Mental Health Awareness in Health and Social Care Settings

July 12, 2024

In this post

Introduction

Mental health problems are common, with 1 in 4 being affected annually in England alone (Mind) and 1 in 6 adults having a common mental disorder (Mental Health Foundation). It can profoundly affect individuals, families, friends, communities and society.

Health and social care settings will serve and help people from all walks of life with varying physical and mental health problems. Mental health awareness is vital as it increases understanding of common mental health illnesses and the physical and emotional impacts they can have on service user’s well-being and quality of life. It allows providers and staff to provide person-centred and holistic care and treatment, enhancing the quality of care provision and improving outcomes for service users.

Mental health awareness also promotes compassion and empathy, thus reducing stigma and discrimination, which can deter individuals from accessing help. It can encourage people with mental health problems and even health and social care staff to seek the help and support they need without fear or judgment. It can help reduce the impact their mental health issues have on their lives.

Health and social care staff have an essential role in supporting service users with mental health needs and must look after their own mental well-being to provide optimal care. This blog post aims to provide insights and strategies for promoting mental health awareness and supporting individuals with mental health issues in health and social care settings.

Understanding Mental Health

Many definitions of mental health exist. The World Health Organisation defines it as:

“Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community”.

Mental health is an integral part of a person’s well-being, which is a state of feeling happy and healthy (Cambridge Dictionary). When a person has good mental health, they can cope with life’s challenges, manage stress effectively, look after their physical health and have more positive emotional and mental states. On the other hand, when someone has poor mental health, they are unable to cope, lack resilience and have difficulties in their everyday lives, which can also affect them physically. Mental health influences a person’s well-being and overall quality of life.

Mental health problems can affect people differently, and there are numerous types of conditions and disorders, with the most common being depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.

Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health problems. According to the Mental Health Foundation:

“In England, 3 in every 100 people will experience depression in any given week. Even more – 8 in every 100 – will experience mixed depression and anxiety.”

Symptoms of depression can vary and will depend on the individual and whether they also have anxiety. It can affect a person physically, emotionally, mentally and behaviourally and is characterised by low mood, sadness, emptiness, a loss of interest and appetite and sleep changes. If a person’s depression is severe, they can feel hopeless and even suicidal.

Further information on depression is on:

Anxiety

Anxiety is also a common mental health problem. Research conducted by the Mental Health Foundation found that within a two-week timeframe, 60% of UK adults experienced anxiety that interfered with their daily lives.

Anxiety is where a person experiences fear, worry, dread or apprehension in response to a perceived threat, but it does not exist, and the feeling is disproportionate. They can be anxious about current situations but also worry about future ones that may not occur and may even be anxious well after the event.

While everyone will experience anxiety at some point, some individuals’ anxiety will develop into an anxiety disorder that can impact their daily lives. There are many types of anxiety disorders, such as:

Generalised anxiety disorder.
Panic disorder.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Social anxiety disorder.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Phobias.

The symptoms a person experiences will depend on their disorder and its severity.

Further information on anxiety is on:

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition, a type of psychosis and a major illness. According to Living With Schizophrenia, approximately 220,000 people are being treated for schizophrenia by the NHS at any one time.

Those living with the condition can experience hallucinations, delusions, muddled thinking, loss of interest, avoidance behaviours and feeling disconnected. It is a myth that people with schizophrenia have a ‘split personality’ or are violent and dangerous.

Further information on schizophrenia is on:

Bipolar disorder

1.3 million (one in fifty) people in the UK have bipolar, and it is one of the most common long-term mental health conditions (Bipolar UK). It is where a person can experience extreme changes in moods, such as:

Mania – the person is euphoric, feels high and overactive.
Depression – the person feels extremely low and lethargic.

The symptoms will depend on whether a person is experiencing an episode of depression or mania. The NHS has a list of symptoms.

People living with bipolar can quickly change moods, which is known as rapid cycling, and others may experience mixed states, where the symptoms of depression and mania combine. There may also be periods where they may have normal moods between episodes.

Further information on bipolar disorder is on:

Mental health issues affect everyone differently, but they can create significant barriers regarding access to health and social care services, such as:

Stigma and discrimination can deter those with mental health issues from seeking the help and support they need due to fear and judgment, and can also worsen their conditions in many cases. Marginalised groups can be significantly affected.
Physically getting to services can be difficult for those with severe mental health disorders and physical issues, especially if they need to travel to access them and there is a lack of community services.
A lack of services can mean difficulties getting appointments, referrals and long waiting times, reducing confidence. There is significant demand for mental health services, and staff shortages can impact available care and support.
Socioeconomic factors, e.g. poverty, unemployment, debt, a lack of education and financial difficulties, can impact people’s mental and physical health and the access to the care and support they need. As booking systems become more complex, it can make it difficult for those without technological systems and with poor health literacy.

Many people with mental health problems do not get access to the support and treatment they need. However, according to a 2024 briefing paper by Baker & Kirk-Wade, an estimated 3.58 million people were in contact with NHS secondary mental health services at some point during 2022/23.

The Mental Health Foundation has statistics on people seeking help for diagnosed mental health problems. They state that one adult in eight (12.1%) receives mental health treatment, with 10.4% receiving medication and 3% receiving psychological therapy. They also have information on the percentage of treatment uptake by type of common mental health problem, e.g.:

Depression: 59.4%.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder: 52.1%.
Phobias: 51.6%.
Generalised anxiety disorder: 48.2%.
Common mental disorder not otherwise specified: 24.7%.
Panic disorder: 20.9%.

Mental health conditions can have significant impacts on service users and affect the following:

Social relationships with partners, family, friends and those within their communities. They can become withdrawn, isolated and lonely and lack social connections, which can exacerbate their condition and impact their well-being.
Physical health, as their mental health condition can affect their mood, interests and motivation, meaning they do not practice self-care and may abuse substances, such as drugs, alcohol and tobacco. It also increases their risk of chronic health conditions, such as stroke, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. If they have a physical health condition, especially if chronic, it can adversely affect their mental health.
Financial stability, as they may struggle with job insecurity, unemployment and debts. Having financial stress can make their mental health condition worse.

These impacts can significantly impact their health, happiness, well-being and overall quality of life.

Stigma and Discrimination

Stigma – negative perceptions or attitudes about people with mental health problems.
Discrimination – treating a person unfavourably because of their mental health problems. It can be unlawful if their condition is classed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010.

Unfortunately, there is still significant stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, and some individuals may also face other types relating to their race, sexuality or disability. It is pernicious and can delay treatment, thus potentially worsening a person’s mental health problems and symptoms, and can even be life-threatening in some cases.

“Nearly nine out of ten people with mental health problems say that stigma and discrimination have a negative effect on their lives” (Mental Health Foundation).

Stigma can impact help-seeking behaviour and access to support services, and it is a significant barrier to people getting professional help. It can affect their willingness to disclose their mental health problems and talk about their feelings, as they are likely to feel unsafe and uncomfortable and may be concerned about the response they will get from staff and other service users.

Stigma and discrimination typically occur because of stereotypes, misconceptions, and myths surrounding mental health, such as people with these conditions are violent and dangerous. However, this is rarely the case. It can be incredibly upsetting for those with mental health problems to experience stigma in such a way.

It is vital to challenge stigma and discrimination and promote a culture of acceptance and understanding in health and social care settings. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Leadership and senior management buy-in

Those in charge of the setting have a significant influence on the culture.
They should lead by example and be fully behind any initiatives and campaigns.
They should address stigma and discrimination in policies and procedures.

Encouraging open conversations

Openly talking about mental health can create a safe and secure environment and promote understanding.
It is important to avoid language that could stigmatise.
Encourage service users to share their experiences with others.

Education

Staff should undergo training to learn more about mental health and to promote understanding.
The setting could provide other service users with information via posters, leaflets, signboards, etc.
If stigma or discrimination is experienced or witnessed, it should be challenged positively by giving people facts and information about mental health.

Advocacy and campaigning

The setting could use advocacy services and advocates to support service users and ensure their voices are heard.
Awareness campaigns and protests can help reduce stigma. Mental health charities, such as Mind, Mental Health UK, Rethink Mental Illness and the Mental Health Foundation, have various campaigns on their websites.

Addressing stigma and discrimination in health and social care settings will enhance awareness and help people with mental health problems get the help and support they need.

Mind has further information on dealing with stigma.

Promoting Mental Health Awareness

Promoting mental health awareness in health and social care is crucial. Mental health is an integral part of an individual’s overall well-being, and raising awareness can help providers and staff provide holistic and person-centred care that meets service user’s needs. It considers the impacts of mental health on physical health and vice versa, which can improve service user outcomes and quality of care. If staff have the knowledge and the competence to help people better, it can be rewarding and increase job satisfaction.

Another reason to promote mental health awareness is to combat the stigma surrounding mental health problems. If people suffering from mental health issues are aware and understand they are not alone and that these illnesses are common and treatable, they are more likely to seek help and support. It can also empower them to become active partners in their care and recognise when they need assistance with their mental health, which encourages early intervention to reduce the impacts.

Mental health literacy goes beyond awareness, and it means:

“Knowledge about mental health disorders that are associated with their recognition, management, and prevention” (Furnham & Swami, 2018).

Health and social care staff should improve their mental health literacy to foster a supportive and inclusive environment. Here is some information and resources on mental health literacy, including signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions (this list is not exhaustive):

Association of Mental Health Providers – has resources for the health and social care mental health sector.
CPD Online College – has various mental health awareness courses.
Mental Health Foundation – has a section for exploring mental health.
Mental Health Matters – has information on mental health conditions and links to further resources.
Mental Health UK – has information about various mental health conditions.
MHFA England – has a selection of free mental health resources.
Mind – has an information and support tab on their website covering mental health problems.
NHS – has information and support for those with mental health issues but can be useful for staff.

Open dialogue and communication about mental health issues are vital to reducing stigma and discrimination and increasing awareness. It means active listening with compassion and empathy, challenging stigma, dispelling myths, talking openly about mental health and providing a safe and secure environment for staff and service users.

Supporting Service Users with Mental Health Needs

Service users accessing health and social care settings can have physical, mental, social, behavioural and emotional issues and needs. Staff should support them appropriately, and here are some examples of strategies they can adopt:

Adopt person-centred and holistic care approaches

Involve the person in making decisions about their care and treatment, and respect their autonomy.
Look at the service user as a whole and do not just focus on their symptoms, as there could be other reasons for their mental health problems, such as poor physical health.
Provide treatment, interventions, support and care that meets their emotional, physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs, preferences and wishes.
Be culturally sensitive, i.e. being aware and respecting service user’s backgrounds, beliefs and values.
If someone lacks mental capacity, apply legal and ethical principles.

Actively listen to service users

Listen to what service users say and not just hear the words.
Be attentive, and don’t get distracted.
Let them speak without interruption or judgment.
Demonstrate understanding and ask questions to clarify.
Openly communicate and be honest and transparent in all interactions.

Demonstrate compassion and empathy

Treat people with kindness, respect and dignity.
Imagine what it is like in the person’s shoes and understand things from their perspective.
Acknowledge their emotions and feelings by smiling and nodding, but be mindful of maintaining boundaries.
Create a safe space free from judgment, stigma and discrimination.

Provide self-management support

Empower and encourage service users to manage their own condition when away from the health and social care setting.
Give service users information and advice on resources on self-management and coping strategies.
Signpost to support groups where they can meet like-minded people and share similar experiences.

Health and social care providers and staff must adopt collaborative care planning, meaning they should work in partnership with service users and involve them in decision-making regarding their treatment, care, goals and support. It is a crucial approach, as it fosters trust and builds positive relationships with service users, which makes it more likely they will continue with their treatment and care. It also ensures staff provide person-centred care that meets service users’ needs, which can help reduce the impact of their mental health challenges, reduce crises, and improve their outcomes and overall well-being.

Building Resilience and Coping Skills

Often, those with mental health problems lack resilience, meaning they struggle to manage stress, cope with challenges and setbacks in life and find it difficult to recover from them. Health and social care providers and staff should help service users with mental health issues to build resilience and coping skills by:

Emphasising the importance of self-care – encourage service users to look after and be kind to themselves, e.g. healthy and balanced diet, exercise, good sleep hygiene, hobbies and activities that promote physical and mental health and well-being, e.g. getting out in nature. They could also try many relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness, deep breathing and meditation.
Promoting healthy coping skills – teach service users how to set and maintain boundaries to avoid being overwhelmed, e.g. learning to say no and setting limits. It is also important for them to recognise their triggers, set realistic expectations and appreciate that there are things they cannot control.
Sharing stress management techniques – provide advice and guidance to service users on managing stress, e.g. time management, being organised, setting achievable goals, finding their creative side, relaxation techniques, healthy diet, visualisation, etc. The NHS has ten stress busters.
Encouraging support networks – advise service users on the benefits of support networks and maintaining relationships with others, including family, friends, people in the community and specific groups.
Championing adaptability and flexibility – help service users develop these important skills that will help them deal with unexpected situations and challenges, embrace change and be open to new experiences.
Emphasising the importance of finding a purpose – suggest getting involved in causes they care about or helping others in their own communities.
Providing information and advice – offer service users the facts and accurate information about their mental health condition and available treatment and support. Signpost them to resources and groups who can help further.

Mind has further information and tips for managing stress and building resilience.

It is important for service users to develop support networks, which they can achieve by:

Reaching out to family, friends, colleagues or old school friends.
Engaging with charities, not-for-profit organisations and community groups who may offer volunteering opportunities and various events to meet like-minded people.
Developing professional networks and networking, especially where the problem is work-related.
Using social media platforms and online groups that hold virtual meetings.
Attending peer support groups where they can share experiences.

Here are some resources for service users to help them develop a support network and access community services:

Local Minds – offer mental health services in communities across England and Wales.
Mental Health Foundation – has information on services and organisations that can help service users.
Mental Health UK – offers regional support services.
Mind – has information on finding peer support groups.
NHS community mental health services – has a search facility that provides details of community health services.
NHS – has information on depression support groups.
NHS – has information on how to access mental health services.
Scottish Action for Mental Health – details services and organisations that can offer support.

There may also be local groups on social media platforms that offer community support.

Self-Care for Staff

Health and social care staff are not immune to mental health problems, especially in the NHS. They can experience work-related stress, compassion fatigue and burnout, which can affect their mental and physical health and well-being. It can also affect the quality of care they provide to service users and result in low job satisfaction and leaving the sector.

In the latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) State of Care Assessment, health and social care staff reported they were overworked, exhausted and stressed, which often caused illness, injury or resignations. The latest Health and Safety Executive statistics highlighted that the rates of self-reported work-related stress, depression or anxiety were highest for human health and social work activities. There are also challenges in the mental health sector, especially regarding workforce retention and staffing shortage (CQC).

Self-care is critical for those working in the health and social care sector for the above reasons and to promote their physical and mental health and well-being. It means looking after themselves and taking the time to do things they enjoy and relax. It is essential for staff to manage stress, set boundaries and seek support when needed, which they can do by the following:

At work:

Manage their time effectively by setting achievable goals, breaking down tasks into manageable chunks and prioritising the most important and urgent ones.
Use time management and organisational tools such as planners, to-do lists, apps, etc.
Establish a routine and a schedule to stay on track.
Avoid taking too much on and learn to say no.
Delegate tasks to others where appropriate.
Understand their workload and set limits.
Communicate their needs and expectations to their colleagues, supervisors and managers.
Have regular breaks and time off to recharge their batteries.
Speak to a supervisor, manager or colleagues and ask for advice.
Use any support provided by their employer, such as employee assistance programmes.

Physical health:

Eat healthily, get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly.
Do not rely on unhealthy habits, such as smoking, caffeine, alcohol or drugs, for relief.

Mental and emotional health:

Ensure they make the time for hobbies and activities they enjoy.
Try self-help techniques, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and relaxation techniques, e.g. deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, and progressive muscle relaxation.
Visit their GP if they are really struggling or self-refer to talking therapies.

Social health:

Connect with others, such as family, friends and colleagues, as they may help with solutions.
Contact mental health helplines, attend peer support groups or find online communities.

Here are some examples of resources on self-care practices and mental health support for staff members:

co.uk.
Iriss – Self-care in health and social care.
Mind – Self-care for mental health problems.
Mind – Taking care of your staff’s mental health.
NHS England – Mental health resources and guides.
NHS – Self-help.
Self Care Forum – have a resources tab on their front page.

Professional associations and regulators typically have information and resources for members, and those applicable will depend on the health and social care role and setting.

Collaboration and Referral Pathways

Mental health problems should be looked at holistically, as there can be various causes and reasons why someone is going through this challenging time, such as biological, socio-economic, cultural, physical health and trauma. Therefore, not one setting or organisation can cover all of these aspects – it often requires a multi-disciplinary approach.

As mental health issues can be multi-faceted, health and social care services and mental health professionals need to collaborate and communicate. Each will have their own area of expertise and can share their knowledge and offer resources to provide the best possible care to those with mental health problems and enhance their outcomes. It can also save time and duplication, improve referral pathways and enable service users to access care and treatment.

Referral pathways can include various types of referral such as self, community/voluntary service, primary and secondary. They are important as they promote access to services and ensure everyone who needs care and support, regardless of their background and circumstances, can get the help they need.

Effective communication channels and referral processes ensure seamless support for service users with mental health needs. These can be established by:

Having open communication through all levels of health and social care systems and with service users, their families and carers.
Looking at best practices and research that have proven positive, e.g. NHS England Digital has examples of best practice and NHS e-Referral Service.
Involving partners in the design and creation of referral pathways.
Creating a local community team that focuses on mental health referrals.
Using alternative means of communication and providing information for service users and staff with specific needs, e.g. sign language or written communication for those with hearing impairments. It should be accessible and inclusive.
Replacing manual systems with technology and electronic systems to enhance communication and referral processes.
Having clear policies and procedures for communication channels and managing referrals.
Streamlining the process to speed up referrals and reduce the number so service users can access mental health care more promptly.

Effective communication, collaboration and referral pathways can improve patient outcomes, increase efficiencies and lead to a more compassionate and accessible health and social care system.

Conclusion

Millions of people in the UK have some manner of mental health problem, and health and social care workers are likely to encounter many in the settings in which they work. They may also have challenges working in such a fast-paced and demanding sector.

There are numerous types of mental health conditions and disorders, and they can significantly impact people’s day-to-day lives and adversely affect their mental and physical health and well-being. They can also impact their loved ones, people in their local community and society.

Mental health awareness, literacy and support are crucial in health and social care settings to understand common conditions and the issues people face. It is also vital to address stigma and discrimination so those with mental illness feel comfortable and safe accessing the care and treatment they need. Having an understanding of mental health can help with its promotion and provide staff with the knowledge and skills to support service users with mental health needs.

Building resilience, coping skills, and self-care are essential for service users and staff, as they will help them manage stress, look after their well-being and prevent them from developing chronic health issues.

There is much to learn regarding mental health; it can affect people differently, and everyone has varying backgrounds and needs. Therefore, health and social care staff should be committed to ongoing training, education, and collaboration to improve outcomes for individuals with mental health issues accessing care.