More than eight in ten Asians experienced early signs of poor mental health

Monday 04th November 2019 12:13 EST
 

A new survey reveals that more than eight in ten (82%) people from an Asian background have experienced early signs of poor mental health. The survey conducted by Public Health England (PHE) charted over the last 12 months and highlighted symptoms of feeling anxious, stressed, and having trouble sleeping.

The PHE in partnership with the NHS, has now launched 'Every Mind Matters' to help people take simple steps for their mental health and wellbeing whilst supporting others.

The survey also observed that nearly half (47%) of people who experienced concerns about their mental health avoided social situations or contact from friends and family. Whereas four in ten (40%) people who experienced concerns about their mental health turned to unhealthy behaviours like smoking, drinking alcohol, unhealthy eating or taking recreational drugs.

“Every Mind Matters will benefit us all with an accessible tool to help manage our wellbeing at the click of a button. It will offer vital support to those living with a mental health condition and give each of us valuable and personalised tips on how to better cope with life’s daily struggles, while contributing to tackling the stigma that can still surround mental health,” said Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

A special film to promote Every Mind Matters has been written by Richard Curtis and directed by Rankin. It is narrated by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The film features a range of people whose lives have been affected by poor mental health, including Nadiya Hussain, Gillian Anderson, Glenn Close, Freddie Flintoff, Professor Green, Davina McCall, Jordan Stephens, Will Young, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Sarah Taylor, Rob Beckett, Katie Piper, Joe Sugg and Alastair Campbell.

‘The latest data from Public Health England shows that all of us will be affected by poor mental health at some point in our lives. However, not all of us feel able to access the right help, especially minority communities, which is why I’d like to encourage the whole country, including everyone within the South-Asian communities to feel more empowered to look after their own mental health. We can all make a start by visiting the Every Mind Matters website,” said TV doctor Ranj Singh.


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