HOW VISUAL COMMUNICATION CAN HELP WITH MENTAL HEALTH

IT’S MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK. THE ‘NEW NORMAL’ HAS BROUGHT UP TO SURFACE A LOT OF ISSUES FOR US ALL. THIS BLOG WILL HELP YOU TO IDENTIFY SYMPTOMS OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AS WELL AS ALLOWING YOU TO HELP THOSE WHO SUFFER. LINKS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND PROFESSIONAL HELP ARE AVAILABLE AT THE END OF THE BLOG POST.

SPOTTING THE SIGNS

With mental health, it’s mostly seen as an invisible illness. Yet those who have suffered or suffer with mental health issues know all to well the signs are often in plain sight. Most can find it hard to talk about their issues. This can be for various reasons from fear of judgement to simply not understanding what is wrong. Almost all the signs put forward are communicated visually, in body language as the subconscious struggles with the active mind.

BUSY HANDS

This can be incredibly hard to spot, everyone moves their hands in conversation as a visual aid, yet erratic hand movements can be a sign something is wrong. Holding an arm in a protective manor is the subconscious mind showing fear and requesting support quietly. Other signs can be the constant gripping of a person’s own hand as well as clapping, although these two, tend to be seen at the same time.

Sometimes, the opposite is more than true. If someone is giving off a lack of hand movement it can be a sign the brain is not putting any effort into visual communication. This is simply because the brain does not have the energy to provide visual stimulus, as it cannot focus on any it is receiving.

These signs are often subtle and can sometimes not be present at all but are worth noting. Hand gestures are incredibly important to human communication and went they begin to change, it can be an early warning sign, something is wrong.

BEHAVIOUR

Moving onto the biggest piece, behaviour. Connecting to hand gestures, body language can often be deeply connected to how one behaves. If someone becomes more closed off, taking more submissive positions in conversation, such as slanted shoulders, a dropped head or avoiding eye contact. These are signs the person is uncomfortable and may be a sign that they are struggling.

Silence is also a major piece to the puzzle; this can indicate anxiety. Anxiety is often affected by new environments, new people or something personal that only those suffering would understand. Some People may compensate for this and talk faster and more overtly. For a fear that their silence may draw attention to them, increasing their anxiety.

At this point it can look difficult to spot the signs already mentioned, but it’s more the change in behaviour that you are looking for. A shy person suddenly bursting into conversation trying to keep everyone’s attention or someone more out going sitting to the side of their group avoiding eye contact show that something has changed, and the brain does not know how to cope.

You may find those affected become snappy and agitated, this is because the well of emotions that come with mental health issues often well up. This also come through as someone becomes more tearful and upset easily. Finally, this well of emotions can result in panic attacks. 

Panic attacks are not always fear based as most would assume, they can be caused by stress, sorrow or even just uncertainty. At this point its best to sit the person down and comfort them in a way they find comfortable, do not crowd round as this can have a damaging effect.

SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL

Somewhat connected to behaviour but big enough it deserves its own section. Social withdrawal is the key factor in watching out for mental health problems. If someone actively avoids human contact and finds ways to be constantly unavailable, it is a sure sign something is wrong. Some people may plunge themselves into work or spend hours gaming as distractions from what they’re going through. This can come forward in drinking excessively alone and can include other forms of substance abuse.

Social withdrawal can also be seen when the person is with you, they may seem distracted and only partially part of the conversation, trying to avoid too much input if they can. The person may also look for ways to leave a social situation early and will generally avoid taking a large part in social activities.

ENGAGING THE PROBLEM

Mental health is serious but can often be treated in a variety of ways.

SMILES ALL ROUND

Simply greeting a mental health sufferer with a smile and making sure they are in an environment they feel comfortable in can help a great deal. Letting someone know that people care about them and want to help is almost always a big boost to anyone’s mental health. Engaging in topics that they enjoy, having discussions on sporting events and generally keeping a positive attitude creates a stimulating environment that helps the brain find a balance.

A COMFORTING SHOULDER

Sometimes, the smile is not enough and getting someone to talk about their problems can lift a great deal of weight off their shoulders. Making sure someone suffering with mental health problems feels they are not alone helping to give the support they need to find a way out of a dark tunnel. Engaging the issue removes the fear of judgment and allows them to feel more comfortable around you and in themselves.

SEEKING HELP

The best thing to do if you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health issues, is to contact a professional. Many charities have therapists and helplines for those suffering to find the help and support they need to overcome the difficulties they face.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND SUPPORT

Below is a list of sources used in this blog that provide further information on mental health:

• Mind – highlighting specific mental health issues and their individual symptoms

• Health Direct – Listing more symptoms to look out for in those suffering from mental health issues

• Health Assured – Looking at mental health in the workplace

• Bupa – Looking at symptoms as well as ways to help overcome mental health issues

And here are links to those who can help:

• Samaritans – 24-hour support

• Better Help – Support for yourself or someone you know

• Priory – Experienced Mental health support

• NHS (Every Mind Matters) – Government run support

• Mind – Mental health information and support

If you or anyone you know is suffering please contact those listed above and remember there is always someone who cares, and you are not alone.