Mental health
Mental health
John: I still have the same pain in my stomach. And I’m not sleeping well.
Doctor: We’ve taken all kinds of tests, and we can’t find anything wrong with your stomach.
John: I don’t get it.
Doctor: No, but how are you feeling otherwise? Are you still feeling sad and lonely?
John: Why do you ask? It’s my stomach that’s the problem.
- Why does the doctor ask John if he is feeling sad and lonely?
- Why does this annoy John?
- Discuss the relationship between mental and physical health.
- What do people think about mental health problems in your home country and in Norway?
- Who can help John?
A few weeks later:
Doctor: Hi John! Nice to see you again. How can I help you?
John: I’ve been thinking about what we talked about last time I was here. I think I need some help. Life feels trying and difficult. I never feel happy, and I’m always tired. I sometimes get angry for no reason. I’m also not sleeping well and have nightmares about things I experienced in my home country.
Doctor: I think I’ll refer you to a psychologist.
John: A psychologist? There’s nothing wrong with my head.
Doctor: No, but sometimes talking to an expert about your problems can help. Remember that psychologists have a duty of confidentiality and can’t tell anyone anything you’ve said. You can go to see him once and see if you think it’ll help.
John: Well, it can’t make things worse. So I’ll give it a go.
- What do you think of the doctor’s suggestion?
- What do you think about John’s reaction?
Many people suffer from various mental health problems over the course of their lives. There are many reasons why people develop mental health problems. Sometimes, they are due to difficult life situations such as family problems or a difficult work situation. Some people develop mental problems after a crisis, death or accident or as a result of war experiences. Some people may have a hereditary predisposition to develop mental disorders, and stress can act as a trigger.
We may need to talk to someone when we are struggling. Sometimes it’s enough to talk to family or friends. While, at other times, we may need professional help. A psychologist or another expert can often help us to find solutions to our problems. Regular GPs can refer patients to a psychologist if they need it.
How society views mental health has changed. Today, a majority of the Norwegian population has an open and understanding attitude to mental illness. Most people believe that the mentally ill should be given treatment and help by the health service in the same way as people with physical problems. We also believe that it is possible to be cured of mental illnesses.
Talk together
- Talk about views on mental health at different times and in different societies.
- What can we do to ensure we have good mental health?
Select the right answer
What do most people in Norway think about mental illness?
Select the right answer
Who develops mental problems?
Select the right answer
What can your regular GP do if you need someone to talk to?
Select the right answer
How can poor mental health affect us?
Select right or wrong
Read the statements. What is right? What is wrong?