Tuesday 4 April 2017

Talking about mental illness is no substitute for offering real help

Talking about mental illness is no substitute for offering real help The latest high-profile campaign is welcome and stigma is declining but the NHS must provide better treatment

Last week, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry joined other notable names, including the rapper Professor Green and the former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell, to record short films about modern approaches to mental illness. They all stressed that it was good to talk, or, in the terminology beloved of the mental health world, to “start the conversation”.

I agree – and salute their efforts. Talking and being listened to are therapeutic and are known to be what doctors call a “protective factor” when it comes to good mental health. They make us better able to deal with stress; talking also helps reduce stigma, which otherwise leads to discrimination and social isolation. Continue reading... The Guardian

No comments:

Post a Comment