Working with Mental Health

Just like noticing that someone is experiencing poor Physical health, ascertaining that someone has poor Mental health is a crucial aspect of assisting others. Mental Health in general can be described as the sense of wellbeing and the emotional and spiritual resilience which enables us to enjoy life and to survive pain, disappointment and sadness. Thus if someone is experiencing poor mental health, they are experiencing life without these positive aspects.

As an Almoner, you will naturally take an interest in the welfare of members of your lodge and their families. Research shows that one in four of us will experience some kind of mental health issue, so it is helpful to have a basic understanding of the issues, symptoms, impacts and sources of support available.

Mental health issues

As Almoner you should be aware that there are a number of  diagnosable mental health conditions with people experiencing different symptoms that can vary in severity, intensity and form. The most commonly diagnosed are:

Recovery

It is important for the sufferer to be made aware that recovery is possible with the right help and support. Many  people able then able to once again lead independent and fulfilling lives. However, it’s equally possible that some individuals may relapse and will need support, so you need to monitor progress post-treatment.

Influences on wellbeing

You need to be aware of external influences as the following influences can affect somebody’s wellbeing:

  • Work pressures (or unemployment)
  • Stress
  • Relationship pressures (including bereavement and loss)
  • Abuse (physical or psychological)
  • Financial worries (including debt)
  • Homelessness / housing pressures
  • Addiction (drugs and alcohol dependency)
  • Physical illness or injury
  • Loneliness and social isolation
Identifying early signs

When you are speaking to Brethren or their dependants, the key thing to be aware of is a change in the person’s ‘usual’ behaviour. This can take many forms, so for example, they may have gone from being quite extrovert to becoming much more introvert. Other signs to look out for include tearfulness, headaches, loss of humour, loss of appetite or sudden changes in emotions or mood. Also, if a Brother who has normally been good at ritual appears distracted or disengaged when you are speaking to him, he might be struggling in his personal life.

Being supportive

If problems are identified at an early stage, then more effective help and appropriate support is possible. Sometimes just having someone who will listen is a comfort, but always ensure that you actively listen in order to manage a person’s expectations around the support they might need. If someone you are speaking to becomes emotional or you pick up on any signs, then you should gently encourage the person to speak to their GP or seek further support from an appropriate organisation.

What to say?

Whatever you say to somebody, you should always try to be positive and encourage the person to help themselves. Don’t be judgmental or make assumptions about anybody. It could be beneficial for them to involve a family member or friend in conversations should they wish to do so. Get them to think about their own behaviour by asking searching questions. You could begin with:

  • How are you feeling at the moment?
  • How long have you felt like this?
  • Is it an ongoing issue?
  • Who do you feel you can go to for support?
  • Is there anything I (or ‘we’ ) can do to help?

Above all, it is important to provide reassurance to anyone you are supporting and to encourage them to do the things which make them happiest. For example, if supporting a Brother this could mean encouraging him to revisit his love of Freemasonry, or if a non-Mason, encouraging them to explore taking up other hobbies.

What to do if someone becomes emotional or upset

Here are some points to help you should somebody you are speaking with become emotional or upset:

  • Try to be calm
  • Reassure them that it is okay to be upset
  • Ask if there is anyone they would like you to contact for them
  • Be sensitive and sympathetic
  • Be respectful
  • Confirm that the discussion can continue at a pace that suits them

In these circumstances remember you must not take on  responsibility for solving a person’s mental health and always remember to look after yourself.

Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid teaches people how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue through listening, reassuring and responding, even in a crisis and even potentially prevent a crisis from happening.

For more information visit MHFA England – mhfaengland.org.uk

Finding Help

MIND – Provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. mind.org.uk or call 020 8519 2122

Rethink Mental Illness – Helps millions of people affected by mental illness by challenging attitudes, changing lives. rethink.org or call 0300 5000 927

Mental Health Foundation – Helps people to thrive through understanding, protecting and sustaining their mental health. mentalhealth.org.uk or call 020 7803 1100

Combat Stress – Provides UK wide support to veterans from every service and every conflict. combatstress.org.uk or call 0800 1381619

ASSIST Trauma Care – Specialist help for people with PTSD and their carers. assisttraumacare.org.uk

Voluntary Action Service – For anyone who is vulnerable and needing somebody to talk to, NHS Volunteer Responders delivered through the Royal Voluntary Service, has been set up to support the NHS and the care sector during the Covid-19 outbreak. Visit nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk or call 0808 196 3646.

Young Minds – Leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever the challenges, making sure they get the best possible mental health support and have the resilience to overcome life’s difficulties. Visit youngminds.org.uk Parents needing help can call 0808 802 5544

Masonic Charitable Foundation – Runs the Counselling Careline which has specialist counsellors for anyone struggling to cope. Freemasons, their wives, partners or widows, as well as children between the ages of 17 – 25 who are in full-time education can access the Counselling Careline. Counselling sessions can be provided if preferred via a secure video link rather than on the telephone. This is a free service and requires no form filling or application. Contact should be made with the MCF on 0800 035 60 90 or email help@mcf.org.uk The MCF’s Advice and Support Team offer advice, guidance and support on a range of issues. Contact them by calling 0800 035 60 90.

Provincial Grand Almoner – Your PGA will be able to signpost you to local support and assistance.

Loading