World Mental Health Day

Mental Health problems can affect anyone at any time in their lives and thankfully the stigma associated with mental illness is reducing and more people are asking for and receiving help.

This year Word Mental Health Day was marked by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they met with young people with experiences of mental health problems at an event held by the charity Mind in London.  It was their first joint engagement on mental health issue and I hope will be the first of many.

Young people face many challenges and pressure today and educating young people and their families about emotional health and resilience is vital.  It is hugely important that all of us change our attitudes about mental health problems.  Asking for help is not a sign of weakness!  In United States of America where mental health has long been recognised as important, asking for help and engaging in a counselling process is viewed as a sign that someone is on the road to recovery rather than a sign that they are unwell.  Roll on he day when we recognise asking for help in the same way!