The presentation titled “Mental Health and Women” was presented by Dr. Shameer on December 1, 2024, at the BIC Centre in Leicester, aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of mental health and its unique implications for women. The presentation emphasised that mental health is as essential as physical health and impacts all aspects of life, including relationships, work, and community contributions.
Understanding Mental Health
Mental health, as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is a state of well-being where individuals recognise their abilities, cope with life’s stresses, and contribute meaningfully to society. Poor mental health, which affects 1 in 4 people annually, manifests in conditions like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Mental health and physical health are interdependent, and neglecting one can negatively impact the other.
Dr. Shameer highlighted that mental health challenges are influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors, including genetics, trauma, relationships, and lifestyle choices. Social media, loneliness, and life changes such as bereavement or financial stress were identified as critical contributors to mental health struggles.
Spotting the Signs of Mental Health Issues
Key indicators of declining mental health include persistent low mood, tearfulness, fatigue, social withdrawal, and erratic behavior. Anxiety and depression were discussed in detail:
- Anxiety: Symptoms include constant worry, racing thoughts, physical signs like a pounding heart or sweating, and behaviors such as avoidance or irritability.
- Depression: Marked by feelings of hopelessness, low self-worth, lethargy, changes in appetite, and reduced self-care.
The session stressed the importance of recognising these signs early and seeking appropriate support.
Global and Community Impact
Mental health disorders contribute to 10% of the global disease burden, with over 700,000 people dying by suicide annually. In England, 1 in 6 people experience common mental health problems weekly, demonstrating the pervasive nature of these issues. Suicide, a leading cause of death among young adults, highlights the urgent need for awareness and intervention.
Managing and Improving Mental Health
Dr. Shameer shared practical strategies to manage mental well-being effectively. Although there is no conclusive evidence, these were based on various studies.
- Diet: A balanced diet rich in fiber, protein, healthy fats, and low in sugar is concidered the best and the food with high glycemic index was considered the worst for the stabilisation of mood and energy levels.
- Magnesium and phosphatidylserine were shown to support the hormonal balance and improve the mood. Supplements are freely available in markets, but selecting food rich in magnesium and phosphatidylserine should be encouraged rather than supplements.
- Sleep: Getting a good sleep is vital for good mental health. Improving the sleep hygiene and avoiding screens at least two hours before bedtime helps regulate the sleep and in turn mood and energy.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity releases endorphins, reduces stress, and boosts mood. Activities like walking, yoga, or stretching all can help in different ways ans have shown to impactful.
- Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and journaling were discussed among many other modalities to alleviate stress and anxiety.
- Social Connections: Building and maintaining relationships with loved ones fosters a sense of belonging and emotional support.
Seeking Help
The presentation encouraged participants to seek professional help for severe mood changes or mental health conditions. Self-referral options for disorders like anxiety, depression, and PTSD were discussed, along with resources such as the NHS mental health services and online support platforms.
Conclusion
The session concluded by emphasising the importance of addressing mental health proactively and destigmatising the conversation. Dr. Shameer reinforced that mental health is everyone’s responsibility and that building awareness, adopting healthy habits, and seeking timely help can significantly improve individual and community well-being.
