I found Channel 4’s programmes last week on mental health absolutely fascinating.  It is encouraging that the stigma of mental illness is at last starting to be chipped away at after years of being swept under the carpet, and that we can start to realise that people who have suffered a mental illness can recover, and function really well (often performing better and more creatively than those who have never experienced mental ill health) in society.

In Ruby Wax’s programme at the beginning of the week, she disclosed details about her mental illness, and how she had received treatment at the Priory. She then went on to study psychotherapy, and also a relatively new therapy – mindful cognitive behavioural therapy – which she has found a massive help to her. It was discovered that she had had quite a dysfunctional childhood and this may have partly been the cause of her breakdown in later life.  She now seems to have found peace of mind, and has the support of a loving family. Ruby was keen to help three people ‘come out’ to their colleagues about their mental health issues, and it was very moving to see the reactions of their peers, when they told them about their their illness. Most striking was how empathetic and supportive they were, and the admiration and respect they felt for their  colleague was palpable. 

If we have a physical injury, we do not feel that we have to ‘hide’ it from others, so why do we need to do this with a mental problem? My belief is that mental illness is much more complex and less understood than physical disorders, and also it is very much bound up with our identity, who we are as a person.  By showing ourselves in our true colours, we risk losing that sense of identity, that persona that we want others to see.

However, I think that it is important to be aware that we are made up of different parts, and this multi-dimensionality is what makes us unique. We can be extremely gifted and confident in certain areas, but at the same time can feel distinctly fallible in others. I am not ashamed to say that I have suffered with depression myself at certain times of my life, but it is my belief that this has shaped the person that I am, and I am also much better suited to help others who are suffering from mental illness.

By being open and honest about mental illness, we can really start to break down the taboo that it has had for so long, and – more importantly – give support and encouragement to those who suffer from it.

Best wishes,
Wendy x