Laura DraneI don’t know about you, but I feel like every day there is a new campaign about mental health; raising awareness, reducing stigma etc etc. Which, don’t get me wrong, is great. I think.
I definitely agree that encouraging people to talk more is generally a good thing. Seeking help when you’re feeling depressed, anxious, bereaved is a good idea. Therapy is an excellent antidote to unmanageable feelings and emotions. And there should definitely be no stigma around seeking help for a condition which requires professional treatment.
However…
I also feel slightly irritated by the whole focus and ‘awareness raising’ campaign. And perhaps this is because I work in the mental health sector and to me it seems a no-brainer that, if you are suffering with your mental health, you should ask for help.
But I also wonder whether others feel the same way?
Now, I don’t usually get ‘political’ with my blogs, but I wonder whether other people feel patronised by these campaigns, especially as the provision for mental health care in this country is seriously lacking?
Yes, speaking out about suffering from an eating disorder, depression, addiction, anxiety etc is absolutely the right thing to do. But what then? 6 sessions with a therapist through the NHS? Private rehab at the cost of thousands? Join a waiting list of months for a place in an in-patient unit for eating disorders which will discharge you when you are at a ‘non-critical weight’? Or seriously invasive bariatric surgery as a ‘cure’ for emotional eating?
I must admit I feel pretty nervous posting this blog as I wonder whether I will be criticised for offering prohibitively expensive therapy which, let’s face it, not everyone can afford. However, I do also work at a fantastic charity in Stevenage which offers FREE OPEN-ENDED addiction treatment: http://www.thelivingroom.me.uk and I always advocate the 12 Step Fellowships to anyone whom I feel would benefit.
So… I agree we all need to work together to reduce the stigma of mental health, I just wish that the provision of care for people suffering was better.
End of rant.
