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Can people with mental health problems work? You can't see mental illness.
That person with the mental health problem isn't that weird bloke who smells funny and walks down the street talking to himself, they are me and you.
And chances are, you've probably walked past 10 more people who are suffering with mental health problems.
Depression is the single most common problem patients come to the surgery suffering from, hence why I have a box of tissues strategically placed next to the patient.
The moment you take that time to listen, is the moment a person starts to open up. Often it's such a relief to them, they often become overcome with the emotion that they've been holding back.
But it's getting to that point where a person is ready to confront those feelings, the angst, that cloud. And the stigma that
society puts on sufferers makes it even more of an impossible choice.
Mental health problems can affect the strongest of characters, One Show guest Alistair Campbell suffered a breakdown after months of intensive stress at work, too much alcohol and myriad other complex issues. Watch him talk about it on BBC Headroom.
What makes me most upset is that society is so narrow-minded that people would rather admit to having back pain or any other physical ailment rather than admit to suffering from some kind of depression.
Even if you find the strength to admit it to yourself, your family and your friends, you've still got to deal with work. Or is it better not to?
In Sue Smith's case telling her work colleagues that she was suffering from depression signalled the loss of her job. Her story was so moving, she nearly had me and the crew filming, in tears.
Sue was first diagnosed with cancer which sent her into reactive depression, while her colleagues were initially supportive of her fight against cancer, most of them couldn't deal with her depression and felt more comfortable pretending it didn't exist. Sue did recover but she did lose her job.
Cambridge's local health service is trying to tackle the discrimination of people with mental health problems head on with Time to Change, which will run nationwide next year.
What I'd say to employers is don't cut off a whole raft of invaluable employees just because they may be suffering from mental health problems. They have a lot to offer, you're only denying yourself and your business, after all they have a range of skills and experience too.
And really it doesn't have to be that way. Would you tell your boss you're suffering from depression?
If you feel you're suffering from depression and want to talk to someone, call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or click here to visit the Samaritans website, or for more information contact MIND.
Comments
Thank you for dealing with this difficult isue.
There are many people especially for professionals who cannot diulge underlying historic mental conditions due to the way in which employers perceive the illness.
If I had some form of physical impairment then I answer the question 'Do I consider myself disabled' or require accomodation, whereas you have to declare mental illness without any explanation of whether it is a stable or treated (treatable) condition and whether it truly impacts your capability to perform your position.
Why is there no similar provision for mental illnesses
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thankyou so much for this program. im 20 and have suffered with serious mental health problems for 5 years. it is something that effects so many people and their families. there is so much stigma and most people just do not understand. most people either tell you to pull yourself together (irrelevent of the disorder) or they try and take your scissors and shoelaces off you! maybe after seeing this people will begin to think about it more. maybe
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This is a subject close to me. As a sufferer of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I have found a great deal of discrimination but nothing compare to when I started to suffer with depression caused by being constantly in agony.
I did, and still do in someways, feel very isolated but the one thing that I have found is that even many so called payment protection insurances do not cover despression or anxiety. This is disgusting because if you are depressed worrying about money when trying to get better isn't going to help you.
Best wishes
Sian
Feltham
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I am diagnosed with SAD.
I use bright light therapy amongst other things to help me through my winter.
A bright light at work ... sheesh.
Some understand. Some say they do ;-)
I am open about my condition. I hope by being so I break down the ignorance surrounding it.
I hold down quite a demanding role too.
Hey ho :-)
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Oh the joy of modern technology, able to watch and communicate with the mighty one show symmutaniously.
I am v pleased that jolly ol Alaister Campbell was on just describing his breakdown. I come from a long line of "mentalists" - as my boyf calls us. I feel as if you have a slightly deeper view of yourself and maybe others after an episode. Employers should be made aware that just because you have had an issue, doesn't mean you will have again - or even if you do, that it will impact your professionalism longterm.
A peer of mine (lofty and ancient late 20 something) was shocked that at least 3 of our group of friends has had an episode. Perhaps if we were all a bit more honest and spoke about feelings properly and supported each other more effectively, then it would not be such a taboo.
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You have to be very careful employing people with mental health problems. I worked in a factory workshop when a guy who had recently been employed when mad. He started throwing tools around and totally lost it. Some people were injured. It turned out he had a long history of mental problems. Depending on the health problem involved, where safety is concerned, all employers MUST think twice before employing someone these poor people, and quite right too..!! The other problem is the amount of lost days due to sickness once someone is employed. Employment is very competitive now-a-days. If you were looking to employ someone and a number of people apply, all seem perfect for the vacancy but one has a history of mental health problems, medication issues and time off sick, which one would you take on..??
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I was given one month's notice yesterday after having been signed off for three weeks, but having declared that I would be in this week. The excuse was that I had not declared my illness at interview when the question had been "How is your health" and at which time I replied in all honestly "fine" since I was not even on antidepressants at the time. And it was a faith school of all things!
No consieration of the credit crunch, Christmas all the suicidal feelings which they knew I had been having. Needless to say, it has not improved my condition.
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This is a difficult subject.
I was dismissed from a job when depression lead to a psychotic episode and i was admitted to hospital.
I did not tell the truth about why i left that job, or why i had such a huge gap in employment history as I had not got some jobs because of my initial honesty.
One employer told me i would have needed to have been "well" for at least 2 years before they would employ me.
Lucky I have changed career and am now a youth worker and training to be a counsellor.
I have found this very rewarding and has made me feel much better about myself that i can use my experiences for good.
I have been in my current job for 2 years now and i was brutally honest about my mental health history at my interview, and they gave me the job on the strength of it.
But sadly this is not always the case, my wife for example was signed off for depression for 2 years and has struggled to find jobs by being honest abot it, even though she has made great strides and feeling ready and wanting to go back into work.
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I was a sufferer and over the space of 3 years I spent a total of 3 on medication. I was able to tell a few friends of my condition and because of that, get more support.
I do feel that if there was less social sigma/better undertsanding of the problems it would be easier to talk about it but unfortunately, the education is not there.
Now, I also suffer from having Asperger's syndrome (all be it, mildly) and it is just as difficult to talk about it. Party, it's the male, macho image and partly it's a fear from myself that people will think I'm just unloading on them.
It's a finely judged balance deciding who, how much and when!
Jonathan
Winchester
benn002@att.biz
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My son was diagnosed recently with depression and severe panic attacks. Although he was hardly sleeping, he struggled to work as they were short-staffed and he did not want his colleagues to suffer.
On two occasions he was signed off by the doctor for a week.
His boss called him in and said he would be sacked if he were off again in the next two months.
This behaviour only serves to make the matter worse, and makes me very angry with his employer.
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I am very happy that someone is talking about mental illness in an open and honest way. I have suffered for the past 10 years with anxiety and depression which can hit you at anytime. What people do not seem to realise is that comments like "pull yourself together", "its all in your head" and "you have so much and others have so little" do not help at all, in fact they do the opposite. The problem with having a mental illness is getting jobs which suit both you and your employer and also paying the bills when you are not in work. I am currently ill (again) and am waiting for the benefits people to come back to me with help. I am scared of losing my mortgaged home, and would love to carry on working. I am a trained worker but because of my illness cannot seem to find anything that suits me and can be understanding with my needs.
Again, thank you for highlighting this problem maybe people will start understanding us better.
Karen
Luton
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I have suffered from depression following a nervous breakdown in 2002 and have not had any paid work since, although I have managed some voluntary work from time to time.
Given the approach of New Labour - to attempt to deny invalidity benefit to folk suffering mental illness when it this their own policies which has brought about the rise in this - Alastair Darling has more than a little nerve to bleat about the issue on national television.
It's your fault Mr Darling, along with the rest of New Labour.
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I feel the time spent in mental illness and its absorbing nature is not everyones experience.So it makes you a bit different when you have had one like me.How do you share it with the 'normals'.Its tough but
there are people out there who are accomodating .I don't mean bleeding over them all the time just sharing the facts now and then. otherwise you feel very alone with it.
All the best
Paul
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I am a 32 year old single mum and work full time for a small company in London and have recently been diagnosed with depression. I really needed time out from work in the office and didnt want to lie about why I was not in. I did feel embarrased so got my mum to call and talk to my boss. I dreaded what their reaction would be which was just another cause of anxiety that you dont need when you feel like that. My boss was atcually very understanding and I returned to work two weeks later. I feel I am probably in the minority and count myself lucky. I wold not however mention any previous mental health problems should i go for another job.
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I am currently suffering with depression and had to tell my employer as I have been referred for counselling on a Tuesday afternoon. My employer couldn't have been more supportive and when I had a bad day last week they didn't complain when I was late for work. I think it does depend on the employer though and know I am lucky. Helen in Manchester.
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Although there is much prejudice amongst employers, I feel that the root of the issue is the attitude of many Mental Health Workers. I have met very many caring people in that profession, but I have also dealt with people who would really prefer that they didn't have to deal with me. Crisis Team provision is appalling. Although they work very well with sufferers of Schizophrenia, etc, they treat those with more psychological issues as inconveniences, even though the law has stated for a few years now that they are compelled to offer treatment.
I have a personality disorder that stems from childhood issues. Now while I can see that it might de hard for others to deal with, I don't feel that it is appropriate for Metal Health workers to to take the stance that they do. I have had awful comments. One I partiuclarly remember is a time when I phoned the Crisis Team for help stating very clearly that I had the urge to hurt myself but that I didn't want to and the reply I got was, "Well don't then".
How are employers and the general public going to lessen the extent of prejudice against those with Mental Health difficulties if those who have a duty of care actually don't seem to care at all.
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One thing I found helpful..
Diamonds grow in dark places.
I am now better..at least for now, and back to being strong, competent and extrovert, but I am more sensitive as a result of 4 years of depression, and have had the rough edges knocked off...surely a good thing for any potential employer.
By the way, my faith in God ultimately saved me. Sounds trite, but it's true. Friends and family couldn't stick with me throughout the experience, but God did.
Linda, Southampton
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This was a great article.
For myself I have found that once I came out as having a mental illness, my position in the organisation I worked for was difficult.
When I broke my foot and was on crutches - no problem. Slipping a dic in my back no problem. But suffering from depression - then I was oushed into taking early retirement through ill health at 45yrs!
I wonder if being open about my illness was right.
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thankyou for bringing this isue into the light. i have suffered from depression for 4 years now. when i had a breakdown in 2006 I had my two boys taken away from me, it took 11 months to get them back. care proceding were taken out as they were stating that my mentle health had an inpact on my boys, as my eldest son was acting strange. Although he has high functioning Autism and ADHD this was not accepted, only my depression was discussed and blamed. I now don't feel comfertable in disclosing my Depression to anyone apart from my closest friends.
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I have suffered with depression since childhood, I returned to work back in February after a while out. This time because of the break in my work history I put details of my depression on my C.V.
I now work for United Utilities who after asking a few questions at interview about it, treated me the same as every other applicant.
I havent experienced too many problems with my working career so far. I feel sometimesd it can be more about the way you deal with your employer than they with you.
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Hi thanks for the programme regarding depression and employment issues. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2005. After losing the majority of my friends. It took me over 2 years to find a job even though i have a Bsc Hons degree in Medical Biology. What makes me angry is that the government is trying to cut the incapacity benefit for people to get them into work. Although i agree about getting people into work it isn't fair when the majority of employers are so prejudice regarding this issue especially when most people with mental health problems want to work. More help is needed to tackle these issues
Claire
Huddersfield.
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Alastair Campbell is very brave and made a good point about problems that are invisible. Unfortunately, when they become visible, the public and media response is completely inappropriate, as can be seen from the response to the Kerry Katona interview, when someone being medicated with chlorpromazine showed what it does to them and the public went ballistic.
To answer the question, 'coming clean' is hardly the expression. We have done Nothing Wrong! WE are treated as if it is inditable to have a mental health problem. It is time the ruling about disclosures when applying for jobs was altered in the applicants' favour, so the employer does not have the opportunity to disciminate because they have compassion-fatigue with regard to the disabled and the mentally ill in particular. Excellent coverage. We need to talk.
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Thank you for dealing with this very sensitive issue, as a suffer of depression, I feel that it is the best thing that happened to me, thanks to the support of my family, friends and to the support of depression group I have been able to turn my life around, far from being embrassed I feel that I can now embrace the fact that my illness has changed my life, given me new insight and the courage to move forward.
I am now doing a diploma in counselling with the hope of working in mental health.
I volunteer with support groups.
We need to continue to educate those who dont understand mental health.
We need to speak up and invest more in mental health.
There are people out there who are suffering and in need, but to embrassed to come forward.
Fiona
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It was so refreshing to hear Alistair Campbell talking so frankly about his mental illness and past substance misuse. It is essential that people in the public eye are open about this issue. For me too, suffering from mental illness has in fact opened doors as I have chosen to see it as an opportunity rather than a hinderance.
After a successful career in international relations I became ill with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after the death of my colleagues while working on one of my projects overseas. From being a passive recipient of care, I am now a Governor of the NHS Trust where I was a patient. I lecture on a Masters course on my experiences and sit on the editorial board of an academic journal on the subject.
Yes there is still stigma and ignorance around but I do not wish to be involved with an employer who possesses such prejudice.
I have openly addressed national conferences about my illness (which includes related alcohol misuse) and I feel nothing but privilige to be associated with those who cope with these often so debilitating and misunderstood illnesses on a daily basis.
I never thought I would be writing in praise of Mr Campbell, but it goes to show that ALL prejudice may be challenged and conquered!
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I was working for a large international bank and mentioned my depression to my manager - it was used against me and a campaign to manage me out was started. Eventually after 6 months of being continually made to feel worthless, having my responsibilities reduced for no reason, being moved from one job to the next, and being given poor appraisals for not meeting objectives that were never given to me, I was eventually assigned an HR representative who ironically took long term stress related sick leave a week later. I even called the support line in a moment of desperation feeling completely suicidal - and their advice was an unsympathetic "find a new job" Needless to say - I eventually left the company - my only regret being that I did not sue for constructive dismissal - for which I had a good case. I spent 6 months trying to build my confidence sufficiently to find a new job. I will not be mentioning my depression in any workplace environment again
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i recently remortgaged and when I took out the payment protection insurance it doubled the premiums because I suffered from depression 4 years ago.
Paula from Stoke on Trent
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Hi
Im am going through the exact problem that no one will employ me when they find out i had a breakdown due to my child being abused. Obviously i cant tell anyone why the breakdown happened but i feel a failiure. I have got through this and have been back to college to gain updated qualifications to aid me back into the workplace but still cant get a job? What do people in my situation have to do? If i had been a convicted criminal i would have a better chance.
Regards
Me
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I have suffered from various types of depression from a young age. Two years ago I suffered a nervous breakdown and even although I had had several forms of treatment prior to my breakdown, this is the first time that I feel thatr
I have never recovered.
My friends have disappeared and I think that this time my family have even struggled. When I try to talk about my illness, the subject is quickly changed. I am not ashamed of my illness, I take a pill just like thousands of others who suffer from different illnesses, but are not treated like a leper. I hope and pray, and I will continue to talk about my illness until it does not feel like a tabboo subject.
I am young and I need for people to understand, so that other people, in similar situations as myself do not have to go through the stigmas that are attached to people with mental illness.
I am still receiving treatment and hopefully I will recover - again!
Lynne
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This message is from a sacked member of the DWP Jobcentreplus for reasons related to my disability i.e stress , anxiety and depression ! After 23 years I can state the Dept has gone feral ! The Dept claims to be positive towards people with disabilities but from my experience as a trained Disability Employment Advisor and Branch officer for Equality in my union PCS can definately say ITS A LIE , BIGOTS abound as they adhere to Ministerial madate to cuts jobs on efficiency grounds. Disabled people being an easy target. Yet Ministers and the Dept claim the opposite "Disability
The DWP is committed to meeting the needs of all disabled people, including our customers and staff. We aim to go further than the legal requirements and intend the Department to set a leading example to other organisations. As an employee, line manager or when serving our customers, there is specific information that you will need to know about disability. This site provides guidance on disability issues and includes useful links to relevant features, articles and websites.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/WorkSchemesAndProgrammes/index.htm?cids=Google_PPC&cre=DPAC_Franchise
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I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1998. I applied to a police force not so far from you after 5 years of remaining well to work as a fingerprint officer. I was offered a job and then they caught up with the paperwork, in which I had come clean about my disability. I took classes in law so that I could take them to a tribunal, but fortunately the Disability Rights Commission took up my case. I won the first round, but lost the second round at the Appeals Tribunal. I went on to work successfully for a different police force and my work was commended by the Chief Constable. I am now happily married (since March), expecting a baby and work as a note-taker/ support worker for disabled students in the Student Enabling Service at my local university. I did tell my current employers about my medical history because I believe that the only way to change the way people think is to get to know them and convince them of the quality of your work. I didn't disclose until I was in the interview this time! Favourite lectures? Law!
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After suffering a breakdown though workplace stress and the subsequent breakdown in my relationship of 17 years in 2003 it took me 2 years to get back in to employment.
I never claimed a benefit and survived on savings so when I got back into work in Sep 2005 I was overjoyed.
I was honest about my stress related illness but 11 months later it came back to bite me.
I had been paying into a pension from day 1 then out of the blue I was emailed to say that I would have to go for a substantial medical to continue being in the pension scheme, this caused me to feel very anxious and i withdrew from being in the pension scheme to avoid "slipping back".
I had gotten back to work without any assistance and felt that my employers had missed the point about mental health issues. On paper yes in practice the support was not there.
Who am I employed by? Well I am a Civil Servant so that should give some clue.
Dannid
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Having just watched Dr. Jarvis's report, I respect Sue Smith for speaking out on the issue and am encouraged by the initiative by Cambridgeshire NHS. However, I still feel that employers are prejudiced with employing or continuing to employ people with mental health problems. I have suffered with depression for nearly nine years and a few weeks following sick leave whenI was first diagnosed my employer terminated my contract. I then had to deal with the added stress of taking my claim for unpaid wages to HMRC and an Employment Tribunal.
Since then, and despite some relapses, I have successfully gained both a BA and an MA at university, yet am greatly reluctant to mention my previous employment background and health in interviews and applications for current work.
I hope that publicity and related initiatives will help to reduce this stigma.
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It's great to hear this issue discussed so openly. I work for Depression Alliance - a mental health charity - and we've recently started a project in SE London to provide non-medical support for people experiencing depression and anxiety. It's based around a self-help model of recovery and uses practical ways to develop coping strategies - in particular, participation in a 'time bank' (skills swap), engaging in social events and encouraging gentle exercise and balanced nutrition.
It's not rocket science - but looks to fill the lonely gap and low confidence that depression can leave people with once any counselling or primary care support has finished. It gives like-minded people, from all ages, races and circumstances, the chance to support each other, build skills and confidence, develop a supportive network of friends and take responsibility for their own recovery.
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Hi my name is becky from Bingham in nottinghamshire.
I also wanted to thankyou for raising awareness about mental health and the stigma people like myself face.
People always seem to accept depression and anxiety more easily than other mental health difficulties. I suffer from psychosis, depression, self harm and am Bulimic. I am not a danger to anyone accept myself but still have recieved stigma and discrimination from many people. I have had a poster pinned up about me in nearby village, people have crossed the street to avoid me.
I now run a support group and many of my peers (those also with mental health difficulties) have also expereinced similar difficulties including at halloween eggs and thrown at windows, psycho and nutter spray painted on their house wall and being banned from pubs.
I hope things can change. I might have the strentgh to tackle this stigma as it arises now but many don't and it just makes things worse.
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People need to know that people with mental illness are still people. Just because I suffer from bouts of mental illness it does not mean that I am either stupid, dangerous or malingering. I just have days when I cannot cope, but the rest of the time I am a perfectly normal person.
Winston Churchill suffered from bouts of overwhelming depression that he called Black Dog, but it didn't stop him from running the country during a world war.
Openness is the key. If we all felt that we could be honest to employers and others about our illness then the world would be a better place.
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It was good to see the subject of mental illness in general and depression in particular given a sympathetic airing however I was concerned to hear the Cambridge NHS representative talk about understanding "issues around mental illness" when so many peoples experience is that the NHS is woefully under resourced to help people with mental health problems
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I had a brake down when working for my local electricity board which I did for 19 years before it happen than they just offered me a job which was imposable to do. I left on the sick every sine this day I fined it hard to get a job as being honest about my sickness put all employers off. I now work in a college only when needed by them , I been trying to get a job in educations but all keep letting down by saying sorry but your not Quaffed , over quaffed not got the thing there looking for even tough I on my way to my B/S degree. I am also dyslexic to which also go against me metal illness is bad news for most of us . Even had a interview ones who told me that I was to honest about putting it down as I thought you was going to be worse that I was when he met me .
Bryan
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I have had several episodes of depression in my working life and have found employers are becoming more aware and there is less stigma attached than there used to be. Earlier in my career I feel it held me back as my employer viewed me as incapable. I am currently employed by a large national employer, my mental health history was raised in my interview as I detailed it on my application. It's not something I have ever been embarrassed about or tried to hide and they thanked me for my honesty.
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As someone who was embarrassed to tell anyone when I was depressed I found tonights programme a great help. Like the piece stated, if someone had a back problem they'd have friends rallying round with offers of support. Mental illness seems to get people running for the hills. As I've become more open about my depression I've found friends and colleagues opening up to me about their experiences. Thank you for the programme. I hope it helps more people talk openly about a very common problem
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Is depression an embarrassment? - a headline like this just adds to the stigma regarding mental illness.
I talk about my bi-polar disorder in a candid, open and honest way so that people I speak to about my condition have a better understanding around mental ill health.
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Thanks for covering this difficult topic on the One Show.
Let me tell you about me.. I'm 30 years old, I have a husband, a degree, a house, two cats, lots of friends and senior management job and type 2 bi-polar disorder.
On the one hand I suppose I am a positive example of how people with long term mental health problems can succeed in the work place, but I am constantly treading on eggshells, trying to figure out who I can trust to tell about my condition, and who I can't. There is a huge amount of discrimination against people with mental health problems, especially in the work place. I am technically covered by the Disability Discrimination Act, but this doesn't change people's perceptions. I was recently told by an HR officer that I could not have time of work for regular Cognitive Behavioural Therapy treatment (at an NHS hospital) as "it's not really a health issue, is it?"
I would love to be able to be honest about my condition with everyone around me, but even some of my closest friends talk about people being "nutters", call psychiatrists "shrinks" and generally run a mile at the idea of "crazy people".
It makes me REALLY MAD! GRRR!
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I have suffered from depression and SAD for over a decade. I recently left a job with local government after 4 years as I felt that I was about to lose my job because of my illness. The first 'episode' that i had i was given a verbal warning for the sick time that I had off with it, despite being open about my illness, and the second time, despite having a little more help from my employer, after I returned, I couldn't help but read the signs given to me that I would probably eventually lose my job due to sick time taken off for my depressive episodes, even though I was perfectly capable of doing my work when not going through these episodes, of which, i did not have many. I did inform them of this when I left and I hope that they don't judge future employees in the same way. People who had been off on sick leave with cancer etc were not made to feel like this and I find this to be very unfair as depression can often be a very debilitating illness which is only made worse by the lack of understanding and knowledge that so many people still have.
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I am a community psychiatric nurse. It's not that people with mental health problems necessarily find it difficult to find work or more importantly that they don't want to work. Unfortunately the benefit system is not geared up to help people "dip in" and "dip out" according to need. If a client on say on between £150-£200 a week experienced a relapse and needed time off work statutory sick pay would not cover their essential household bills, therefore they might need to claim benefits again. At a difficult time (relapse) they have to try and navigate the benefits system, wait for benefits while bills mount up and endure the stress and pressure of trying to make ends meet. I'm most client's would envy Alistair Campbell bening able to rely on (I'm guessing) cushioning savings accounts, but when you live as some client's do "hand to mouth" client's think it's just not worth the stress and anxiety !!!!!!!
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I'm really pleased to see this topic covered. Having lived with depression for many years, having allowed myself to get to the point of breakdown (not realising I was ill) I am amazed by the lack of understanding out there. 'Pull your socks up' is one we must have all heard! If only it were that simple.
I was sacked by my employer through my ilness (too ill to work) and in the same way as was covered in the show, had it been a physical illness, they would have made provisions to help me, rather than excacerbate my situation!
I think 'people' need to realise that first and foremost, that most mental illnesses are a 'physical illness' first. In depression it is a chemical imbalance, a lack of that happy chemical- that is a physical process in your body much like other illnesses!
It's about time this was made less taboo
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I have had reactive depression since being a teenager.
I suffered a bad bout in a former local government job - I was very open with my employer but I found this caused me nothing but trouble and I was told that I was too sensitive and I should learn to deal with things. Eventually I had to leave the job as my health had deteriorated so much because of the bullying I had received over 4/5 years.
I have been out of that work environment for 18months and have found it easier not too discuss any issues with my current employer - although its taken til now to deal with everything I was put through in my former job.
My advice would be don't tell your employer too much.
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It's great that this subject is being covered by a topical program on prime time TV. I think even if people aren't open about their past or current mental illness, the gap in your work history would stand out anyway. And could cause a future employer to not give you a job.
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I am a depressive and I am not embarrased by it!! If people ask what is wrong I try to explain it!
When I said to people I worked with that I was on anti-depressants, I was amazed at how many of my colleagues were also on them, but hadn't said anything.
Companies need to understand it more!
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Lesley:Central Scotland
I have sufferred from depression for more years than I'd like to remember.....I have been on medication for approx 18 years....and now use a light box in the winter as this also seems to help
I have been very lucky with my last 2 employers in that they have been supportive. My most recent employer offers me medical consultation through Work Medical Direct if I feel I am under too much pressure or stress at work and I can approach my line manager at any time for an informal chat (if I feel things are getting on top of me) or to arrange this. I am in a stressful job - a teacher and I enjoy my work. Having this support (and the continuing support of my family and friends) means that I can continue to work within my profession.
I am well aware that not all people in my position are so lucky.
My son has autism and has so far been unable to secure any job - all he wants is to get a job in a supermarket. He declares his disability......he will be a hard and loyal worker if given the chance.....so far nothing.
Should he declare his disability? Is this a barrier for him? Will he end up on medication for depression?
Who knows? I know I am lucky to have an employer who supports me.
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I dont know if this is what people go through when they have a mental illness to be honest,all I can say that I have felt in the past that I've had nothing else to lose and a sense of despair that I could'nt make sense of or get away from for months, I still get those feelings from time to time but nowhere near as intense as they were. I did have some very good friends around me who helped me when I was at my worse. Is this a typical thing?
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Changing the attitude of society is one thing, what about doctors themselves? I had to BEG over a course of 5 appointments for a referral to a psychiatrist for severe depression, agoraphobia, OCD and social phobia! After being called a "misfit with no social skills"! Like most people with any mental health problem, I was embarrassed by it and too scared to ask for help... until I went to university. My GP there was wonderful, but as soon as I returned home I couldn't get anything except insults! The first step to changing attitudes in society is to change the attitudes of people who work IN the NHS. Even nurses in A&E can be very judgemental about it!
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i've been diagnosed with full clinical deppression for 6 years in this time i went to uni and got a degree in environmental manegment upper second with merit but i have found that when i tell employers that i have deppression i dont get an interview but when i dont tell them i get the interview most times but in the interview i do come clean and tell them about my mental illness then i never hear from them again is this coincidence or discrimination wot do you think ?????
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Depression was the mental health problem discussed on the present programme. But people with more severe mental health problems suffer even more discrimination and stigma.
My son suffers from schizophrenia, which people seem to think makes him a psycopathic axe murder or have a 'split personality' - I have heard even intelligent people talk of the illness with this type of predjudice. In fact psycopaths are likely to be able to fool people into thinking they are healthy mentally, whereas people with schizophrenia are obviously unwell. this scares people, because the majority of them are ignorant about mental illness. We desperately need education on the subject for the general population.
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I was finally diagnosed with depression last year after suffering for 10 years. I remained at work (I'm a police officer) after being put on medication. I was fine for a few months but then ended up having a break down at work where i couldn't stop crying. I was sent home and only took 2 weeks sick leave so a higher dose of medication could take effect. On returning to work my boss was not so supportive and criticised me for crying at work and this was unacceptable for the role i was doing. The fact i could have taken months off work had no bearing on his attitude and he even saw fit to tell other work colleagues why I was off to which they replied, "Well what's she got to be depressed about?" I feel I have been branded as someone who is time wasting and although i find it easier to talk about the illness now, I still feel it is something that is not spoken about enough and very few people understand it. Any efforts to highlight this illness can only be a good thing.
Lorraine
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Paul
Talking about enlightened employers, my daughter suffers from depression. She is a student and works part time for Marks and Spencers. They recently gave her a written warning and interviewed her in front of a management panel about her depression and was told ,if she cannot "pull herself together" then she can no longer work there. Apparently her work colleagues had reported her for being miserable!
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Thank you for helping to bring this subect into the open.
Sadly, as a recent comment on this thread shows, too many people think mental illness means "going mad and throwing things about".
How unsympathetic and hurtful.
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hello! Anna from manchester.
I would like to have my comment posted on the one show on tv because i am so glad that this issue about mental illness is being tackled. It is almost seen as a more embarrasing topic than physical illness and i believe it's the same. I have ocd and i just want to let everyone out there know that if your suffering from any mental illness to seek help from a proffesional because honestly, it will improve your life so much. Its a hard step but its worth it. Also you should confide in people even if its your manager, tell them your issue. even if they dont listen, and dont save your job space like what happened to sue above, they will know about it so hopefully soon, more and more people will realise mental illness is very common and they will treat it just like physical illness. i admire what the one show is doing, keep up with it!
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I have suffered from depression and anxiety since February this year. I was off work for 5 weeks. On my return, I have subsequently struggled and am now on something called 'Capability' which could end with me being sacked. My depression makes it very hard for me to concentrate and so I struggle to do my job properly. As a result, the depression has kicked in harder and I am in a right state again. I feel I am stuck in a loop and cant get out.
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as a mental health worker i find it very hard for alistair campbell to comment on mental health issues where his labour government have completely obliterated mental health services and made mental health services in the NHS a second rate service. We all try our hardest staff and service users but when you are faced with discrimination from a government level how can we change the public's perception of mental illness even though it is very common. I acknowledge that people with mental health problems would like to work and become a valued member of society and should be encouraged and supported to do so. However there will be people who's illness is too debilitating to work but they will now have to be subjected to the new benefit which is very stressful and detrimental to peoples mental health. So when the government changes it perception of mental health then I will change my perception of the government
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Please don't forget about occupational health departments for support for people with mental health problems. Many of our staff in my NHS Trust have had mental health problems and have recovered and worked successfully.
It is not just 'dangerous' psychotic people who suffer from mental health problems. Anyone can be effected and recover with support.
Occupational Health depts can be used as a way of discussing mental health issues without having to explain in detail personal information with your manager. It can also be used by managers to get advice and support in dealing with staff with problems.
ANYONE can be effected. People may reassure themselves with a 'them' and 'us' mentality, but this is untrue. I have had depression too & it has helped me support others going through it.
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Having suffered from clinical depression for 8 years I am glad to see such an important topic discussed on the One Show. I have been extremely fortunate with my current employers who have been very supportive and helpful whenever I have had depressive episodes. I definitely believe people with mental illnesses can continue to offer a great deal to employers, and personally I have found it very helpful to my recoveries to continue to work whilst in the middle of depressive episodes even if not on a full time basis. A couple of tips I'd give to both depressed people and their employers to help reduce sick leave are to try working flexible hours and also to write out weekly plans so tasks doesn't become overwelming. I still use weekly plans when I'm well to try and avoid stress in the work place, and this definitely helps me keep depression at bay.
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I have worked very hard all of my life,10 years spent as a manager,last summer i had a breakdown, my employers were very unsympathetic and made life so unbearable i had another one early this year. I was prescribed tablets and councelling and advised to find another job. As a single parent with a mortgage it was my top priority. I left my secure job to work for what i thaught was a better and more sympathetic company. I was very honest with them and told them at my interview that i had been off work due to stress/anxiety & they still gave me the job. I was so grateful to them that i worked my fingers to the bone and thaught that i was doing very well in a job that i had never done before. Out of the blue after two months i was given the sack for no better reason than "you seem to be under stress"As it happens i dont think i was, they have simply used my honesty against me. I have been told that i cannot take the company to a tribunal even though they have been blatantly unfair, because i have not been employed by them for 12 months.I am now unemployed with very little chance of getting a job simply because they sacked me because they could.
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As a tutor at a large FE college, I am constantly told to make allowances for students' mental health issues, which is great, however the management of my college do not see this as an acceptable illness for staff and I have heard the following comments made by management about staff with mental health problems, " She's not up to the job" " Oh her, well she can't cope because she's weak!" and a colleague who had been off with stress in my department was given the most bullying back-to-work interview and when she objected to the tone of her interview was told that her attitude revealed that she was not up to work and was given 40 minutes to collect her belongings and get off the premises! I have suffered with depression ever since an attempted suicide several years ago and having seen the attitude of my employers, I ask my GP to put abnother reason on my sick notes when I get so I can't cope. From what I hear this is a common attitude in teaching
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I have a history of depression and am currently not working as it is difficult to hold a job down when I am feeling at my worst. However, past employers have had a less than helpful attitude; for instance, 4 years ago I had a major depressive incident following the sudden death of my father and the hospitilisation of my mother following a heart attack in the same week. At the time my teenage daughter was in hospital with anorexia and I had not long gone through a very acrimonious divorce. I had 3 weeks compassionate/sick leave and when I returned to work as a Practice Nurse one of the GPs I worked for made it quite clear that she didn't want me employed at the Practice any longer as it was felt that I was 'mentally unstable'. I was aghast at her attitude and left as soon as possible. I did meet the same attitude at my next job when I had a recurrence a few years later; a total lack of compassion and tolerance from the so-called caring profession! I have served the NHS as a nurse for 26 years and feel very disappointed at the lack of support and also at the very poor standard of care I received as a patient from the Mental Health services. There needs to be a great deal more education and empathy at grass roots level; particularly in these difficult times.
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'Lower village' remarked about the lack of funding for Mental Health in the NHS. It is an absolute disgrace - it is the poor relation of the Nhs and this is because many of the patients are not able to fight for their rights, as they are so vulnerable. The PCT in South Wiltshire are particularly at fault in this respect. A rehabilitation unit in the South of the county was summarily closed (supposedly temporarily) several years ago, leaving the patients only a few weeks to find somewhere to live - a typical cynical move on the part of the PCT. If the NHS neglects these patients, what chance do they have?
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I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety back in May this year. I now also have chronic fatigue syndrome. As things stand I was on incapacity benefit - following a DSS examination with their GP, who met me for a total of 10 minutes in my life, they stopped my benefits and deemed me suitable for work. As a single person suffering from these 'silent' illnesses I am now faced with losing my home, as my options are to appeal the decision and claim income support with a reduction of 20% for having the audacity of challenging something I know is wrong (and incidentally my GP knows is wrong), or sign a declaration that I am fit for work (I'd like nothing finer than to get up in a morning and get ready and go to work as I used to do), and look for a job with this 6 months gap in my career. I simply cannot live on £48.00 a week - my gas and electricity for the property come to almost that alone, I'm not prepared to get into debt and at 46 years old, having had a reasonable career all my working life, I am faced with the option of going to live with my 74 year old mother.
Prior to this medical assessment I was starting to feel less depressed, although extremely tired, I was coming to terms with the fact that I had to now pace my life and was having good and bad days. However, having received the cold letter on the 18th Oct saying my incapacity benefit had stopped on the 17th, I contemplated taking my own life. I felt ashamed that at my age I was about to lose everything. I am now on stronger anti-depressants that I was previously, I am becoming extremely confused, I can't bring myself to start to chase up the benefits service, as I write I have heard nothing either on my appeal or my claim to income support, and have no knowledge when I may or may not expect to receive any of this £48.00 a week. I cannot live on fresh air.
I rang the benefits service once only to be told "You can't be put through to a benefits advisor because no decision has been made on income support - therefore you are not claiming benefits". I rang for a crisis loan, as my money was all but run out - the person on the other end of the phone asked if I had food in the cupboards. I told her a couple of tins of soup, but no cat food - and was astounded at the reply I got "We don't give crisis loans for pets - they will have to starve". Now that really did tip me over the edge.
I thank you to The One show for bringing this subject out into the open. I fear with the credit crunch and the stigma attached to suffering a mental illness/breakdown - my working life is over aged 46, when in fact, I still have lots to offer.
I feel that maybe you should explore the issue further and start to delve into the stigma attached to claiming benefits with a mental illness. You really could open the biggest can of worms in t.v. history.
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Having previously suffered from a mental health problem, brought about by a horrific experience that i had endured working as a police constable.
I spent around 7mths trying to cope with my illness and work at the same time, throughout this time i approached my senior manager ( Inspector) and asked for counseling, each attempt was useless, he would not give me any help, I eventually found it difficult to continue to work and went to my G.P who diagnosed a depressive illness, and signed me off work. During the time i was absent from work i had visits from my senior officers basically to ask how long i expected to be off work, there were no offer of assistance or help. after 1 month of this pressure i decided that i could not go back and handed in my notice, that was in 2004.
I am now with the support of my partner and family maintaining my mental health and have managed to attain a position working as a senior support worker helping individuals with on-going mental health issues live full independent lives within the community.
My experience has made a big impact on my life, I however feel that more needs to be done regarding educating employers, and the overall general public regarding the stigma that is still attached to mental health problems.
Daisy
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Fact is, you don't have to actually be suffering from a mental health condition to find yourself discriminated against on the mere perception of it in some person's prejudiced mind.
After a marriage failure in my very early life, I was, quite naturally, depressed. The eventual diagnosis was 'reactive depression'. However, I was in Western Australia when this occured and its laws were many years behind the rest of the world.
Because I told the ex that I would kill myself if she didn't return to the family home, I was locked up, refused access to a lawyer, packed off to a mental hospital and given a choice: stay for tratment or leave and face a charge of attempting to kill myself.
That was in 1969. For the remainder of my life, I have had this incident used against me in my employment by former relatives through that, and a subsequent, marriage.
I eventually took legal action against the former in-laws. Acting for myself, I put evidence before a court that my former brother-in-law had deliberately defamed me and caused an employer to decide against my employment. The court found that this was not proven but held that I had every right to bring the action, thus the brother-in-law was denied his costs in the case.
Since he was represented by a team of four solicitors and two barristers, including a QC, his legal costs were substantial. I guess you could say this was some kind of a win.
However, it hasn't saved me from ongoing discrimination, even here in the UK where I was born. Whenever anyone wants to have a go, they research me on the Web, find that case, and raise the question as to my mental health.
Eventually, I gave up trying to fight this weird prejudice in the minds of so many. Having not truly suffered a mental illness, my heart goes out to the many who do. This prejudice and narrow-mindedness in our society is shameful and belongs long ago in the past.
I note that some of your comments preceding this post display precisely the prejudice of which I speak. Does no one realise that mental illness could strike just about anyone and at any time?
It really is high time we accepted that mental health is as fragile as physical health. Why hold bias against a mental health sufferer as distinct from, say, a heart attack victim?
It's the 21st century, yet we seem to remain firmly in the 18th when it comes to mental illness.
Time for a change. And now.
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Personally I object VERY STRONGLY to depression being classified as a "mental illness" - NOT to be depressed those days, one has to have a real problem looking around seeing what's going on in the world - Surely it IS depressing !
Depression is caused by numerous factors, sometimes as silly as a lack of vitamins or minerals - It is NOT ALL IN THE HEAD necessarely !
Of course it mainly is emotional - a normal, natural response to emotional pain ie loneliness, lack of self-worth, (AND money !), poor/no communication with meaningful others, care for the world/others, being in situations one has not created (ie the financial crisis we are all suffering nowadays thanks to the blundering banks) and resents, poor health etc...
I have always resented depression not being taken as seriously as it should and swept under the carpet, "Here's a pill, it'll do the job!" type consideration.
It is not a "NHS issue", what we need is a better/fairer world to live in where we feel valued and can make a mark AND a decent living.
All we need is love and a lot of laughter ! NOT more fear and hardship -
And YES I have suffered from depression all my life yet I can be the life of the party !
To all sufferers my deep sympathy, chin up, try and find something you like that has nothing to do with anyone BUT YOU, treat yourself, go out and enjoy what you can and depression will subside.
With a LOT of love
Katlabelle
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There is so much that can be said about the issues - but suffice it to say that one in four people suffers from a mental health problem. This being the case, it is nothing short of disgraceful that mental health occupies a low position on the agenda.
The low position can be illustrated by three examples taken from different perspectives:
a) those with mental health problems were excluded from the original discussions about the 18 week waiting period for NHS treatment;
b) a recent discussion with the chief executive of a large organisation elicited the following comment: "if I employed a n*****, other employees would be terrified; and
c) a young woman recently taking up a post after an extended history of alcohol abuse observed without any malice and ultimate candour: "I was lucky being a wino; if I had been a n*****, I would have had no chance".
Sadly the foregoing are real - the language was inappropriate; the attitudes were appalling; and unfortunately the stigma remains. There is massive need to challenge stigma and prejudice, to tackle the bullying behaviour that undermines and in some cases destroys self esteem, and to promote mental good health.
This programme of positive action needs proper money; it needs a commitment by government properly to fund care for those with mental health problems without short-termism; and it needs a massive investment in the promotion of mental good health.
It makes economic sense doesn't it when one thinks of the number of days lost to employers through stress, depression etc
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3 years ago I applied for job as a wagon driver for a local building firm. 2 years previous I retired from the police service(27yrs) on ill-health grounds after suffering a nervous breakdown.
I included my 'certificate of service' with my cv, which described my service as 'exemplary'. It also included my reason for retiring.
I was asked about this aspect, obviously, and I fully explained the circs. When I did the lady interviewing me said it had happened to her friend, She said it in a way that I knew the interview had just concluded.
Needless to say I never heard from them.
I did however obtain employment with another company who's management are fully aware of my history.
Keep trying, there are a few people out there who do understand.
Unfortunately not enough
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Until earlier this year I enjoyed a relatively senior role in in a large organisation. I then had a bout of anxiety and depression and was off work. When I returned I was made to feel very unwelcome, they will not let me resume my role or anything like it and as a result I have now been made redundant. I am working my notice period at the moment. I asked if I would have been treated in the same way had I been off with a broken leg. Their reply was that of course I wouldn't as a broken leg is different! What more can I say?!
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yes i am lonely i have had depression on and off all my life 40 odd years, the last four years have been really down.
i have 2 part time jobs and one of them has been really understanding about it all, if i have needed time off work, they help me to get back into working again when i feel i am ready.
my other job they sort of understood, but i still got the line don't take any more time off work within the next 4 months. yes i did have some time off i am now waiting to hear what is going to happen.
my moods go on like a circle but sometimes lower than others
it is nice being so open about the subject
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There should be much more of this kind of 'gentle education' on TV. I think the best thing I've seen on this sort of thing was something Stephen Fry did a few years ago.
I think the NHS statistic is that 1 in 6 people will suffer some form of mental illness at some point in their lives.
Do they discuss this in schools yet? Do they give kids an idea of what the difference is between a perfectly normal mood swing and bi polar disorder? I'd genuinely like to know?
Until people have the vocabulary and the basic understanding of the degrees of mental illness and the different kinds, how is society in general ever going to be more understanding and less discriminative? How else are people going to know that they have a problem before it's too late and it's seriously messed up their lives?
This is something that should start at school - but there are generations of people that haven't ever had it explained to them, that don't necessarily want to know, because it is such an alien (even 'modern') thing that no-one ever discussed before, let alone tried to treat.
I have been very fortunate that I was able to rebuild my life after suffering from a mild form of bipolar disorder, and when I have needed to discuss it (even during job interviews) I've found people to be very understanding (and quite interested). But this was after I was over the worst of it and had found the right medication for me.
Before that... it was difficult to discuss without tears and a lot of guts. I think the best thing that recovering sufferers can do to improve public perception of this kind of illness is to share their experiences with others and hopefully it will change the way those people will react in future to sufferers (or help them to identify if and when they themselves may need support to dealing with something similar).
I would agree with Sian, money is a particular worry, and in my experience some high street banks can really take advantage - previously giving me large unsecured loans, with payment protection that wouldn't cover me. I'm now a discharged bankrupt!
Much more of the same please - perhaps the BBC could devote a seasonof programs to this subect.
Helen
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hi. yes, interesting topic for discussion. i agree with there being a certain "stigma" attatched to mental illness and the person living with it. by discussing it like this can only bring positivity to the matter. i would also like to add that suffering with a mental illness (as i have,in the past), can also have negative affects on the relationship between yourself and your GP, i.e. doctor stops listening to you,doesnt take you seriously,even when its my son or daughter at the time who is the patient. thanks
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That was an interesting piece of film but it didn't cover Scotland where there has been a campaign to tackle stigma up and running for over five years called 'see me' I'm a person not a label.
They make TV and radio ads, work in schools and have made some great progress. Their new TV ads are great.
My own feeling is that people's views of mental illness are getting better but there is still a long long way to go before mental illness is just treated like any other illness.
Glad to see BBC One covering this issue but shame that they'll only do it now there's an English campaign! Get your act together BBC.
Best wishes to all of us who have to fight this stigma together north and south (and west) of the English border(s).
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Around this time last year i suffered from anxiety @ deppression and was off work for 2 to 3 months . Eventually after being on tablets and having to see the company doctor and hr officer and my direct boss n bosses above my boss and talkin about the route of the problem i would say the company was very understandable because i didnt know what the reaction would be.To me i felt alot better in myself and that i kept it all to my self for 6 months or more.I would say with help from my family and my employers . The Company were brilliant to my illness.
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iv had depression for 7 years and iv had no stigma at work as i dont work due to my depression.
however iv had stigma in the school playground when iv taken my daughter to school.
I told one lady who i thought was a friend that i had depression she didnt speak to me again and has said some nasty things about me.
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Thanks for raising this at peak time and every one should watch Alistair Campbell's programme. Today i spoke with a mental health professional and they could not see why we need support in the community. We are setting up our own service as with only 2 weeks notice the council withdrew funding and offered us no help in setting up our group. I have worked for a mental health trust and they sent me to see a psychiatrist and they asked 'when would I be normal'. i was told by a previous manager that I should go get another job and they told personnel they did not want me working there as i had depression.
Such experiences making going back into employment very difficult and to address them though legal means is stressful and so adds to mental distress. It is time that such employers could be tackled on this discrimination in general. As for the people with a mental health problem being a danger this is exaggerated out of all proportion as many more people are killed by drink drivers. The need to hide mental illness often leads to isolation and people feeling they cannot ask for help. Stephen Fry said recently at an event I was at that 'We should be proud to have mental illness and it should be as easy to speak about as saying aren't you Scottish on your father side'.
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My breakdown came in 1989 and lasted until 2003 when I found a new job and met my new boss who taught in a male prison. No disrespect to the inmates but if she could make the hardest criminals speak to her then I was probably an easy subject.
My experience tells me that you have three sorts of friends.
1. Those who steer clear of mental illness sufferers as people they do not want to know about. Kiss them goodbye.
2. Those who know exactly what you are going through because they have been there - and there are a lot of those ! Keep them close.
3. Those who don't understand but to them you are the same bloke you always were. Stick with them as they are diamonds !
My previous employers in 1989 were very good but eventually I had to give up a good career with a contributory pension scheme. Hard yes, but I am now a different person and I no longer feel the need to take responsibility for the whole world. I am still great friends with stress and probably always will be but I am happy !!!
I would like to see better support groups and I would be happy to, as I am already, assist those still in the depths of despair. In 1989, the hospital sent me home to 'get well' which was impossible since my Wife had panicked about our future and sought a job after 14 years at home. Being on your own is the worst scenario; okay you maybe don't want to speak to them but you still need someone there for you. Depression and anxiety remove your natural limits; you feel like a jelly that won't set. You cannot rationalise anything, least of all the immediate future.
Bob
Stickney
Lincolnshire
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hi my names kevin from tilbury in essex i am suffering depression myself and was in a mental health unit 7 years ago for about 6 weeks and got the right medication now and it got really bad for me where i couldnt cope but with my support in place now i find i can handle life much better infact i returned to full time work as a taxi driver . i do talk about it at work but 1 person says to me when i go to a meeting with my support workers he says ie DID YOU GO TO YOUR NUT NUT MEETING but i just dont talk to people who say that . but now i plan to keep my job and look forward to good days now . and i hope people like me can help
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Dear All
Thanks to a great therapist I discovered that my mental breakdown didn't just occur three years ago, but had been building up since my first marriage ended in divorce in 1981. However, after a lot of 'kickings' it all came to a head when marriage number three failed, our business had to be sold to settle the financial arrangements and at 56 I found myself virtually unemployable. Flat broke and up to my eyes in debt can be added to my list of woes!
Does this sound familiar to anybody?
I went to my GP, broke down in his office and he referred me to the local Mental Health Crisis Team who were great - pulling me back from a 'really dark place' over the next 48/72 hours. From here I was referred to the non-crisis Mental Health Unit and in sometime between thirteen to sixteen weeks later I was given an appointment to see a councellor.
After 20 hours of councelling spread over the next 18 months my allotted time had come to an end. I must admit I had improved and felt I may well continue to do so. But no such luck. A Minor incident occured about 4 weeks ago and all my depressive thoughts came back again. A locum GP's (mine normal GP is off ill with, I suspect, depression) response was to increase my medication by 50% and refer me back for more councelling. Could I have to wait another 13 weeks for an appointment - only time will tell.
I think of suicide as a possible answer virtually every day, sometimes contructively sometimes not. I know how and where but at this moment not when.
Four things keep me back from the edge.
1. My GP and the concern and help he's provided.
2. The work my councellor put in and the progress I made at the time.
3. My 4 cats - who would look after them?
4. I discovered a sister I didn't know I had. Sure, she was my sister but she and her husband have been fantasic in providing emotional and financial support. She has been a brick. Fantastic.
My newest worry is the new benefits assessment. If I could work I would. I'd rather do that then sit at home all day with the curtails closed watching daytime TV. Getting out of the house is a real struggle. Now I have the prospect of a 21 year old spotty assessing me and my financial lifeline that doesn't even meet my bills. Does the decision rest with her/him or a faceless 'decision maker' in a warm and pleasant office in Newcastle? I don't hold out a lot of hope in meeting a Mental Health aware employeer either. It's like ageism - just because it's against the law doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
I'm sorry if I've rambled and for any typo's.
B.F.N
Biker
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In the mid 1980s I suffered from what was - for me - a quite hideous depressive episode. I could not understand how it was possible to remain alive while feeling so ill.
After a short stay in hospital I returned to work where my Head Teacher told me that any future promotion was out of the question. Some friends and family were also clearly confused and exasperated by my illness. In retrospect I cannot in all conscience blame them because my own past reaction to depression victims in the had been equally unsympathetic.
Anyway, some months after 'being released into the community' I was diagnosed as suffering from 'bi-polar affective disorder'. Ever since then I've been on lithium and with the exception of a few weeks of mild melancholy every year I've been very well.
But my son was nowhere near so lucky. He ended his life some thirteen years ago at the age of 22.
ps. In my experience, the quality of mental health services from GPs to psychiatric nursing to consultant psychiatrists is a total lottery. At every level, some are excellent and others are worthless.
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I run a mental health employment project in Stafford. To date we have helped over 200 mental health clients to find paid work in the last three and half years. I also employed people with mental health issues onto my team when we started the project in 2004. Although we work for a mental health trust neither they nor the government give us any money to run the project. We have to find the funds each year ourselves. We are highly succesful at what we do, and our clients who are now working are our best ambassadors for creating employer confidence to recruit staff through our project. The change that can be made from clients finding a job after years of been unemployed is better than any medication.
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Hi Bikerider500,
My SAD has lead me a merry dance. It's a once a year trip down the big black roller coaster.
But after wrestling with it for 8 years now ( since diagnosis - which was 26 years late ) I am finding some respite.
I know how much courage it took you to come here and talk. You have made a difference for me. You've reminded me just what a tough little so and so I am. Thanks.
Little steps my friend. You are not alone.
Best
Darrell is grumpy
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Thanks for bringing up this subject openly.I have been suffering from depression since my wife died in 2000.I could not cope with life so I had to go on antidepressant.I was on them for quiet a while on and off.Going to work was a daily struggle.Was off work on and off.The thing is nobody seem to understand me .I had lot of counselling through my GP and work.I had to make my manager understand my problem.He really helped me ,had lot of help from the company.I had an early retirement.it has been nearly two years now but still suffer from anxiety and panic attacks.I have been off medication for nearly two years and coping well.It really helps if people around you understands.I don't think you fully recover from depression,have to learn to live with it.I just live a day at a time .I like to talk about it openly and help people in similar situation.
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I have had depression (diagnosed) for over 10 years and have always held back from telling employers and colleagues because of the embarassment/shame. This has made my condition much worse because I have been completely paranoid about people finding out, laughing at me and humiliating me. I am on large dose of anti-depressants but work full time at the moment supporting myself, my partner, who is redundant and my two children. I feel under unbearable pressure because I cannot even take a day off when my depression is bad as I do not get sick pay. I fear that things will escalate and I will be very ill and the whole family will end up reliant on the state. Why isn't there help for people like me before it gets to crisis stage?
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I am glad that this issue is being highlighted by the media. Previously i never understand what it was like untill i experience it myself, I am from Thailand and i have been very successful in my career and i have been living in many countries alone. 2006, the first time in my life, i experienced depression and recovered in 3 mth, 2007, i have got the job offer in UK with the same company. 2008 i had a setback from depression again due to pressure from work and culture shocked, i was off sick for 6 mth, my insurance sent me to a wellknown private hospital, i am now recover and recently return back to work for 6 weeks and got back to my original role. It was akward the first week at work, i had mix experience, i was bullied, intimidated and criticised from 5% of the colleagues, and 80% of the colleagues were showing empathy, and thanks to my management team, they are supporting me and i feel welcome back. I still have panic attacks from time to time. It is very hard to cope with this invisible disease, but with CBT treatment, i need to approach life with positive mindset by doing my best and being smart and flexible. I still can not sleep that well . My brain become too active since i have return back to work, i am still very sensitive and emotional. It is not easy to cope at work, once you are in a role people expecting from you, they don't understand that you are still sick because they couldn't see which make it even harder. I would love to get advice from some of you if you could share with me. I want to have a successful recovery, and i have done well in the past 6 weeks...Thanks!!!
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At 33 I was happy, vibrant, healthy, and enjoying life both personally and at work. Then an emotional trauma left me fighting depression and subsequent alcoholism. I had to give up my home and job to recover and start all over again. Three years later I'm out of it, but it was a life defining period. Depression is not uncommon - it comes in all shapes and sizes and can affect anyone for a multitude of reasons. What is important is awareness, support and understanding for something that is a medically debilitating condition, and as such should not be treated with discrimination.
Chris
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thankyou so much to the person who said about the mental health service having a part to pay in the continued stigma. i have a suspected personality disorder and likewise i have found my experience with the mental health team to be extremely poor. i have had a lot of treatment which i am extremely greatful for despite the fact it has been unceucessful. however the way that i and others are often treated by people in those services has often been extremely unfair. people often have this idea that people who self harm are doing it for attention, that if you are of a 'normal' weight then you cannot have a serious eating disorder and that its is a phase. actually despite what a lot of people like to think, the treatment of the mentally ill within the system has not changed a lot in the last 100 years. PEG and nasgastric tubing is still force feeding, particularly when someone is physically and/or chemically restrained to have the tube shoved down their throat. treatment is still predominantly using a medical model eg CBT and/or medication, cbt has had huge amounts of publicity but it doesnt work for everyone, infact it doesnt work for enough. behaviour modification is still very much in use, yes you cannot remove someone clothes or bed sheets anymore, but banishing someone to their room without a tv, radio, company etc, not allowed to move, thats not unfair too?! however apparently when someone is mentally ill, particularly sectioned then it doesnt matter about human rights, because of course they dont know what is good for them. i dont think that should be the case.
i have met a few really amazing people in units and in the system, so this isnt something that is universal. there are some people out there who are working incredibly hard to change things. its just they arent being listened to.
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What a great feature. Public figures like Alistair Campbell and Stephen Fry speaking out about Mental Illness and their own experiences can only help to speed up peoples' awareness of this illness. People are wary and often critisize Mental illness because they don't understand it and to be honest who can blame them as it is pretty difficult for the sufferers and often the doctors to understand the complexities of mental illness. I wouldn't expect anyone to understand mental illness unless they had experienced it or been affected by it through someone they know or care for. Just as in the same way as probably no one can really know the pain of a physical illness like cancer or MS unless we have experience of it directly or indirectly. If that is the case I wouldn't want them to understand as I would never want anyone to go through the debilitating emptiness and hopelessness of Depression. However an awareness of mental illness merits the same awareness of a physical illness given the detrimental effects of its symptoms and the fact that is is treatable like any other illness. I feel lucky to be in a position to be able to help others after battling with Depression myself for almost 10 years and am trying to help others through a website i have set up that was launched on World Mental Health Day at the event organized by the NHS in Nottingham on which people can chat live with each other or with professional counsellors. The site has lots of help and advice from professionals and users alike, up to date news of events, drugs and help and contact numbers to help people with their problems and illness. This blog is fantastic tonight. I am not sure if it continues as a blog for depression but if anyone should need ongoing support in this form, please do feel free to check out the site, www.depressioncanbefun.com. I am trying to spread the word of a very serious subject that many people find hard to understand through a medium that we all love and understand, that of humour.
Thank you for a great programme and a great feature. Best wishes, Helen
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Until recently I had no idea of how mental illness could affect your working environment.
I was recently diagnosed with cancer. Physically I am back to normal, pretty much. However, the psychological stress I'm not so sure about. Fortunately I have a very sympathetic doctor and without their support I don't know what I would have done.
However, I can't help but feel that my managers at work are more concerned with my physical ability only. From day one I felt pressure to return to work as soon as possible. My superiors should also be aware of the shock and stress that being diagnosed with cancer can bring.
It has only been 3 months since my operation - this being the usual recovery period for the operation I have undergone. To feel such pressure to return to work after such an emotional time surely isn't right. Employers need to be retrained in how to deal in such matters.
Cancer is an emotional hurdle as much as a physical one.
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las nights one show about mental health,my husband has a mental health problem for some 30years now,he has been very good for he last 10years,we talk about it together and I know that it helps him. this year we have had to get insurance for our selfs and because he has his mental illness they have made us pay and extra £31.90 a year,all the interview was done over the phone so they ever actualy saw him in person.
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A lot of mental illness is really extreme distress through the insidious bullying of those you trust. I have seen the devastating affect on people and I, myself, have had depressiion, a high anxiety and muddled head for twenty-five years.
It started with trying to get things off my chest to those who confided in me, even family. I was subjected to abuse, patronising lectures, snidey put downs and the usual boastful lies that go against what the people actually put me through.
As I got older it became virtually impossible to convey anything. One friend, after twenty-five years, was still giving me the same patronising lectures about coping mechanisms, not realising most of our rows had been about these. He was knocking on doors with allegations of crazy talk and sent police after me when I tried to have my say by open letter. This is called friendship and Christianity.
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I too was very pleased to see this article on The One Show. I only wish the BBC would use their public service remit to broadcast more fully on this subject area. The programme with Stephen Fry was also good, but manic depression is only one side of the story and does not cover people suffering from less specific depressive disorders.
'Depression' and 'Depressed' are often misused words in our society and this does not help with the stigma associated with the true medical nature of the word.
The stigma and general discrimination around depression as a medical condition is huge. Charities are doing their best to change this, but a series of programmes on mainstream television would reach many more people.
Personally i suffer from recurrent clinical depression and my most recent episode lasted around 18 months and culminated in me losing my job as a primary school teacher. Most friends and family do not understand my condition and do not know how to deal with it.
I would like to be honest about my condition to employers, but it is not possible.
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A big thank you to the One Show for discussing this important and often live changing experience. Unfortunately, I am not as fortunate as Alistair Campbell and I form the majority not the minority. Perhaps he could use his connections to gain support for a cause that has touched his life?
I have endured work related stress since the beginning of this year. As a successful teacher for many years, it came as a complete shock.
I worked hard and with the support of my family, my friends and medical professionals, I improved. I tried to return to work but the people in my workplace made it very difficult for me to be reintroduced to the workplace and in particular my workload.
As other bloggers have noted, whenever I have had a physical condition there was some support and understanding, however a 'mental illness' has been used to treat me differently to others and to try to force me to leave.
Being honest is always the best possible but being realistic about the responses is also a good idea too.
I hope that like Cambridge N.H.S. more funding is put in place to support people who are recovering from mental health issues and to support them in the workplace. Medical Professionals are more than willing to work with workplaces and this would help to prevent a lot of suffering and distress to yourself and to those that love you.
All my best wishes to fellow suffferers and recoverers x
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I work for a company called Watford Workshop. We are a company that employees only people with disabilities whether it be mental, physical or learning. We give these people training in work skills and help with their learning disabilities as well as giving them a job which gives them a wage and self asteem.
If more employees would give these individuals a chance they would realise they are reliable and capable individuals and with just a little bit of extra support can be extremely good employees.
We are one of the few employers left of this type. When people realise what we are they are amazed, some have even burst into tears. There should be more investment from the government into these kinds of employers instead of writing everyone of and putting them on to benefits. Changes have to be made in society so the stigma that accompany's disabilites disappears, this can only happen with education and from an early age. Maybe you should come a do a piece on our workshop and help encourage employers, government and alike to do more.
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I am 24 and have suffered with Chronic Anxiety and Panic Disorder since I was six.
I work for a local authority in the south west and moved from a job in Property Services to Children's Services. When I applied I disclosed my illness and medications etc. However they never passed the form with the information on to the new department (NB. this involves two HR officers in an office handing over paperwork). My new employers who are Social Services only found out through me telling them about it, so they would be prepared.
In the last year I have been subject to what is described as 'harrassment' under the Disability Discrimination Act. They have made it impossible for me to do a job I loved. Now I am facing Bankrupcy as Incapacity Benefit will not cover my out goings. I only owe a total of £18,000.
I am angy at my Manager who has now left to have a baby and ENJOY her life and the Assistant Manager who has continued the persecution towards me.
Due to the credit crunch it is difficult to get advice and suicide looks pretty appealing.
All of this because I was honest? I pray for help...it just never comes.
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I'm very surprised tht Dr jarvis refers to mental health has a problem. I have a mental illness with symptons of my condition, it makes me angry and sad that people refer to it has such.
I would like to hear Dr jarvis reply if you could read this blog out on your show many thanks.
Birmingham
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Thank you so much for trying to help break the stigma surrounding mental health problems.
I have suffered with depression since my teens and have attempted suicide on a couple of occasions in the past. I've been through some dark times but have never really opened up to anyone other than my close family due to fear of the reactions that I might get. The last really bad period of depression broke up my marriage as my husband didnt (couldnt? wouldnt?) try to understand.
I'm doing ok at the moment and have been making really good progress with controlling related phobias and panic attacks over the last 18 months. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones.
My previous employer was reasonably supportive but I ended up leaving there due to bullying which was centred around my mental health. I have told my current employer after a formal request from them to all staff to disclose any illness or disorder that they had... but they weren't supportive. As a result I doubt I would ever willingly admit to any of my mental health problems. I now have to hide my "bad" days when I am at work and I think that some days thats the hardest job of all.
Good luck and best wishes to everyone who has posted on here. Sometimes its just good to know that someone, somewhere, really does understand.
Take care all
xxx
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I would like to feel I could be honest with a future employer about my mental health problems but from my experience this only sets you up to fall. I have been discriminated against in two separate jobs because I have been very open and honest about my depression/anxiety and OCD but it has made me very weary of being so open again.
I was having difficulties coping with my mental health problems but I really wanted to stay in work. I am a hard worker and thanks to my OCD (the only good thing maybe about my OCD) is that I complete jobs accurately and conscientiously. So, I approached my employer to see if they could temporarily reduce my hours so that I could see a psychologist to get myself back on track, I had my doctors support with this, but the company refused to reduce my hours and I was given no choice but to leave.
When I left my job I sought help from the NHS, I was assessed by a Primary Care Mental Health Linkworker but I have been refused help (Cambridge & Peterborough NHS ironically), I was told to visit Mind which I did and I am due to see them next week for my first appointment. Whilst I was waiting for my appointment with Mind, I returned to the doctor to ask for help again as I felt my depression was getting worse and I really needed to talk to someone quickly, but the doctor was very uncaring and dismissive (and if I’m completely honest, a few of the doctors at my surgery are the same). The only help I was offered was medication, which I have taken in the past but had an adverse reaction to so I'm quite apprehensive about taking it again.
When you are depressed you need a caring, sensitive doctor (and receptionists) but this is not what I have experienced at all, in fact, I would go so far as to say they have made me fearful of visiting my surgery as I feel a couple of the doctors have been quite hostile towards me, I have left the surgery in tears on a couple of occasions. It has been an uphill struggle to receive help for my mental health problems, it appears from the NHS there isn’t any – thank goodness for Mind.
How are you meant to improve when you receive no support from your employer to help you stay in work and no support from the NHS to help you get better? It feels very isolating.
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Fascinating programme yesterday and I certainly agree with the "it isn't happening" attitude of employers. I had been with the same company for 37 years when I contracted depression. I used to go to lunch with colleagues and always had someone in my room for a chat. Once word of my illness got out I was left alone and no-one was ever available for lunch or chats. Whether they were afriad of catching something or just didn't know what to say I don't know but I certainly felt so marginalised.
Luckily one manager - a female who had worked for the samaritans - befirended me and spent her lunch times coming in "for a little chat". It was so nice to have someone to talk to about ordinary things; someone who didn't judge me as a person to be avoided because I was ill.
Now I am recovered we remain great friends and I am so very grateful for that kindness that saw me through what was a very difficult time where I didn't know how to ask for what I really wanted - i.e. a friendly ear.
Please spread the word so people don't feel so awkward about dealing with depression and mental illness
Paul in Ipswich
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people can be so narrow-minded, selfish, and cruel sometimes. it's mind boggling.
anyway, i've just recovered from a three year stint of depression, and i would say i'm 80 to 90% recovered, i'm not fully recovered because i still suffer from panic attacks, which is the reason why i fell into a depression, but i feel much stronger.
i'm a student, just started uni and i'm slightly concerned about NOT finding a job because of my history, should i mention it to future employers or not?
my brain says one thing(don't, it says) and my heart says another(yes!)
you know,come to think of it... why not? what has one got to lose? a job where people don't accept you for who you are? what kind of job is that? where people bully you and discriminate you for having had a tough time in your life?
bugger that job i say!
FEAR NOT MY FRIENDS. THREE WORDS.
DEFY, DEFY,DEFY!
don't just grab the bull by it's horns, kick it where it hurts!
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I suffer from depression and most of my friends and family know about it. Most of them found it easier to accept than me, because I always thought of Depression as being actively sad rather than, as it was in my case, completely emotionally numb.
I had a breakdown at the start of my University career, but am now back on track retaking; and I was amazed at the number of people who took the time to be friends with me, and even continued while I was away and now that I'm a year below them. So although I recognise the stigma that's out there, I have to say that a lot of people, particularly young people react a lot better now than they did, say 20 years ago, and I'm grateful for all the support that I've been given.
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I was very interested in the feature on depression.
I have suffered from depression in the past and recovered, but I am currently undergoing treatment for another really bad bout of the illness.
I was so stunned by the reaction of my employer and colleagues thatI wrote an article called 'If it was a broken leg...' about how peoples attitudes towards you suddenly change when they know you have depression. I am getting better now but it has been a very long and lonely battle. Lots of people said that they would like to help me but they didn't contact me because they just didn't know what to say - including my line manager.
It proved so difficult for me to juggle with the situation that I asked for a career break.
THe organisation immediately filled my post so even if I go back, it won't be the job I left.
The whole experience has left me feeling very hurt and disappointed. THe organisation I worked for promoted me twice and I worked there for almost 20 years...and they couldn't bring themselves to speak to me when I was ill!
I would be pleased to forward a copy of my article that covered the same topic. I think it is a huge problem, and Sue Smith expressed it exactly right.
Many thanks for a sensitive and thought provoking piece. I just hope someone was listening.
kind regards
Lynne Cornes
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Having suffered from depression of varying degrees for around 5 years, I've just this year come off my anti-depressants and am on the whole much better (due to a lot of counselling, soul searching and major changes on my part).
My problem is that I still get the odd few days where I drop into a depression and don't feel able to go to work. If I had a recurring physical illness like asthma or epilepsy it would be so much easier to ring in sick to work. As it is, I find myself telling my boss I have the flu / a bad cold, rather than say it's because I'm depressed.
I hate this dishonesty, but at the same time find it so difficult to be honest (especially when my boss is a super-woman working mum with her own stresses, which she copes with wonderfully).
I wish depression were more accepted. When it's a really severe acute attack (a colleague of mine with bi-polar suffered horrendously and sadly eventually committed suicide), I've found people at work very understanding. But when it's mild yet persistent, and your absence record is getting worse and worse (16 days since April...), I fear, as many others on this forum have, of eventually being disciplined, when I've done nothing but battle hard to beat it (95% successfully!) and give my all to the company when I am in work.
I guess half the battle is me getting up the courage to be honest with my boss. In these uncertain financial times, though, that's a big leap of faith to take...
Surely given the number of people this has affected (based on the number of postings on this fantastic blog), the BBC could do a national campaign to raise awareness and get us all talking, and perhaps get people lobbying the government to change the rules so employers cannot dismiss you for being ill?
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I empathise somewhat with Bizarre Biggles as I too was incarcerated due to the ramblings of another person and that's a staggering 30 years later.
You'd think that with the passing of time and the knowledge gained therein that those sorts of mistakes wouldn't happen, that they could tell the difference between something genuine and malicious gossip, but sadly that's not the case.
Ironically this too was with the Cambridge & Peterborough PCT. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and the thud theory are still as relevant today as they were then and NHS staff need as much (if not more) enlightenment as the rest of the population. When they make mistakes, boy, do they make them.
Which is a shame because in my case, someone with a genuine need could easily have taken my place and I would have not been subjected to the bullying that ensued. For me it was a horrific experience. I just hope they treat others a lot better now.
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In response to "Crawleygat37",comment 6. There is absolutely no correlation between a history of mental illness and potential violent outbursts in the future. Unfortunately, the person in your workplace was not identified as vulnerable earlier. I think the issue here is not one of lost productivity due to mental health issues rather one of accepting mental illness as a health issue and fostering work environments which support people experiencing mental health problems.
Mental health issues should be viewed in the same way one might view other medical conditions such as cancer, HIV, coronary heart disease, and diabetes. If people started to recognise that mental health disorders are in fact medical condtions, with identifiable symptoms, psychophysiological differences, and subsequent effective treatments both socially and with psychopharmocolgy, then we as a society could support people rather than discriminate against people with mental health issues.
In response to "Wreck the disco", comment 8. It was mentioned that the job was given based on a "strength" gained from personal experience with mental illness. In this example the position of counsellor may indeed benefit from the insight and empathy that this person has gained from firsthand experience. Although unfortunately many prejudiced people (e.e.Crawleygat) still only view mental illness as a "weakness". It is imperative to debunk the stigma and to implement a culture of understanding, acceptance and support in our workplaces.
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Attention to all:
I have just joined a facebook advocacy group- "StrikeOutStigma.ca", help put an end to the stigma of mental illness.
Although unfortunately in this forum there are only 3 members, myself and the two administrators... So if anyone on this blog would be interested in joining and further discussing the issues addressed by Dr Sarah Jarvis, or other mental health issues, please join-up and start the chat.
Cheers,
Amy
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Ooops. In regard to comment 107, i stated that there is no correlation between violent outbursts and mental health. While correlation studies may reveal relationships between violent outbursts and a number of factors such as personality, mood, life stress, and mental health. This is still only speculative.
In essence correlation is NOT CAUSATION. in response to "Crawleygat37", NO a history of mental health is not an indication of the potentiality to cause a future violent outburst. In addition, your comment was an after the fact explannation which blamed your colleagues illness. Any number of factors could be related to the violent outburst, which may have been buffered or prevented...
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Iv'e had 'depression' for so many years it's quite hard for me to talk about it with my husband and family.
It affects all aspects of my life and its hard to keep up appearances- I'm fed up with pretending things are fine. I feel I can cope but it's quite a fine line between feeling OK to feeling like - well if you're depressed you know what I mean.
I have absolutely no one I can talk to - they would think I'm nuts and not fit to look after my children, Hey ho.
Oh, and I'm not about to have a violent outburst Amy Jo-
I would be very reluctant to discuss this with work colleagues, I feel that my career prospects would be ziltch.
It was fantastic to hear that mental health was being discussed on the One Show and that Alistair Campbell had the guts to stand up and admit he had suffered from depression. Good one!!!
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I reluctantly accepted the fact that I was suffering from depression after a counselling session prescribed by my GP. My GP had signed me off sick from my job as a housing manager (special needs ) with Mental Exhaustion.
Slowly I came to realise that I had been suffering from depression for many years, and a company restructuring which I could not agree with was the " last straw " which sent me into deep depression.
All the usual questions from friends and relatives.."What are you depressed about ?" My reply was " I can't tell you because I don't know "
Very few were sypathetic or empathetic. That's depression for you
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Hello aggersgreat(111) I know exactly what you mean in your comment above regarding questions from your family- " I can't tell you because I don't know". I can be in quite a 'dark' place for no reason, nothing horrible will have happened that day so I don't know what the trigger is? It's a bitch isn't it?
Cheers
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Having suffered from a breakdown at 22 and knowing what I know now I do feel that if we all talked more about how we feel and opened up much earlier on then depression would become a word of the past. I have to say my breakdown was partly due to over work.
I know it is not British to talk about how we feel but I do feel that times are changing and we are more open now than we have been in the past.
Ruby mentioned talking about how we feel in her slot and I feel she is 100% right. It does not really matter who we talk to as long as someone listens to what we have to say.
It does not have to be a professional or a family member it is the talking that helps the mind sort things out and I think we are under estimating the power of the mind in all of this.
May be we should teach something in schools so that it never gets this far in adult life?
Being aware of how we feel and how we are in control of how we feel really is the answer.
I think coaching and other professions like NLP Practioners are not used enough in the UK yet - these professions give the power to us as individuals to see how we are in control. In addition they give us knowledge of what and how we think and the affect this has on our health.
In addition Reflexology and Acupuncture can help us feel better - sort term or even as a preventative when we feel better. Anything we do for ourselves to spoil ourselves gives us self worth and I do believe that depression is a lot about self worth.
Another school of thought is having purpose in this life - feeling part of something gives us reason to get out of bed in the morning. With many of us being made redundant we have to turn to other things to feel useful. Increase in volunteers for charity work shows that many of us are thinking outside of the box and trying to keep going.
Self worth and people contact keep us on the right road one step at a time.
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Depression is certainly not an embarrassment it is an illness and needs to be treated and understood better.
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I CANT TALK ABOUT IT BECAUSE IM TOO DEPRESSED
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i know from a lot of research that mothers don't like to openly admit to depression because they fear it might be interpreted as something relating to how they feel about being a mother--as though they wish they didn't have kids, etc. This, of course, is not true. often mothers simply lose their sense of self while raising kids and this reality alone is great cause for depression.
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Another reason why employers don't want to recognise that depression is a 'real' illness is that often they are the cause of the stress that then contributes to depression. God forbid that they would have to say sorry and amend their working methods
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