Boris: Don’t be afraid to get help
BORIS Johnson says no one should be embarrassed to talk about mental health and asking for help “doesn’t make you any less of a hero”.
The Prime Minister is set to release a video to mark Mental Health Day today in which he urges people who are having difficulties to come forward and get treatment.
The Sunday Express was the first national newspaper to campaign for better support and care for people with mental health problems and has won support at all political levels.
The Government has backed this up by including specific extra funding for mental health in its long-term NHS plan which will rise to £2.3billion a year by 2023/24.
According to theworld Health Organisation, one in four people will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives.
In his video, Mr Johnson said nobody should be embarrassed to talk about suffering from stress, anxiety and mental health issues.
He said: “One of the most important things we have to do is change people’s attitudes towards mental health and make them recognise that they shouldn’t be embarrassed about it at all, but they should be absolutely confident in coming forward, and getting help and recognising that you need help with mental health issues doesn’t make you any less of a hero.”
He focused much of his message on those who have been in the armed services and traumatised as a result or suffered problems after they returned to civilian life.
Some of the highest levels of mental health problems have come from those who have served their country and the Government has pledged extra support through the Veterans’ Charter.
Mr Johnson said: “There can be people who’ve been incredibly brave in the armed services who feel worried or embarrassed about coming forward.
“And I would just urge them to do so. I think the help that is offered is really very valuable.”
He added: “We’re here for you. You’ve looked after us, you’ve protected us.we want to protect you and to help you.
“And for everybody else, I hope that they’ll think of the issues surrounding mental health, not just on Mental Health Day, but every day.”