Sponsored Editorial

While it might be the most wonderful time of the year for some, the holiday season can be a time when mental health problems begin to surface or worsen.

And with concerns that there could be a huge increase in the number of people needing help for mental health issues, Vita Health Group in conjunction with the NHS is reaching out to reassure residents of Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley and Swale that help is available whatever the problem.

The group has already seen a rise in the number of people contacting them, after a year which has provided the perfect storm for mental health issues.

The Covid-19 pandemic has left people isolated, unable to socialise and often feeling trapped in difficult situations while their anxiety about the state of the world grows.

Vita work with the NHS to provide IAPT services (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) and cater for all common mental health conditions. It is a free service.

Professionals have seen first-hand how the pandemic has impacted on mental health through furlough or loss of employment, social isolation, uncertainty about the rules, and anxiety about the future. People may also find that they have stopped doing activities they enjoy, are struggling with sleep or motivation, or have money worries.

“We wanted to let people know that we are here to help them with whatever they are going through, and while we haven’t been able to offer in-person appointments we have established a range of different methods to help people virtually” said Dr Mohammed Munawar.

“A lot of people here have unfortunately been furloughed, or lost their jobs or even livelihoods with the impact of the pandemic on small local business. This has led to financial implications, and can have an associated impact on mental wellbeing. We wanted to reach out to our local community at what is a difficult time for everyone, to say we’re still here and able to provide help for people.”

Various types of support are available, depending on the issues people are facing and Vita caters for many common conditions including low mood, anxiety, depression, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), trauma and panic.

Vita Health has a range of webinars covering low mood and anxiety, which people can access from the comfort of their own home. A practitioner will go through the symptoms and teach techniques for coping that can then be put into practice in everyday life. The group also offers online or digital resources and provides telephone support.

Dr Munawar added: “Sometimes people might think they need to have really serious psychological problems to access mental health services, but we’re here to help anyone, whether they have serious, mild or moderate symptoms.

“If they’re noticing their mood is lower than usual, if they’re worrying a lot more about things, we may be able to assist. With everything that is going on in the world, it’s understandable that people may feel overwhelmed, and they can start to withdraw from their routine, withdraw from other people and develop mental health problems.

“Winter can generally be difficult for a lot of people at the best of times. There is less daylight, outdoor activities are more difficult, it’s colder, people are restricted and other stresses begin to grow in the lead-up to Christmas.

“So if they feel worried, stressed or overwhelmed, the aim of our treatment is to understand what the person is struggling with and hopefully equip them with some coping mechanisms and practices so they can lead a more fulfilling life.”

While many mental health services require a GP referral, people can self-refer to Vita Health Group, by calling 0333 0153495, Monday to Thursday, 8am to 8pm, and Friday from 8am to 5pm. The reception team will take some details and book an assessment, provided they are a resident of either Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley or Swale.

Alternatively, people can self-refer via the website and once they have submitted their details the administration team will be in touch. Interpreters can also be arranged for people concerned about language barriers.

If you feel you may need help, or just want to talk to someone about any concerns, visit https://www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk/nhs-services/nhs-mental-health/kentandmedway/