Dr Ria Patel
The Society are delighted to be working with Dr Patel who is a Mental Health First Aid Trainer.
What is Mental Health?
The WHO’s (World Health Organisation) definition of health is, ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.’
Poor mental health can impact our daily life, negatively affecting the way we think, feel, and behave in our personal and/or work settings. It is important to understand that we ALL have mental health which is fluid and changes over time. There is no single cause for poor mental health, however there are identified risk factors and protective factors which can influence how quickly recovery occurs.
Age- The Mental Health Foundation found that majority of poor mental health issues appear by the age of 24, however only a small percentage received appropriate help and early sign posting to services.
The Samaritans Charity found, that men aged between 30-50 are more likely to die by suicide. Men in midlife now may struggle to cope, as they are part of the so-called ‘buffer’ generation, caught between their older, more traditional silent male family members and the younger progressive and individualistic male family members. They are at higher risk if they are from a disadvantaged background, in difficult relationships, or feel there are expectations to meet ‘ masculine’ traditions.
With a rapidly aging population in the UK we may come to find older people facing age discrimination.
Those with a disability or physical illness may be subjected to discrimination and exclusion. This could be due to restricted life choices, or due to side effects of prescription medications.
Poor mental health can be hereditary, however we should also consider the learned ways of thinking, coping and behaving from carers/parents that also plays a role.
These are few examples, however many more factors including; LGBTQIA+, neurodiversity, race and ethnicity, refugee status, religion and I could go on. It is more important to point out here that there is no single factor, no single cause that determines our mental health, but a myriad of complexities that make us who we are. Many of us can relate to one if not more of these risk factors, therefore mental health is everyone’s concern and no one is invincible.
Working in the dental sector, we naturally want to help, care and problem solve! In order for us to do this we need to look after ourselves and understanding the meaning of mental health, the risk factors to poor mental health and in turn reducing the stigma and discrimination it carries to seek early intervention.
Kind Regards