How Can You Improve People’s Mental Health?

Good health is no longer just physical.  

Mental health is equally important, if not more. But it is often overlooked due to a lack of obvious physical symptoms. About 1 in 4 people experience mental health problems each year; meaning all of us probably know at least one person who struggles.  

Thankfully, there is growing awareness and a healthy dialogue about various mental health issues; reducing the stigma surrounding mental illnesses and improving the availability and accessibility of support.  

Unlike common physical health problems, mental health issues require long-term treatment, often including a combination of counselling sessions and medications. Additionally, several lifestyle changes and healthy habits have to be adopted to improve one’s mental health. But most crucially, providing empathy and the right kind of support to someone with mental health issues can make all the difference in their recovery.  

There are several things you can do to help improve someone’s mental health.  

Listen, Tell Them You Care 

Encourage them to open up about their struggles. Give them the space and time to speak about their issues and ask what you can do to help. Reassure them that they will not be judged and that your conversations will remain confidential. 

Let them know you are concerned about their well-being and are available to listen and help them whenever they are ready to share. Expressing that you care is a big step towards making someone feel comfortable about sharing their struggles.  

Be ready to listen to them but do not force them to share or seek help unless they clearly say they want to. It can be counterproductive and lead them to shut themselves off, be patient! 

Offer To Help 

Mental illness can often prevent people from doing even the most routine tasks like shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc. Offer to do these chores whenever possible and help them out with other practical tasks including accompanying them to appointments.  

Encourage Them To Seek Professional Help 

We all feel anxious or depressed some days. But when such days turn into weeks and months, the person most likely needs professional help to deal with the problem. If you know someone who has been struggling with mental health issues for some time, you may suggest seeking help from a mental health professional.  

Becoming a Mental Health Professional 

There is no vocation more rewarding and challenging as a counsellor or a mental health worker. While being empathetic and understanding are two very crucial requirements, having a formal education in the subject can go a long way in helping you become a caring and efficient mental health worker.  

The University of Bolton’s BSc (Hons) Mental Health, Wellbeing and Counselling degree is a great step towards a rewarding career in this sector. This brand-new course for the September 2023 intake offers a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of mental health. 

Course Highlights 

- Our psychology courses have been voted 1st for Student Satisfaction*  

- Combing psychology, social and community work, law, and healthcare, with the chance to qualify in counselling skills, this multi-disciplinary course opens the door to a range of long-lasting careers   

- Throughout your studies, you will benefit from direct access to your tutor, an experienced member of our psychology lecturer team   

- Students can undertake work-based learning in a professional setting   

- We have a strong focus on employability skills and the practical application of your studies. Our workshops include analysing life events, and role-playing scenarios using case study material 

If you would like to find out more about the Mental Health, Wellbeing and Counselling degree at Bolton University to see if this is the right step in your career journey, click here to view our full course details.   

For further information, please contact us at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or call on 01204 903807. At the University of Bolton, we are proud to put our students and their needs first.  

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/supporting-others/helping-others/