Public Health England (PHE) is piloting its new Every Mind Matters campaign in the region - highlighting that while everyone can feel stressed, anxious, low or have trouble sleeping from time to time, there are simple actions we can take to manage them and prevent them from becoming more serious.
It encourages people to visit the Every Mind Matters Type=links;Linkid=11160;Title=website;Target=_blank; which provides expert advice, practical tips and experiences from real people to help manage these issues.
Each year, around 1 in 4 people in Wolverhampton experience a mental health problem, while a new survey of adults across the West Midlands also shows that nearly three quarters of people in the region report experiencing low mood, anxiety, stress and trouble sleeping frequently or occasionally.
Stress is the most common response, with over half 51% of people in the West Midlands experiencing this frequently or occasionally, compared to 49% for sleeplessness, 44% for low mood and 38% for anxiety.
The survey also found that two thirds of adults in the West Midlands say they look after their physical health on a weekly basis, but less than half look after their mental health as regularly.
Councillor Hazel Malcolm, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "These figures highlight the importance of helping people to better understand and take action on their own mental health.
"Having good mental health can help us feel and function better, have more positive relationships with those around us and deal with and manage difficult times now and into the future. Over time, having good mental health may also reduce our risk of physical health problems."
Dr Lola Abudu, Director of Health and Wellbeing with PHE West Midlands, said: "With the pressures of modern life, it's normal to feel stressed, anxious, low or have trouble sleeping some of the time. But when these become overwhelming or frequent they can manifest into a more serious problem.
"It's just as important to take action to look after your mental health, as you would your physical health. Our campaign helps you take your mental health into your own hands, so you can protect and improve your own mental health."
The Every Mind Matters guide also offers support for social anxiety, trauma, obsessions and compulsions or panic attacks and provides information for people wishing to help friends, family and colleagues experiencing mental health problems.
For help, advice and to create your own action plan to help look after your mental health, visit Type=links;Linkid=11160;Title=One You - Every Mind Matters;Target=_blank;.
- released: Friday 12 October, 2018