Recently, BBC Three has been showing programmes as part of its mental health
season titled "It's a Mad World". This title in itself has sparked
controversy amongst critics, with people saying that it only adds to the
dramatisation of mental health. However, the season as a whole has had many eye
opening and thought provoking programmes, challenging people's views and
stereotypes surrounding mental health.
1 in 4 of the UK population will suffer from a mental health condition at some point within their life time. Yet, is enough being done to prevent such issues and limit the impact they have on both their own, and other people's lives? Recent statistics state that more ex- soldiers die of suicide related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) than the number of soldiers that actually die in battle. Personally, this made me feel sick to my stomach. Unfortinately, the attitude of just brushing it under the carpet has been around for so long meaning the help that is desperately needed does not reach these men and women in time.
I'm writing about this because I suffer from depression. The lows I experience can be so debilitating that a normal existence is simply impossible. I am a prisoner to my bedroom and trapped inside my own head. I refuse to be just another statistic, so I am determined to take a stand and better my life. People with mental illness are not incapable, dead weights in society. Far from it. Stephen Fry for example, he is exceptionally successful and mentally ill. Frank Bruno is another example. These are role models for all people who suffer every single day.
If a quarter of the population are going to be mentally ill at some point, do you not think it is time that we are given a chance? Mental health isn't something that should be shied away from. It is something to embrace, discuss and accept. Just like cancer and heart disease, we should be mindful and informed about the steps we can take the better our mind. The brain is a part of the human body just like the heart or the lungs. Therefore, should we not be looking after it just as we would them? And you wouldn’t say that someone couldn’t work for you just because they had a chest infection a few years ago, so why is it different if someone who once had a mental health issue recovers and wants a better life?
If you suffer from a mental health condition or you know someone that does and would like more support, please click on one of the following links:
http://www.mind.org.uk/
http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/
On Facebook, if you would like further support please join Supportive Mental Health Buddies which is a group of like-minded, mental health sufferers here to support you through your troubles. https://www.facebook.com/groups/169074613272851/
1 in 4 of the UK population will suffer from a mental health condition at some point within their life time. Yet, is enough being done to prevent such issues and limit the impact they have on both their own, and other people's lives? Recent statistics state that more ex- soldiers die of suicide related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) than the number of soldiers that actually die in battle. Personally, this made me feel sick to my stomach. Unfortinately, the attitude of just brushing it under the carpet has been around for so long meaning the help that is desperately needed does not reach these men and women in time.
I'm writing about this because I suffer from depression. The lows I experience can be so debilitating that a normal existence is simply impossible. I am a prisoner to my bedroom and trapped inside my own head. I refuse to be just another statistic, so I am determined to take a stand and better my life. People with mental illness are not incapable, dead weights in society. Far from it. Stephen Fry for example, he is exceptionally successful and mentally ill. Frank Bruno is another example. These are role models for all people who suffer every single day.
If a quarter of the population are going to be mentally ill at some point, do you not think it is time that we are given a chance? Mental health isn't something that should be shied away from. It is something to embrace, discuss and accept. Just like cancer and heart disease, we should be mindful and informed about the steps we can take the better our mind. The brain is a part of the human body just like the heart or the lungs. Therefore, should we not be looking after it just as we would them? And you wouldn’t say that someone couldn’t work for you just because they had a chest infection a few years ago, so why is it different if someone who once had a mental health issue recovers and wants a better life?
If you suffer from a mental health condition or you know someone that does and would like more support, please click on one of the following links:
http://www.mind.org.uk/
http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/
On Facebook, if you would like further support please join Supportive Mental Health Buddies which is a group of like-minded, mental health sufferers here to support you through your troubles. https://www.facebook.com/groups/169074613272851/
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