could lead to further problems like the unnecessary use of alcohol and or recreational drugs and in some cases leading to inappropriate sexual behaviour

With some severe cases of depression, some individuals with bipolar disorder maybe affected with their ability to deal with everyday life. This can be either physical, emotional, or social functioning, which can lead the individual to experience psychotic symptoms for example, hallucinations, paranoia, or even hearing of voices in their head.

The individual may also be much unaware of the help and support they need to help combat the illness.

How can an individual’s Bipolar Disorder may affect others?

Bipolar disorder is a serious illness that not only affects the individual but those around them, such as family and friends – they could be affected in the following ways;

  • Emotional distress – This can be things such as grief, guilt or worry and will cause disruption in the regular daily routines.
  • Relationship breakdowns – this will cause tension if the individual is irritable as friends and family may become an easy target for their mood swing outbursts.
  • The family and friends may feel on edge and worried on what mood they are in and whether they are approachable to have discussions or even accept any help that can be offered. It can also cause finance problems which affect the family and home, resulting in a breakdown.
  • It can lead to disagreements where the individual suffering with bipolar disorder makes bad choices during their episodes and they are impossible to reason with.

Another factor in the way bipolar disorder may affect others is the lack of understanding of the illness. If family and friends have minimum understanding of the illness then they are going to become frustrated with the person and this could cause risky behaviour

What are the demands of daily life that may influence symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

Individual suffering with bipolar disorder will experience different demands of normal daily life due to the different mood swings they may encounter.

Some demands of daily life that can influence symptoms could be:

Health problems;

This could influence bipolar and could also affect sleeping problems.

Stress or work problems;

Work demands and financial worries could influence this condition. Such as unemployment leading to debt problems and security such as housing poverty etc.

Problems in relationships;

This can be things such as, break down in marriage, bereavement or conflict and abuse

Domestic issues;

This can be community and social groups could encourage symptoms. Also, been in overcrowded groups or in poor environments. The daily life influence symptoms may also be having to care for elderly family members or even the stress of given birth

Mental Health First Aid Bipolar

For further information on our Mental Health First Aid Bipolar courses please contact us here or for our mental health done for you training package please see here

Mental Health First Aid | Depression

By 1 Comment

What is meant by the term Depression?

Mental Health First Aid depression is a common mental sickness affecting more than 264 million humans global. It’s miles characterised by continual disappointment and a loss of hobby or pride in formerly rewarding or exciting activities. it could additionally disturb sleep and appetite; tiredness and negative awareness are commonplace. Depression is a leading purpose of incapacity around the arena and contributes greatly to the worldwide burden of disorder. The outcomes of melancholy may be lengthy-lasting or recurrent and may dramatically have an effect on a person’s ability to function and live a worthwhile life.

What are the Difference between feeling low and clinical depression?

The difference characteristics between feeling low and clinical depression is that a low mood will improve after a short length of time, clinical depression however, can last a longer length of time and be very draining for the individual who is suffering with it.

An individual who maybe feeling low can show signs and symptoms of tiredness, sadness, frustration or anger. A person suffering from clinical depression will show more severe signs such as suicidal thoughts, low mood swings and moral and feeling hopeless. Mental Health First Aid Depression

What are the Factors associated with psychotic depression? 

Factors that are associated with individuals who suffer with psychotic depression are delusions and hallucinations and this reflects on their own depressed moods. The delusions and hallucinations can become very negative and self-punishing.

A person with psychotic depression can often feel far from reality and may also be very agitated and not able to relax or even stay still becoming very fidget or constantly move their legs.

 What are the Possible causes of depression?

Possible causes of depression could be:

Personal lifestyle

such as substance misuse – this can make the individual more prone to depression as alcohol is a depressant, if consumed too often or abused it can bring on depression. Cannabis can lead to depression especially within the younger generation.

Genetic factors

such as a family who have history of depression. Some studies state that if could be inherited in some way. Genetic research often supports and suggests family links to depression.

Biological factors

such as hormone changes can lead to depression and could be a cause. Mental Health First Aid Depression. The hormones are proven to affect the brain chemistry which controls a person’s emotions and feelings.

Social causes

these can include family issues, adverse childhood experiences which may lead to negative thought patterns and low self-esteem.

What are the feelings an individual may have when experiencing depression?

As previously discussed, depression can and is a serious mental health illness with serious effects on the individual’s personal life. An individual may witness a variety of different feelings with depression and these could be psychological, physical or social symptoms.

Some psychological could be guilt, anxiety, continuous sadness or suicidal thoughts, even self-harming.

Physical symptoms maybe increase or decrease in weight, lack of sex drive, symptoms of pain, appetite changes, and sleep problems.

Social symptoms could include things such as, lack of performance at work, not engaging in any social activities with friends or family, lack of interest in activities. Another factor could be any relationship problems.

Mental Health First Aid Depression

Depression can affect individuals and their life’s in different ways, however here are some common examples could be:

Negative thoughts

  • This may cause the individual to lose interest in general life and activities they once participated in.  Depression can reduce energy levels so the individual may stop the things they once enjoyed and affect their ability to function.
  • Depression can affect the individual to neglect themselves such as personal hygiene, care and their general appearance. It can also affect dieting issues and can cause weight gain or weight loss.
  • Depression can affect the person to feel unsettled and stressed. It can cause tension and anxiety.
  • Depression can affect sleep patterns, they may sleep more due to the lack of energy and motivation. The individual could be become ill-tempered in the mornings or they may struggle to sleep due to stress and anxiety. Mental Health First Aid Depression

With the above said, the individual may become embarrassed to suffer with depression and may begin to isolate themselves from society or even find it difficult to socialise with friends and family.

How may an individual’s depression may affect others?

Family and friends may feel helpless and unable to support the individual appropriately. They may become angry and impatient as the individuals may appear difficult and awkward. Relationships may break down, people may avoid the individual which would make them feel lonelier. It can cause them to worry and suffer emotional and physical exhaustion, especially if the individual is very dependant and reliant. Friends may end up withdrawing and becoming isolated from their social network. They may experience loss of finances if they may have to quit working to support the individual.

Please click here to download the The Power of Positive Thinking videos and resources

How can the demands of normal daily life contribute to depression?

The demands with individuals suffering with depression can include; devastating effects in relationships such as marriage breakdown, physical or physiological abuse, turbulent relationships and disagreements with friends.

Work related issues and the feeling of been inadequate amongst peers and colleagues, the stress from work can deepen depression. Also, problems such as conflict or noise could contribute to depression.

If an individual usually has a daily routine and this is broke, it can make them feeling low, this could include domestic duties such as caring etc. Health related problems can also contribute to someone’s feelings.

During the uncertainty of COVID-19 lots of individuals will lose their employment status and the pressures of money issues and debt can worsen depression.

What local resources and treatments is available to an individual experiencing depression?

The first port of call is your local GP. They in turn will refer the individual for further and appropriate advice and treatment and will advise any appropriate medication.

Support groups can give individuals more information and provide positive support from similar people experiencing this condition. The Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) would also offer local support

Treatments

A few treatments that could be used would be:

Anti-depressant is a prescription drug can help balance all chemicals in the brain which play a part in how someone feels and acts. Anti-depressants activate the activity of chemicals such as serotonin and noradrenaline.

Therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy is competed under a general anaesthesia

And helps relax muscles which can encourage natural breathing –  an electrical current is given to the brain by placing electrodes on the persons temples.

Talking therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy is another therapy type which individuals to express their thoughts and are encouraged to explore positive changes.

What resources and treatments is there to support and help a person with psychotic depression?

Resources would be the individuals GP, will make a diagnosis and assessment in order to refer the individual if required, to see a specialist – this could determine whether any safeguarding measures are put in place if they felt the individual was at high risk due to their mental health.

NHS mental health professional

Many people suffering psychotic depression often needs hospital treatment and followed up by mental health professional and will make a diagnostic assessment in order to prescribe the appropriate medication

Anti-psychotic medication is given to many people suffering with psychotic depression but the individuals have the right to refuse. They also could be offered other drugs such as antidepressants or mood stabiliser

Family intervention 

This allows key family members in a therapeutic gathering to focuses on helping the family member suffering from psychotic depression to discuss with each other

Key discussions will focus on things such as, what can help they can receive and also look at certain problems and solutions as a plan of action moving forward. Your local GP will advise you where this is available in your area.

For further information on any mental health please contact us here or if you would like to book an in-house mental health awareness first aid course