Mental Health

Mental health is a vital part of our overall wellbeing, just like physical health. We all have mental health, and it’s something we should take care of throughout our lives.

Having good mental health means being able to manage daily life, make decisions, and cope with challenges in a way that feels right for you. However, there may be times when your mental health is not as strong. You might find it harder to manage your thoughts, feelings, or behaviours, which can impact your day-to-day life. This can be as distressing and serious as any physical illness. Each year, one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem. These issues can range from more common conditions such as anxiety and depression, to less common but serious illnesses like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. 

You’re Not Alone

Struggling with your mental health can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if it’s the first time. It’s not unusual to worry that you’re weak or that something is wrong with you — but this simply isn’t true.

Unfortunately, the way mental health is portrayed in films, on TV, or in the media can contribute to stigma and make people feel ashamed or isolated. This can prevent individuals from seeking help when they need it most.

But the reality is that mental health challenges are a normal part of life for many people. They can affect anyone, regardless of background or circumstance. With the right support, whether that’s self-care, professional treatment, or community resources, things can and often do improve.

Types of Mental Health Problems

• Anger
• Biopolar Disorder
• Body Dysmorphia Disorder (BDD)
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
• Depression
• Disassociation and Dissassociative Disorders
• Eating Disorders
• Hearing Voices
• Hypomania and Mania
• Loneliness
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Paranoia
• Personality Disorder
• Postnatal Depression
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
• Psychosis
• Recreational Drugs, Alcohol and addiction
• Schizoaffective Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Self Esteem
• Self Harm
• Sleep Problems
• Stress
• Suicidal Feelings
• Suicide Attempt 
• Tardive Dyskinesia
• Trauma

Where can I get help in Luton, Bedfordshire?

There is help available to you both locally and nationally.

Locally:

• Total Wellbeing Luton (General Health and Wellbeing)
• Resolutions (Drug and Alcohol)
• Talking Elephants (Bereavement)
• Turn2Us (Financial Worries)
• LGBT Foundation
• MIND (Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes)
• The Hat Factory (Social Connections)
• Thrive Programme – Youthscape (Young people aged 11 and above)
• Bedfordshire and Luton Discovery College (Young person aged 13 to 18-years-old)
• Bedfordshire and Luton Recovery College (18- years & older)

Nationally:

• MIND
• Men’s Sheds
• MANUP?
• StepChange
• Mental Health Foundation
• Anxiety UK
• Samaritans
• Sue Ryder Online Bereavement

For more information on how mental health affects men, visit our Men’s Health page. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team at Medics PCN.