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Islanders are being reminded of the importance of their mental health this week and the options available for anyone needing support.
Counsellor and Coach Miranda Rock spoke to Express as national Mental Health Awareness Week continues.
“It is a real plus that people are paying more attention to their mental health and that it has become acceptable for people to recognise when they may need support,” said Mrs Rock.
Pictured: Mrs Rock said the risk of not seeking mental health support is internalising feelings.
Mrs Rock continued: “There has also been a shift where it is now much more possible and acceptable for men to seek support, whereas in the past men would not have considered mental health support a priority or perhaps even something they had a right to access.”
Mrs Rock has been a counsellor for over 35 years and a coach for two decades.
“I think prioritising mental health has been coming for a long while and that the covid pandemic certainly brought it to the forefront of people’s minds,” she said.
“Some people had very positive experiences through the pandemic, while others had very negative experiences. It raised the questions in people’s minds of what they want, how do they want to live, what is important in their lives and what, if any, changes may be needed.”
Pictured: Mrs Rock said that is has become more acceptable for men to admit when they need support.
Mrs Rock said that she would encourage anyone who is struggling with health problems to get the appropriate support.
“I think almost everyone has had the experience of lying awake at three o’clock in the morning thinking about a significant problem which, in the light of day doesn’t seem so bad in the morning,” she said.
“The risk of not getting support is that you start to internalise your feelings to the point that they become overwhelming, and you don’t bring them into the light, where they won’t seem as bad."
Pictured: Talking to friends and family or seeking professional support can help with mental health problems.
Mrs Rock continued: “Sharing your problems is a way to shine a light on them, it doesn’t necessarily need to be with a professional, even confiding in friends and family who you trust can help things.”
There is a wide range of mental health support available to islanders, including your GP, Guernsey Mind, Healthy Minds, Bailiwick Social Prescribing and The Samaritans.
A list of available support is available HERE
If you are concerned you might harm yourself or someone else, contact emergency services on 999 or A&E on 01481 220000.
If you require urgent mental health help you can call the Samaritans on their 24-hour free helpline on 116123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Guernsey Mind 01481 722959
Healthy Minds / Health Connections 01481 227240
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