Mental health problems

How we can help people with mental health problems

Mental health problems can affect people on a short term or long term basis. The key to being able to cope with difficulties is to get help as soon as possible. Mental health problems can be either:

Neurotic

This is when everyday emotional states are presenting as more severe. This can include; depression, states of panic or anxiousness.

Psychotic

This is when a person’s perception of reality is interfered with. This can include things such as hallucinating and seeing or feeling things that are not there.

Diagnosis of either of these conditions will be through a GP.

Speech and language therapy can help with any associated speech, language, communication, eating and drinking difficulties.

What are mental health problems?

Mental health problems are a lot more common than you would think. Amongst them, anxiety and depression are most common. Both of these conditions can be debilitating to a person’s everyday life and affect their wellbeing. People often try and disguise their feelings and problems as they are afraid of other people’s reactions. This can often make the condition worse.

There are many mental health problems which are more severe, for example; schizophrenia, bi-polar and personality disorder. People who suffer from these disorders often feel over powerful and have irrational beliefs, as well as hearing voices and seeing things which are not there.

What causes mental health problems?

Mental health problems are extremely individual and can have many different causes and effects on a person. There are many different reasons for someone developing a mental illness. It could be genetic, through lifestyle choices or through past experiences. It could be a combination of these factors or through all of the above. In a lot of cases, mental health problems occur over a period of time and happen after a series of events in someone’s life leading to a breakdown or development of mental illness.

What problems caused by mental health problems can SLT UK help with?

Speech and language therapy can help with many aspects of mental illness. Attention and listening, comprehension and expression, swallowing, communication and social communication can all be be improved by speech and language therapy treatment depending on each individual and their personal goals.

How does speech and language therapy help mental health problems?

Speech and language therapy can help a number of different mental health conditions. Some people may feel their social and communication skills may have suffered as a result of their illness. Speech and language therapists support and help the individual to overcome these issues by thinking about communication in a different way or by offering solutions to different issues arising. This will be totally dependent on the individual. Some people may also suffer from a change in their ability to swallow meaning a speech and language therapist will be able to assess this and plan treatment accordingly.

What would speech and language therapy treatment for mental health problems involve?

Speech and language therapy for mental health problems may include assessments, reviews, reports, therapy programmes, groups, training, advice and education.

An initial assessment will be carried out by one of our speech and language therapists. This will highlight any worries and difficulties concerning communication and speech. It will also provide a chance for you to share any concerns you may have, and allow you to discuss what you would like to work on and improve.

Summary

Mental health problems are extremely individual and can be caused by different effects on people’s lives. They can range from mild to severe. Speech and language therapy can help with varying conditions, with a focus on things such as swallowing, social and communication skills. Speech and language therapy can increase confidence, self-esteem and independence.

If you feel you may benefit from speech and language therapy or would like any more information on our services please email office@slt.co.uk or call 0330 088 5643.