Back to School with MyHelp

As summer draws to an end and September approaches, the pace of life changes significantly for many of us. Leaving the warmer weather and summer holidays behind us for another year is a welcome change for some, but for others it can be a difficult time, and a potential trigger for mental health problems.

The return to school, or university, is a common trigger for anxiety and depression in young people. Furthermore, it’s not uncommon for parents of students heading to University - or young adults leaving home for the first time - to experience feelings of loss associated with ‘empty nest syndrome’.

According to figures from NHS England, one in four adults and one in ten children experiences mental health problems, a figure which has increased significantly since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Anxiety and depression are at record levels, whilst NHS services are under more pressure than ever before, so it’s important to find ways to offer practical support to those who need it.

If you’d like to take part in Mental Health Awareness Week, you can share your experiences of loneliness on social media, using the hashtag #IveBeenThere.

UK mental health

Mental health services in the UK are provided by a range of different organisations, including the National Health Service (NHS), local authorities, charities, and private healthcare providers. The NHS is the main provider of mental health services in the UK, offering a range of different treatments and support options for people with mental health issues.

One of the key challenges facing mental health services in the UK is ensuring that people with mental health issues receive timely and appropriate treatment. This can be difficult due to a lack of available resources and funding, as well as the stigma that still surrounds mental health issues. As a result, many people with mental health problems are not able to access the support they need when they need it, which can lead to their conditions worsening and potentially causing long-term harm.

To address this issue, the UK government has introduced a number of initiatives aimed at improving access to mental health services. This includes increasing funding for mental health services and training more mental health professionals, as well as introducing new laws and regulations to ensure that people with mental health issues receive the support they need.

Another key challenge facing mental health services in the UK is the quality of care that is provided. While the NHS provides a high standard of care, there are still concerns about the availability of certain treatments and the level of support provided to people with mental health issues. In particular, there has been a focus on improving the quality of care provided in mental health hospitals, as well as ensuring that people with mental health issues are treated with dignity and respect.

In conclusion, mental health services in the UK have made significant progress in recent years, but there is still much work to be done to ensure that everyone with mental health issues has access to the support they need. The government and other organisations are working hard to improve mental health services and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, but it will take time to address the challenges that still exist.

Supporting patients with anxiety and panic attacks

Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion, but when a person regularly feels disproportionate levels of anxiety, it might become a medical disorder. Anxiety disorders form a category of mental health diagnoses that lead to excessive nervousness, fear, apprehension and worry. These disorders can alter how a person processes emotions and behaves, and can also cause physical symptoms.

Panic disorder is a specific anxiety disorder characterised by recurrent unexpected panic attacks. These are sudden periods of intense fear that may induce palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, numbness, or a feeling that something terrible is going to happen. Panic attacks can occur at any time, even during sleep and can vary in length from a few minutes to several hours. What's more, panic disorder can also develop into agoraphobia, a condition in which the person avoids places or situations that might trigger a panic attack.

Anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Panic disorder is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and psychological factors. Stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one, financial problems, or job stress can trigger a panic attack. Panic disorder is also more common in people who have a family history of the disorder or a history of other mental health disorders.

Panic disorder is usually diagnosed by a mental health professional, who will take a detailed history of the symptoms involved, including when the panic attacks occur, how often they occur, and what the person does in response to them. A physical examination may also be done to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms.

Treatment typically includes cognitive-behavioural therapy - or CBT - which is a form of talk therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. Medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may also be used in conjunction with this kind of therapy.

With the help of professional therapy, this disorder can be treated and managed successfully.

If you would like to find out more about MyHelp, get in touch today.

MyHelp: ORCHA and DSPT Certificate

MyHelp is pleased to announce that it has received accreditation from ORCHA, the leading organisation for the review of care and health apps. This recognition is a testament to MyHelp's commitment to providing the highest quality mental health support and services to its users through our innovative and user-centered approach.

ORCHA's rigorous evaluation process ensures that users can trust the information and services provided by MyHelp. Their approval confirms that MyHelp meets the highest standards in the industry, providing users with peace of mind and confidence in their mental health care journey.

In addition to ORCHA's accreditation, MyHelp has also successfully completed the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT), a comprehensive and thorough assessment of its data protection and security measures. With increasing concerns about data privacy and security, the DSPT certification is an important achievement for app developers and users alike.

At MyHelp, user privacy and data protection are of utmost importance. The successful completion of the DSPT is a demonstration of our commitment to safeguarding our users' information and ensuring that their personal and sensitive information is protected at all times.

With the DSPT certification and ORCHA's accreditation, MyHelp users can feel confident that their mental health information is in safe hands and that they are receiving the highest quality care and support from our app. We are proud to have received this recognition and will continue to strive towards providing the best possible services to anyone providing support for individuals suffering with their mental health.

Can an app help your mental health?

In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, apps have become an integral part of our daily lives. From social media and communication to entertainment and productivity, there are countless apps available to cater to our various needs.

One area where apps can be particularly useful is in supporting our mental health. With the increasing prevalence of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, having access to reliable and effective tools for managing and improving our mental health is more important than ever.

One type of app that can support our mental health is a mindfulness and meditation app. These apps offer guided meditation and mindfulness exercises, as well as helpful tips and techniques for managing stress and anxiety. By providing a structured and accessible way to practice mindfulness and meditation, these apps can help us develop a regular and effective self-care routine.

Another type of app that can support our mental health is a journaling app. Journaling has been shown to have numerous benefits for our mental health, including reducing stress, improving self-awareness, and fostering a sense of self-acceptance. A journaling app allows us to easily and conveniently record our thoughts, feelings, and experiences, providing a valuable tool for self-reflection and self-discovery.

Another app that can support our mental health is a mood tracking app. These apps allow us to record and track our moods over time, providing valuable insights into our emotional well-being. By tracking our moods, we can identify patterns and triggers, and develop strategies for managing and improving our mental health.

Overall, apps can be a valuable tool for supporting our mental health. By providing access to mindfulness and meditation exercises, journaling tools, and mood tracking capabilities, apps can help us develop effective self-care routines, improve our self-awareness, and manage our mental health more effectively.

MyHelp is a digital tool and app that has been created to empower therapists to help individuals in need of support with their mental health. MyHelp provides a truly interactive and collaborative model of mental health care; enhancing the relationship between individuals receiving support and their therapist, and improving outcomes for patients. It enables practitioners to share tools, including ‘homework’ assignments, psychotherapy goals and information resources with their service users. At the same time, service users benefit from enhanced therapeutic contact, including different options for connecting with their therapist, so that they feel more supported and engaged with the therapy process.

If you would like to find out more about MyHelp, get in touch today.