Let’s challenge the stigma surrounding mental health

While we are making progress in challenging stigma, there is still a long way to go. Here are three things you can do to help.

EDUCATE YOURSELF

READING up on common mental health problems, learning about the signs and symptoms and ways to support those experiencing mental ill health is a great way to equip yourself with the knowledge to challenge myths about mental health when they arise. Visit mind.org.uk for a wealth of information to get you started.

SUPPORT A CAMPAIGN

CAMPAIGNS play an important role in raising awareness of mental health issues, keeping mental health on the Get talking and help to tackle the stigma of mental health political agenda and giving a voice to vulnerable people who might otherwise go unheard. Time to Change is a growing social movement dedicated to challenging stigma and discrimination around mental health. See time-to-change.org.uk for details.

TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

WHETHER it’s asking for help when you are experiencing your own difficulties, checking in with a friend who is struggling or chatting with colleagues about mental health stories in the news, talking about mental health is one of the simplest things we can all do to challenge mental health stigma, one conversation at a time.

Dr Ellie Milby is a counselling psychologist