Despite public awareness campaigns highlighting the issues facing people with mental health problems and the fact that no one is immune to developing a mental illness, people with mental health problems are still facing unfair discrimination, prejudice and stigma every day of their lives, not just from members of the public but also from businesses, banks, employers and even when it comes to taking out an insurance policy.

The truth is, any one of us can develop a mental illness, regardless of our age, gender, location, occupation or social status. Actually, the statistics show that at least one in four of us will experience some kind of mental health problem in the space of any one year. Mental health problems can be hugely diverse in nature and can range from mild cases of depression and anxiety to more serious cases of bipolar depression and schizophrenia with the types of symptoms and the degree of intensity of these symptoms varying from person to person. However, there are problems to face in the outside world too.

Possibly one of the most distressing aspects of mental illness is the isolation and social exclusion often experienced by the sufferer purely as a result of ignorance and misunderstanding on the part of other people and it is this that needs to change. If we consider insurance for example, something that most people take for granted, but not if you have had a mental illness in the past or are suffering from a mental health problem at the moment.

The findings of a major report on discrimination against the mentally ill showed that Insurance companies will often deny insurance or place exemptions on an insurance policy when there is a history of mental health problems, even if those problems existed many years ago and are no longer an issue. This applies to any type of insurance and not just life insurance either, travel insurance, mortgage insurance, employment insurance, payment protection insurance, all become more difficult to obtain if you have a mental health problem or a history of mental illness.

This would appear to suggest that insurance companies as well as many others still do not understand the issues or the facts surrounding mental illness or the information just isn’t getting through. For example, mental health problems can occur as an isolated case in relation to a specific set of circumstances and once treated, will never happen again, some types of mental illness are episodic in nature, and most people who seek help for mental health problems do go on to lead full and normal lives. Probably the most important point is that just because someone is suffering from a mental health problem doesn’t automatically mean they pose a greater risk than anyone else. Insurance companies calculate their insurance premiums on the level of perceived risk, which is supposedly based on medical evidence. Perhaps this is the area that needs to be addressed.

So what can you do about it? Certainly, if there is a case of unfair discrimination then it is possible to sue under the Disability Discrimination Act but according to Mind, the leading UK charity for mental health, only a small number of cases are taken out under this Act and of these, few are ever successful. Similarly, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) report that most claims against payment protection insurance fail when mental illness is involved as it is a common exclusion in many insurance policies.

It isn’t all doom and gloom though, people do seem to be waking up to the fact that something has gone wrong somewhere and that people with mental illness deserve to have the same rights as anyone else. Over in the USA for example, a study by the Mental Health America Association found that the majority of Americans believe that people with mental health problems should no longer be subjected to discrimination by health insurance companies. In fact, some 96% of Americans believe that health insurance should also cover mental health. Here in the UK the government are aware of the issues surrounding mental health and exclusion and are tightening up legislation to protect people from unfair discrimination.

In the meantime, we would all do well to remember that mental health problems are not only common, they are treatable, and can affect any one of us at any time. Until we insist that people with mental health problems receive the same rights in society as everyone else, the problem with insurance will persist.

Can you imagine an amazing herb strong enough to sterilize sewage water, but gentle enough not to harm human tissue? Most of us are very familiar with this herb as it is used for flavoring in cooking. Now more of us are realizing the incredible health benefits of this herb when it is delivered in essential oil form. Essential oils work far faster than teas and many times faster than capsules and are readily digestible and quickly absorbed and assimilated into our physical system. We all have heard of oregano as it is used on our pizza. Now we can realize the health benefits of oregano in essential oil form.

The results of research done in 1910 by W.H. Martindale, lead him to conclude that “the essential oil of oregano is the most powerful plant-derived antiseptic known.” Research in 1977 done by Dr. Belaniche resulted in his “oregano Index” against which all other antibacterial substances are compared. Oil of Oregano is the closest to being the ideal antibacterial agent. Dr. Blaiche states “Among the more active of oils, Oregano is the best of the best. The essential oil of oregano has always provided me with amazing results in treating infectious diseases. Dr. Jean Valnet who is a French authority on the use and benefits of essentials oils, states that essential oils “proved to be many times more effective at killing pathogenic microorganisms than antibiotics.”

An active ingredient of oil of oregano is carvacrol which has been found to help relieve upper respiratory infections such as colds and sinus infections. It potently inhibits platelet aggression which is a risk factor in blood clot formation that is a major cause of strokes and heart attacks. Oil of oregano, in one study, was found to reduce melanoma by 50% in vitro. Oil of oregano has powerful anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties. This is important because parasites and viruses, like yeasts, cannot be treated successfully by antibiotics. In a 1966 study published in Medical sciences Research, it was shown that oil of oregano killed RNA and DNA viruses such as sold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. This makes it a very beneficial for treating the conditions of colds and flu. Oil of oregano is significantly effective in treating various forms of harmful parasites. Oil of oregano is an effective digestive aid. Oil of oregano has also been found to surpass prescription synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs in it’s effectiveness in relieving and reversing pain and has been said to be almost as powerful as morphine. Oil of oregano has been shown to strengthen the immune system. As an antioxidant, it halts the formation of cholesterol which is responsible for arteriosclerosis, i.e. hardening of the arteries.

An extra advantage of oil of oregano is that it can be used either topically or internally, depending upon the need and target ailment e.g. acne, allergies, arthritis, asthma, athlete’s foot, blood clots, bronchitis, candida, canker sores, colds, flu, constipation, croup, dandruff, diarrhea, digestive disorders, earaches, fatigue, fungal infection, gastrointestinal infection, gum disease, hay fever, headaches, inflammation, insect bites, menstrual irregularities, muscle pain parasites, psoriasis, ringworm, rosacea, seborrhea, sinusitis, thrombus, toenail fungus, and immune system.

Often known as a cooking herb, there is much more to oregano when it is used in essential oil form .It’s long list of health benefits makes it one of nature’s best kept secrets, a natural health aid that is a remarkably miraculous and versatile medicine. If we are suffering from any the before mentioned health ailments, we would be well served to explore the healing properties of this miraculous herb, oil of oregano.

There are many different types of mental health disorders, any of which could affect any one of us at any time of our lives regardless of our age, gender, background or status. The most common type of mental health disorders are anxiety and depression related disorders.

Certainly, all of us can experience anxiety at times, especially when we have a particularly difficult situation to deal with, like taking a driving test for example, or going for a job interview, but when the anxiety is so severe that it disrupts our daily lives, then it could be that we are suffering from an anxiety- related mental health disorder.

Similarly, each of us know what it’s like to feel a bit down in the dumps, we may even say we are depressed, but true depression is where the symptoms don’t subside after a short period of time, they persist and are severe enough to impair our ability to carry out our normal routines.

The following list represents some of the more commonly known mental health disorders with a brief description of their typical symptoms.

Phobias

A phobia is an anxiety related disorder characterised by extreme fear, perhaps fear of a situation, an object, a place or a creature and this fear is completely out of proportion to the norm. There are literally hundreds of known phobias but common ones include fear of public places, confined spaces, flying, spiders, and fear of heights. A sufferer will try to avoid their fear at all costs, and when faced with it, will experience severe anxiety which can include palpitations, nausea and panic attacks.

Panic attacks

A panic attack can be a terrifying experience. Someone experiencing a panic attack is engulfed by overwhelming fear and panic often without warning. Various physical symptoms can accompany a panic attack, which include difficulty breathing, trembling, palpitations, dizziness, sweating, and nausea and a feeling of impending death.

Post traumatic stress

Post traumatic stress can follow an intensely disturbing experience such as a car crash, violence or rape, being in extreme danger or basically any event that causes severe psychological distress. The symptoms include constantly reliving the event in the mind through flashbacks and nightmares, disturbed sleep, anxiety and depression.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety related disorder manifesting itself in irrational and obsessive thoughts that spark illogical rituals and behaviours or compulsions, for example, constantly thinking (obsessing) that your hands are not clean causing you to repeatedly wash your hands (a compulsion). Other examples include excessive cleaning, checking and rechecking that doors are locked and windows closed etc. Someone with OCD can feel intensely anxious if they don’t carry out their rituals so performing them is a way to relieve their feelings of anxiety and distress.

Depression

Depression is more than a period of the blues. Clinical depression can be said to exist when the symptoms of depression persist for longer than a couple of weeks and are severe enough to interfere with normal daily routines. There is also a loss of pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed. There are many symptoms associated with depression including feelings of sadness and despair, lethargy, sleep disturbances, changes in eating patterns, sudden changes in behaviour and mood, anxiety, guilt, and thoughts of death and suicide. We can all experience some of these symptoms at times but when truly depressed these symptoms don’t just subside, they persist.

Bipolar disorder (manic depression)

Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme fluctuations in mood with episodes of euphoria and mania alternating with episodes of depression and despair. During a manic phase the bipolar sufferer may need very little sleep, may think and talk very quickly, can be highly creative, appear completely confident and without inhibition, they could leave their job, go on a spending spree or behave in other potentially destructive ways. During a depressive episode they may experience strong feelings of hopelessness and despair and find themselves unable to muster the energy to do even the simplest of tasks. They may also withdraw from social situations and even contemplate suicide. Bipolar is a lifelong disorder affecting around 1% of the population.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a particularly severe kind of mental health disorder, which is characterised by hallucinations, delusions, and strange behaviour and beliefs.

Conclusion

Mental health disorders are complex so making an accurate diagnosis yourself can be difficult, many people will present with symptoms of more than one type of disorder and many of the symptoms of each disorder overlap with each other. Consequently, it is important to seek the right help. In the first instance you should speak to your doctor who will be able to make full medical assessment and guide you towards an appropriate course of treatment.

Sadly, many people are afraid of seeking help and as such, will suffer in silence which can be an isolating and lonely experience with potentially devastating effects. Fortunately, mental health disorders are treatable and those who do seek help can go on to lead normal lives once again.