Time to change: Helping people with mental distress tell their story

DID you see the Time to Change TV ad?

I'm working with Lyn Jenkins, a co-ordinator for Mind in the Midlands to help people share their story of how they've been affected by mental illness to reduce the stigma.

One in four people in the UK are said to have suffered from a mental illness, with depression being up there as the most common.

I wrote about my experience of depression here.

It's a privilege to be involved in such a campaign and I look forward to helping make a difference, however small.

Comments

[Rosie Scribble]

Hi Linda, I think anything that helps to reduce the prejudice and discrimination that many people who are experiencing mental distress currently face, has to be a good thing. And of course those with mental health issues in their past, as in my case, can also face discrimination especially whe it comes to looking for work. I worked with the Royal College of Psychiatrists some years ago and supported their campaign by sharing my own story. I would like to hope it made some difference.

Since then I have seen so many people treated as if they are stupid and unable to make decisions for themselves just because they have mental health difficulties. In the past I received a letter from a mental health professional in large letters and bold type. I am a graduate, I am not stupid, I am perfectly capable of reading a letter written in normal type, and I have a good grasp of everyday language. I do not need a letter written in very simple English.

There will always be stigma attached to those experiencing mental distress. It can never be eradicated permanently, unfortuntately but campaign like this will definitely help. Mental distress is something people are prepared to talk about more openly these days. And what a wonderful example Stephen Fry is. No-one would talk to him as if the fact he has manic depression means he cannot understand plain English and needs to be spoken to as if he is stupid.

I could go on and on. Clearly, this is an issue I feel passionately about. Currently I edit personal statements for psychiatrists to help them gain promotion. They have no idea about my medical history. No doubt it would be interest to them, and many others, just what people who have been very unwell in the past are capable of doing.

So letters in simple English and bold type? I can manage without them thank you!

[Jo Beaufoix]

Having mental health issues in my past and in my present, and being a Midlands lady myself, I definitely want to hear more about this campaign Linda. Seems a bit spooky with my current post. You're amazing.

[Linda]

Hi Rosie and Jo,
I meant to include a link to a piece I wrote about being depressed and I have added that now, I hope you can read it. I really wanted to write it, I also recorded me speaking about it, holding up a sign about it for the Someone Once Told Me website - I will dig that out for you at some point, it's in the depths of this blog which currently has no search facility! Of course I agree with everything you say Rosie, I consider that when I talk about my depression I am doing so from a position of strength as someone who is better and don't feel brave or anything, touch wood it doesn't affect me applying for jobs as I am what's known as "my own boss" so perhaps I could give myself a good talking to. The work I am doing with Lynn is very exciting and involves a creative project from people who have suffered, it's going to be great. Thank you so much for adding your thoughtful comments, much love. xx

[Slummy Single Mummy]

That sounds like a great project Linda! I worked for several years at Mind in Taunton, and my family boasts a good range of anxiety and depression related conditions - anything and everything that gets done to improve understanding of mental health issues has to be a good thing.

Jo x