What is mental health?

MONEY AND MENTAL HEALTH

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Introduction 1. What is mental ill health? 2. What you can do to help

Introduction to 'What is mental health?'

In this lesson, you'll find out what mental health means. We'll share signs of mental ill health and how to support others who are experiencing it.

What you'll learn

  • What we mean by 'mental ill health'. 
  • Signs and symptoms.
  • How you can support someone who's experiencing mental ill health.

How long it takes

3 minutes

Chapter 1 - What is mental ill health?

What is mental ill health?

Chapter 1

How long it takes

1 minute

What do we mean by 'mental ill health'?

At some time in our lives, many of us experience mental ill health. 

Sometimes this can make it hard to deal with money, or money problems could have contributed to mental ill health.

This can be different for each person who experiences it. Not everyone will have a diagnosis of a mental health condition from a doctor. 

Problems such as low self-esteem, stress or isolation aren't a condition or disease, but they can have a big impact on mental health. Mental ill health can be caused by, and cause, symptoms like forgetfulness, headaches and a fast heartbeat. 

What to look for

Warning signs of mental health problems or illness can include sleeping too much or too little, having no energy, unexplained aches or pains, feeling forgetful, feeling on edge or panicked, mood swings, seeing or hearing what isn't there and thoughts of harming self or others. 

Relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms such as smoking, drinking or shopping can also be a warning sign of mental ill health. 

It's important not to try to diagnose yourself or anyone else who has these symptoms. Instead, look for help and support. 

Finding help

Mental health problems and illness might make things seem like they will never get better, but there is lots of help available. With the right support, people experiencing these symptoms can recover, start to cope with the stresses of life and feel well again.

Coping tools such as meditation, mental exercises and physical activity can be valuable in managing mental health problems and illness. 

For help and information, visit Mental Health UK.

Introduction - What is mental health?
Chapter 2 - What you can do to help

What you can do to help

Chapter 2

How long it takes

2 minutes

Supporting someone with mental ill health

It can be hard to know what to do if someone you know and care about is experiencing mental ill health. Here are some ideas that could help you support them.

 

Use the arrows to move through our tips:

Listen

Listening is powerful. Without trying to solve problems or provide answers, just being there for someone who is struggling can make a huge difference. Listening without judgement can help the person you know feel better. 

It might feel daunting to talk about mental ill health, so Mental Health UK (PDF, 390 KB) have created a one-page guide.

Offer practical help

You don't need to offer solutions or fix everything – but helping with simple tasks like shopping or tidying up can ease the pressure for someone experiencing mental ill health.

Take a break

Having a mental health issue can be isolating and upsetting. Having fun can give someone a break for a while and help them relax. 

It doesn't have to be big! Choose something they would enjoy which won't put any pressure on them, like a quiz, a game or a movie. 

Get expert advice

If money issues are making mental health issues worse, suggest getting advice from Citizens Advice, a free debt advice service or their bank. Or you could offer to get advice for them. 

Stopping money problems from getting worse will help the person you know in the long term. 

Suggest professional help

Mental health problems and illness are common and treatable – there is nothing to be ashamed of. The sooner the person you know seeks mental health advice, the faster they can feel better. 

Try suggesting that you go with them to see a professional, so that they have your support. 

What is mental health: completed!

In this lesson, you looked at what is meant by mental ill health, the warning signs and how to help others who are experiencing it.

Chapter 1 - What is mental ill health?

Want to learn more?

There are many more lessons to help you learn more about money and mental health.

Go to Money and mental health

 

Lloyds Bank Academy is committed to providing information in a way that is accessible and useful for our users. This information, however, is not in any way intended to amount to authority or advice on which reliance should be placed. You should seek professional advice as appropriate and required. Any sites, products or services named in this module are just examples of what's available. Lloyds Bank does not endorse the services they provide. The information in this module was last updated on 25th November 2024.

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