YARANA | You Are Not Alone | Human Care Trust

You Are Not Alone

YARANA

YARANA provides confidential consultations for individuals (18 and above) dealing with distress or despair, including those with mental health challenges. Friends or family members of individuals with mental illness can also seek advice. YARANA is staffed by a panel of Qualified Consultant Psychiatrists who offer free, anonymous guidance. It serves as a confidential platform where experienced mental health professionals provide guidance on managing daily life and furnish information on valuable services. The goal is to help individuals find relevant resources, build confidence, and support their recovery. Queries can be emailed, with responses provided via email or a call from a volunteer within 5-7 days.

What can we discuss?

People contact us with diverse concerns, understanding that what may be trivial to one can be substantial to another. Whether dealing with a new challenge or persistent struggles, we offer extra support. Don't hesitate to reach out even if your specific issue is not mentioned. Common reasons for seeking help encompass relationship issues, loss, financial stress, job-related pressure, academic stress, loneliness, depression, physical illness, substance use, or thoughts of suicide. We won't decide for you but will back the choices you make, recognizing that you are the expert of your own life; our advice or opinions are secondary.

Effects of mental issues on work

Mental health significantly impacts work in multiple ways, affecting both individuals and organizations. Common mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to decreased productivity, higher rates of absenteeism, increased presenteeism, and greater staff turnover, all of which can have substantial economic implications. Here's a closer look at the effects of mental health on work:

1. Decreased Productivity
- Reduced Focus and Concentration: Mental health issues like anxiety or depression can lead to difficulties with focus, decision-making, and memory, making it challenging to complete tasks efficiently.
- Low Motivation: Mental health conditions can sap motivation, which may reduce overall productivity and affect performance.
- Burnout: Long-term stress can lead to burnout, where employees feel emotionally and physically exhausted, making it hard for them to engage or put effort into their work.
2. Absenteeism
- Higher Sick Leave: Mental health problems are a major cause of sick leave. Employees experiencing stress, depression, or anxiety may need time off to recover, leading to increased absenteeism.
- Long-Term Absence: Chronic or severe mental health issues can lead to extended periods away from work. In the UK, mental health conditions are among the leading causes of long-term absence from work.
3. Presenteeism
- Being Present but Not Fully Engaged: Presenteeism occurs when employees come to work despite not feeling mentally well. They may be physically present but perform below their capability due to their mental state.
- Negative Impact on Team Dynamics: Employees working while unwell may unintentionally lower team morale, increase errors, or reduce overall team productivity due to their lower engagement and motivation.
4. Higher Staff Turnover
- Resignations Due to Poor Mental Health: High levels of workplace stress, burnout, and lack of mental health support can lead to employees quitting their jobs. In high-stress environments, individuals may leave to protect their mental well-being.
- Difficulty Retaining Talent: Organizations that do not prioritize mental health can struggle to retain talent, leading to costs associated with hiring and training new employees.
5. Workplace Accidents and Safety Risks
- Higher Risk of Mistakes: Mental health issues like stress, sleep deprivation, and anxiety can increase the likelihood of mistakes, especially in high-stakes jobs like healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing.
- Increased Accidents: In jobs that require manual labor or operate heavy machinery, mental distractions caused by mental health problems can lead to accidents and injuries.
6. Team and Workplace Culture
- Lower Team Morale: When mental health issues affect one or more team members, it can lead to a tense or low-morale environment. Colleagues may feel pressured to take on additional work, leading to resentment or burnout among the team.
- Reduced Collaboration: Mental health issues can make employees feel isolated, withdrawn, or less engaged with others, reducing team cohesion and communication.
7. Financial and Economic Costs
- Increased Costs for Employers: Mental health-related absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover lead to financial losses for organizations. In the UK, mental health conditions are estimated to cost businesses between 42 billion and 45 billion annually.
- Healthcare and Insurance Costs: Employers may also face rising healthcare and insurance costs due to mental health issues among employees, especially where mental health treatment is covered under employer-provided health insurance.
8. Impact on Professional Development and Career Progression
- Limited Career Growth: Employees with untreated mental health issues may struggle to take on additional responsibilities, pursue promotions, or advance in their careers, which can lead to a stagnant career path.
- Skill Gaps: Organizations may experience skill gaps when employees with high levels of expertise and experience leave due to poor mental health.
Addressing Mental Health at Work
Proactively addressing mental health at work can mitigate many of these impacts. Organizations can support mental health by:
- Providing Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Offering confidential counseling and support services.
- Promoting Work-Life Balance: Encouraging reasonable working hours and flexibility to reduce stress and burnout.
- Creating a Supportive Culture: Reducing stigma and fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help.
- Training Managers: Equipping leaders with tools to recognize and respond to mental health issues among team members.

Ultimately, supporting mental health in the workplace not only improves employee well-being but can also boost productivity, reduce costs, and create a more positive and resilient work environment.

Mental health issues and services available

Mental health issues are a significant concern in London, as the city's fast-paced, high-cost, and often isolating environment can exacerbate conditions like anxiety, depression, stress, and addiction. Various factors contribute to mental health challenges in London, including economic pressures, housing insecurity, social isolation, and employment stress. To address these issues, a range of mental health services and facilities are available across London, with both public and private options.

Here s an overview of some key resources and facilities:
1. NHS Mental Health Services
- NHS Trusts: London has multiple NHS Mental Health Trusts, such as Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM)- and West London NHS Trust, each providing mental health services for local communities.
- Primary Care Support: GP surgeries across London are often the first point of contact, providing mental health assessments and referrals to specialists.
- Talking Therapies: The NHS offers free or low-cost psychological therapies through the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) program, available for mild to moderate mental health issues.
2. Crisis and Emergency Support
- Mental Health Crisis Helplines: Helplines like NHS 111 and mental health-specific crisis lines (e.g., SLaM's 24/7 helpline) offer immediate assistance for people experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Crisis Cafes: Places like Hestia Crisis Caf'e and Safe Havens offer face-to-face support in non-clinical settings, providing a safe space and immediate support for people in distress.
- Hospital Psychiatric Wards: Emergency departments in hospitals like St. Thomas' and the Maudsley have psychiatric liaison teams that provide emergency support for mental health crises.
3. Specialized Mental Health Clinics and Charities
- The Maudsley Hospital: Known for its mental health research and specialized services, The Maudsley offers clinics for personality disorders, addiction, eating disorders, and more.
- Mind in London: Mind operates various branches across London and offers counseling, advice, and support groups.
- Rethink Mental Illness: This charity provides community-based support and advocates for mental health policy change.
4. Community Mental Health Services
- Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs): CMHTs are multidisciplinary teams that offer ongoing support for people with complex or long-term mental health conditions, often in coordination with GPs and local organizations.
- Local Voluntary Groups and Support Networks: Organizations such as Black Thrive and LGBTQ+ mental health services cater to the specific needs of communities, offering group support and tailored resources.
5. Digital and App-Based Services
- NHS-Approved Mental Health Apps: Apps like SilverCloud, Big White Wall, and Calm offer accessible, on-the-go mental health support for issues like stress and anxiety.
- Telehealth Services: The pandemic boosted online counseling services, making it easier to access therapy through video calls. Services such as Kooth (for young people) and private platforms like BetterHelp and MyOnlineTherapy are popular.
6. Private Mental Health Facilities
- The Priory Group: Known for private mental health and addiction treatment, The Priory Group operates several clinics across London, providing a range of therapies and inpatient care.
- Nightingale Hospital: Specializes in outpatient, day, and inpatient mental health services, with dedicated programs for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
7. Workplace and Educational Support Programs
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many employers in London offer EAPs, which provide access to short-term counseling and support services for employees.
- University Counseling Services: Universities often have in-house counseling for students, offering a range of mental health resources and crisis support.

Accessing mental health support in London can involve a mix of NHS, charity, and private options depending on individual needs, location, and urgency. Many services are designed to be flexible, offering online or in-person support, so individuals can choose the type of care that best suits them.

Types of mental health issues in the UK
Mental health issues in London mirror those seen throughout the UK, but factors like the high cost of living, fast-paced lifestyle, and socio-economic inequality can increase the prevalence and severity of these problems in the city. Here's an overview of common types of mental health issues and some key statistics:

Common Types of Mental Health Issues
1. Anxiety Disorders:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), social anxiety, and panic disorders are common in urban environments like London. Work-related stress, financial concerns, and housing instability often contribute to these conditions.
2. Depression:
- Depression, including major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), affects many Londoners. Triggers can include isolation, pressure at work, and financial struggles. Depression rates tend to be higher in areas with greater deprivation.
3. Stress and Burnout:
- A fast-paced lifestyle and high living costs contribute to chronic stress and burnout. London's large professional population is particularly prone to these issues, with work-life balance being a common concern.
4. Substance Abuse:
- Substance abuse, particularly related to alcohol, drugs, and prescription medications, is often intertwined with other mental health conditions. London's nightlife and social culture can increase exposure to and usage of substances.
5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
- PTSD can affect individuals who have experienced traumatic events, including violence, accidents, or natural disasters. London's diverse population includes refugees and people with past trauma experiences.
6. Eating Disorders:
- Disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder are prevalent, especially among young people in London. Social media and societal pressures around body image can contribute to these disorders.
7. Bipolar Disorder:
- Characterized by mood swings that include emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression), bipolar disorder affects people across all demographics, including Londoners.
8. Personality Disorders:
- Personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder, are complex conditions often requiring long-term treatment.
9. Suicidal Ideation and Self-Harm:
- Rates of suicidal ideation and self-harm have been rising, particularly among young people. Socio-economic factors, isolation, and stress have been linked to these troubling trends.

Mental Health Statistics in London and the UK

1. Prevalence of Mental Health Issues:
- Approximately 1 in 4 adults in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year, with conditions like anxiety and depression being the most common.
- In London, the prevalence of mental health issues may be slightly higher due to additional stressors associated with urban living.
2. Youth Mental Health:
- Mental health issues in young people have seen a sharp rise, with recent NHS data indicating that 1 in 6 young people (aged 5-16) has a probable mental disorder.
- Self-harm rates are also notably higher among young people, with a significant rise during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Suicide Rates:
- Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among adults under 50 in the UK. Rates of suicide have seen an increase in certain areas of London, particularly in underprivileged and high-stress communities.
- Men are statistically more likely to die by suicide, while women are more likely to attempt self-harm or have suicidal ideation.
4. Impact of COVID-19:
- The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on mental health, with increased reports of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and other mental health issues.
- Isolation during lockdowns and the stress of economic instability intensified mental health struggles, particularly among young people and healthcare workers.
5. Access to Care:
- In England, around 1 in 8 adults with a mental health issue is currently receiving treatment, but in London, long waiting times and high demand for services can make access challenging.
- Londoners may also face disparities in accessing mental health services depending on their borough and socioeconomic status.
6. Mental Health and Employment:
- The cost of mental health problems to the UK economy is estimated at around 105 billion annually, with lost productivity due to mental illness being a major contributor.
- In London, mental health issues contribute to higher rates of absenteeism, presenteeism (being present at work but not productive), and job turnover.

Key Takeaways
Mental health issues in London are diverse and widespread, influenced by factors unique to urban life. While there are significant resources and facilities available, challenges like long wait times and disparities in access persist. Addressing these issues at a systemic level, especially in high-need communities, remains a critical task for public health and local governments.

Advise is available in following languages:

English
Urdu
Punjabi
Tamil
Kannada
Arabic

Website:
https://humancaretrust.com/

Email:
freeconsulting@humancaretrust.com

Useful Organisations:

Useful Resources:

NHS resources
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/

National Self-harm Network
https://www.nshn.co.uk/downloads/Distractions.pdf

Ditch the Label
https://www.ditchthelabel.org/15-safer-alternatives-to-self-harm