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One in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives, yet it's still seems such a difficult subject to talk about.
I remember 20 years ago, no one talked about cancer. It was known as the Big C, and whispered in hurried, frightened tones amongst well-meaning folk who just couldn't wrap their heads around it. Now, I see commercials on TV talking about treatment options, recovery centres, and even fashionable clothing that help fund a cure. Why is it that when an illness is visible, we can embrace the patient, but when it is invisible, in the mind, we seem scared to even say the words?
I've recently worked with Time to Change - an anti-stigma programme run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness - to launch a new online short film with tips on 'how to start a conversation about mental health.' Myself and four other Time to Change supporters with experience of mental health problems gave our advice on the best ways of making the conversation easier. There are no hard and fast rules, but for me, one of the most important things is listening, being open minded and non-judgemental.
Due to the many myths that still surround mental health problems starting a conversation about mental health can often feel awkward. I understand the fear of saying the wrong thing, or of trying to be 'helpy', or worst of all, staying silent and hoping it will all sort itself out. However, having experience of a mental problem myself, I know what a big difference those few small words can make, even to have someone interested in my experience. It means the world when people simply ask, "How are you doing?"
When I began my journey with mental health issues eight years ago, I was terrified of my diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. I saw my illness as a death sentence, something to be feared and found even talking about it to be painful. However, in educating myself as well as those around me, the fear and awkwardness has almost disappeared.
My husband, who met me a number of years after my diagnosis, can now see my 'red flag' moments before I do, and as a team, we're able to keep a handle on my bipolar. And as our son Alex grows up, we will educate him about Mummy's mental health issues in kid-friendly language, so that he never has to be afraid of my illness.
It all comes down to understanding and openness; the more we all understand a mental health problem, or that of a loved one, the easier it becomes to talk about. When ignorance is removed from the equation, I find the fear leaves pretty quickly afterwards.
The latest Time to Change campaign - 'It's time to talk, it's Time to Change' shows just how important talking about mental health is, both for those with mental health problems and those around them. The issue is still such a taboo topic and together we can all play a part in trying to remove this stigma.
I hope you enjoy this video and it will encourage more people out there to start a conversation about mental health!
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No mention of the thousands of silent victims that have been left to rot both by the NHS and charities like Mind(who would rather spend money on lobbying Goverment than actually helping people.
If you don't cause problems like Alcoholics,drug addicts,bi-polar and schizophrenics(all of which are expensive and long term drug maintainable) then good luck especially if you actually want help to get to a position to work or even need help to get into work.
I alis find talking about my mental health is indeed a big help, and the people around me being able to have open conversations instead of me bottling it up is a massive help too. I genuinely believe that people asking me how I was, and encouraging me to be open about my illnesses, sped up my recovery from my (fairly major) breakdown mug quicker than if I'd just gone the route of prescription drugs and counseling behind closed doors. In fact, if I hadn't learned to be open about my mental health, I believe that I would have been dead months ago, as it was the people around me recognising that I wasn't well, and sitting with me, listening to how I feel, made m gave me enough strength to push through my bad days and put away the knife.
So yes, talking is a big help. Maybe not for all people, but indeed for most. Maybe you should try it, it might change your mind.
I suffer from agriophobia and sevre depression so cant go out unless forced.But apparently i have experienced a miracle after three years of bieng mocked,ignored,lied about i am cured.Despite hallucinations and blackouts i am fit to work.
Just because you are one of a shrinking minority of people who actually get help doesn't mean you can talk about the growing majority of people who are left to rot.
Second time i was all fought out and despite all my efforts i have given up.
I worked for 25 years two full-time jobs once and did well at both.Unfortunately i am not intelligent enough to go to UNi or overcome the lack of education in my early years upto 7.Now i am just a sad pathetic relic of a human being,who has no employment prospects,no ability to meet people just too stubborn to die.