Mental health refers to the overall emotional, psychological and social wellbeing of individuals.
It impacts how people think, feel and act in their everyday lives.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health, and that means taking steps to keep well but also knowing when and how to seek help.
Mental wellbeing means feeling good about yourself and the world around you.
Local services
If you or someone else needs urgent help for a mental health issue, phone Mental Health Direct on 0300 555 1000 (24/7, 365 days a year) or the emergency services (999).
Help is also available from NHS 111 and the Samaritans on 116 123.
For information on local mental health support and ways to support your wellbeing visit the Live Well Havering website.
Mental health and wellbeing is an essential area of Public Health
Having good mental health helps people make better choices, build relationships and bounce back from hard times (resilience).
Poor mental health can lead to serious problems like self-harm, long-term health issues or even suicide.
Key facts
- 1 in 8 adults worldwide has a mental health condition.
- Mental illness is the most common reason for people taking sick days in the UK.
- Mental health issues cost the UK £300 billion in 2022.
Mental health and wellbeing is an area of Public Health focus in Havering
In Havering, many people struggle with their mental health.
It is important to make sure everyone can get the help they need easily and fairly.
- In 2023/24, about 17 percent of adults visiting their GP said they were experiencing anxiety or depression.
- Since 2012, mental health problems have led to a 6 percent increase in Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs; a way of measuring health issues that affect people’s daily lives).
- In Havering, about 36,000 adults are estimated to have common mental health problems (like anxiety or depression), and 1,100 adults are estimated to have more serious conditions, like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
What we do in Havering
The Public Health team has worked with partners to create a report, called a needs assessment, that identifies gaps and recommendations to improve adult mental health in Havering.
Partners across Havering, like Talking Therapies, Mental Health and Wellness Teams and voluntary sector organisations, support people who experience mental health challenges.
Plans like the Suicide Prevention Strategy, Substance Misuse Strategy and the Havering Place-Based Partnership Strategy are in place to make changes to improve the mental health of the population in Havering.
How you can make a change
Members of the public can:
- talk to your doctor or try Talking Therapies if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression.
- take care of yourself by practicing self-care, like exercising, joining a group or volunteering. Such activities can help a person to stay mentally healthy.
- consider the NHS 5 steps to mental wellbeing - NHS and take the NHS quiz to get started today with a free plan, expert advice and practical tips.
- learn about mental health and help reduce stigma (negative attitudes) related to mental health and share what you learn with others.
Professionals working in the area can:
- get training in mental health first aid, trauma-informed care, or Making Every Contact Count (MECC) training to support others.
- work with others to connect physical and mental health services so people get better care.
- team up with local groups to address societal challenges that also affect mental health like housing or jobs.