Mental-health culture
Sir – I agree with Mel Stride, the Work and Pensions Secretary, that Britain’s approach to mental health is in danger of going too far (report, March 21).
Life is full of ordinary joys and sadnesses, but to describe the tough times as mental illness does a huge disservice to people with actual psychiatric conditions. Those of us who have had family members hospitalised and have worked in psychiatric services know the nature and effects of mental illness.
There is a problem of introspection nowadays. At times we simply have to get on with life, even if it’s a challenge.
Sherborne, Dorset
Sir – It’s disappointing to see Mel Stride diminish and misrepresent people with mental illness. This is not simply a “culture” that will go away on its own. People are not pretending to be sick – they really are sick.
There have been significant increases in poverty, deprivation, housing insecurity and homelessness, loneliness and isolation in the past 15 years, and these issues are all associated with depression and anxiety. It is therefore not surprising that we have seen a dramatic rise in people struggling with mental illness, including those who are at risk of self-harm and suicide.
The Government’s plan to ratchet up sanctions for people with mental illness for not working is unlikely to succeed. The proposals will probably make people feel worse due to the hardship and debt they will face, which will ultimately cost the NHS and the taxpayer far more in the long run.
There are better ways of supporting people with mental illness to live healthy and productive lives. For example, the Individual Placement Support programme provides tailored help for people with severe mental illness as they try to secure appropriate work. The Government should make these types of supportive services available to more people with mental illness.
With the right resources, mentalhealth services could support people before they become too unwell to work. I sincerely hope Mr Stride will reconsider his approach. Dr Lade Smith
President, Royal College of Psychiatrists London E1