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New data suggests one in two of us experience mental illness in our lifetimes

Mental health charities and campaigners typically claim that one in four of us will experience a mental illness at some point in our life-times. This prompts disbelief in some quarters. The rates can't possibly be that high, so the argument goes, there must be something wrong with the figures. A new study led by Terrie Moffitt confirms that 'Yes', there is something wrong with the one in four figure - it should be one in two! For more information, click here to read the report as a PDF file.

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Launch Event - Recovery South West - Exploring Personal Narratives

On 11th June, people from five counties across the South West met in Somerset for the launch of Recovery South West, to explore the value of sharing stories of personal recovery from mental health problems. This event was planned as the start of a Recovery Stories Project, which aims to reach across all the counties in the South West. People will be encouraged to share their stories through a variety of media, in ways that work for them. The plan is to set up a website and to produce a book of personal stories, which will be available for World Mental Health Day, in October 2011.

What makes this Project unique is that it is a partnership of professional health workers and people with lived experience of mental distress. The meeting was attended by over fifty people, including around half a dozen psychiatrists and many other mental health workers. A partnership between people was encouraged. Virtually everyone came either with a mental health worker, or with a person in recovery. Thus there was a diverse and dynamic group, offering the opportunity for innovative development.

The day had a vibrant and uplifting feel and although it was dealing with serious and complex issues around progress in mental health, it was both inspiring and informative. There were opportunities for listening, for small group discussion and for planning potential story gathering activities. Each person considered sharing their own story and/or helping others to share theirs. Many people have subsequently made contact to say that they are setting up story writing groups in their area, or that they are now working on their own story.

The event included presentations on sharing and valuing people's stories. The audience was encouraged to consider the partial view of seeing a person as having just a 'single story', for instance just as somebody who is mentally ill. When people are seen as having 'multiple stories', they can be seen as more rounded and it encourages a focus on their strengths.

The project is still looking for finance and would welcome any additional funding to help meet the level of interest that has been demonstrated.

Comments from people who attended include:

'A “tour de force”, truly magnificent and an extremely impressive achievement.

'The day was special because virtually everyone who came as a worker in mental health brought some-one who used services. That to me, made it truly unique.'

'May I thank you again for the presentations on Friday, which I found affecting and really interesting. You managed to impart a cornucopia of information & wisdom.'

If this project is of interest to you, and you would like to share your story, or get involved, please contact:

geof.lynn@gmail.com or linden.lynn@gmail.com or mike.metcalfe.rsw@hotmail.com

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County Councillor to Champion Mental Health Issues

“Following personal experiences in my own lifetime, I feel that councillors should be more proactive in dealing with mental health issues. There's a stigma attached to mental illness and it is often regarded as a taboo subject. People often feel uncomfortable, embarrassed and don't want to talk about it.

“There are many different types of mental illness and it could happen to anyone at any time in their life. We have excellent mental health services in Dorset but I want to raise awareness of these issues and make sure those who need it are supported and given the help they need to recover or deal with their illness.”

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Revolving door of multiple tours linked to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - External Link

With several military units based here in Dorset, this is something that is going to become more of a problem for us in the future. Click the title above to read real life accounts from our allies in the United States.

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What is the Dorset Mental Health Forum?

Becky Aldridge, assistance services manager, describes the Forums' ethos, how it supports its staff and the work it does in shaping mental health service provision in Dorset.

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Helping others on the road to recovery

Hannah Walker, new Chairperson of the Dorset Mental Health Forum, tells the story of how mental illness has impacted on her life and how her experiences will help her in her new role.