Today marks World Mental Health Day, and across the globe people are tweeting, sharing, and hashtagging away to raise awareness for those affected by mental health issues.
Mental health issues affects people irrespective of age, gender and social position. It also disproportionately affects those who have a learning disability. According to The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, as many as 36 per cent of children and young people with a learning disability have a mental health problem, while just eight per cent of the rest of the population of a comparable age. Similarly, the level of schizophrenia amongst adults with learning disabilities is three times higher than in the general population.
The reasons for this are complex and involve social, medical and environmental factors. For example, many people with learning disabilities have difficulties with communication and may not be able to express themselves as easily as others. This means that the role of support workers, family and friends become even more important. What can you do help?
- – Look out for changes in behavior, as this can mean someone is developing a mental illness.
- – You can try and help your relative or friend by encouraging them to get help from a doctor like a General Practitioner (GP).
- – They may refuse to see a doctor. If so, you can try and ask for help yourself
- – Talk to friend, family and staff who know them well and share your concerns
- – Contact the GP or local mental health services.
- – It is important to look after your own emotional wellbeing too.
For more information and advice on mental health, visit:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
http://www.learningdisabilities.org.uk/