A HEALTH academic has issued advice to the public on mental health issues and the importance of speaking out.

Dr John Campbell of Carlisle has called for change as those struggling with their mental health may need support to seek the services they need.

Dr Campbell said: “Depression is an illness just like appendicitis, it can be recognised and treated.”

He reminds the public that symptoms of depression include feeling hopeless, overeating or oversleeping and a sense of foreboding, like a black cloud is descending.

A range of support is available for those struggling with conditions such as General Anxiety Disorder and Depression.

These include cognitive behavioural therapy and medication. One of the most common forms of anti-depressant is a Serotonin Uptake Inhibitor.

Dr Campbell said: “They can actually make it worse for the first two weeks but that actually means they’re working. After three weeks you feel back to where you were. That can be difficult to get in the current NHS climate.

“Two, three, four months later you think ‘was I as bad as that?’”

He added that SRIs such as Sertraline may need to be in the system for six months to be completely effective.

As well as seeing a therapist, those struggling can do their own work on the issue, challenging the unhelpful thoughts they are having.

“The NHS do online things but you have to work at it, you have to be a bit motivated.”

Combination therapy is widely believed to be the best course of action.

Dr Campbell said: “You see people when they’re better, they say ‘I’ve struggled with this for years now I feel so much better.’

“It’s only when they’re better that they realise how life was.”

But the academic’s message is that those struggling with mental illness may need support in reaching out for help.

“People need a bit of support and understanding to do that.”

Regarding General Anxiety Disorder, Dr Campbell said: “The thing about anxiety is that there is two types. The anxiety that has a cause and not being anxious about anything, you’re just anxious or disproportionately anxious about minor things. The worrying takes over the individual and starts dominating life.”

Dr Campbell said: “Very often that anxiety and depression go together, it’s very hard to understand because it’s irrational.

He added that it is important to break down the barriers around mental health.

“The key thing is to get the message out there. It’s not part of our culture to do this.

Dr Campbell said: “The key thing is just be aware of these things. If your family member is more angry than normal and can’t sit still, realising it, getting the person to someone who can help and the treatments available.”

A range of services are on offer in Cumbria, including WeCan, a new mental health and wellbeing hub.

ICan Health and Fitness CIC has been running at The Maltings on Bridge Street in Carlisle since 2007. The women’s-only fitness centre has been hailed as beneficial for the health and wellbeing of its customers.

During lockdown, the organisers of ICan established WeCan, a mental health and wellbeing service for all ages and genders.

The team have offered virtual activities to boost people’s wellbeing during the pandemic, as well as the chance to speak to someone on the phone if they are feeling lonely.

The hub, which will soon move into the unit neighbouring ICan, has proven to be a lifeline.

Wellbeing co-ordinator and wellbeing manager, Jenna said: “I’m overwhelmed with the amount of people who are getting in touch saying they need someone to talk to.”

Mental health services such as Every Life Matters and The Samaritans have seen an unprecedented surge in calls for help during the pandemic and the Christmas period can be anything but merry for some.

NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group said: “Some issues can be harder to talk about this time of year as it may feel like everyone would rather enjoy the festivities. Please know you’re not alone.”

Online service togetherall.com is available 24 hours every day, empowering people to help themselves.