Depression

Melvyn Bragg: Hello. Mental health problems can affect anyone, and 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem at some point in our lives. There are many different kinds of mental health problems. Some people experience depression or anxiety. Others develop schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Often known as manic depression. While the severity of symptoms vary, the consequences they can have for those who are affected can be far reaching.

People with mental health problems often experience much more than average difficulties in other areas of their life, such as work, relationships, and finances. There can be severe feelings of isolation, and regrettably this is often associated with the discrimination that those with mental health problems face. Some of the people who share their stories in this collection describe feeling that they had sometimes been treated differently or unfairly by those around them. Others described not getting support when they needed it most from services or even from their family and friends.

All the people you’ll see on these pages hope that they could help others to feel less isolated by speaking openly about what it means to have a mental health problem, or to care for someone who has a mental health problem. They believe that sharing their experiences is a valuable way of letting others know that they're not alone. They also help to combat some of the discrimination against people with mental health problems by dispelling some of the myths that exist. Those with mental health problems speak openly about what it's like to experience their symptoms. Hoping to reduce the apprehension that many feel towards them.

Carers and family members talk about how, they too, faced difficult situations and attitudes, and what they think can help in these circumstances. The stories from people with mental health problems included in this collection reflect the wide range of different experiences. Some describe their shock and distress when they or their relatives were initially given a diagnosis, while others found comfort and relief in finally getting an explanation for how they had been feeling. Some people felt disappointed when the medication or services they were offered were ineffective, while others experienced relief from their symptoms once they found the right treatment whether medication, or a talking therapy, or a sympathetic GP.

For some people being hospitalized or sectioned under the Mental Health Act was a reality, and they speak out about what that was like for them. So while this collection of people's stories contains many examples of the extreme difficulties people encountered, it also contains inspiring stories from those who have gone on to flourish and lead fulfilling lives in spite of their own mental health problems, or the mental health difficulties of someone in their family. Many have developed ways to manage their mental health by exercising, taking time for themselves, practicing yoga or meditation, or by using other techniques. You can watch, listen to, or read their first hand experiences of the techniques, treatments, and support that they found helpful. And in each section, you'll also find links to a range of relevant websites and organizations where you can get help, support and information.

Thank you.