Attitudes towards mental health 'opening up'.
New government figures suggest public attitudes towards mental health are finally taking a positive turn. After years where we have seen attitudes deteriorate and prejudice, ignorance and fear thrive, there are now signs of improvement.
The Department of Health surveys shows an opening up in the publics attitudes towards mental health.
77% of people now agree mental illness is an illness like ay other.
73% think that people with mental health problems have the same right to a job as everyone else.
78% judge the best therapy for people with a mental illness is to be part of the community.
There is of course much work still to be done to build upon these developments and several key areas for improvement.
You can find out about how Paritas can play a part in opening up attitudes throughout our website
More information on the report and the national campaign can be found at Time to Change.
Looking after your mental health.
It is good to think about our own mental health. To remain healthy we should really aim to think about what we do every day, and Paritas has provided some tips below from the Mental Health Foundation to help us to keep mentally healthy. Check out their website for further advice and information packs.
1. Talk about your feelings
2. Keep active
3. Eat well
4. Drink sensibly
5. Keep in touch
6. Ask for help
7. Take a break
8. Do something you enjoy
9. Care for others
10. Accept who you are!
Save Our Smiles
We are passionate about saving smiles! People from all over the UK, Israel, Australia and the Americas have sent us their smile to join the Save Our Smiles campaign. Have we saved your smile yet?
We have a smile that was sent by the then Secretary for State for Work & Pensions, James Purnell.
James said,
" I was interested to read about your campaign ...we know that mental health conditions are now the single biggest cause of both absence from work and people claiming incapacity benefits. I am very happy to take part in your campaign to raise awareness in the wider community about the positive aspects of mental health"
So what is the Save Our Smiles campaign all about?
The idea was to create a poster to promote positive images of mental health, and to raise awareness of mental health problems in employment. Smiling is the first line of defence against stress. It's quick, it's easy, and it's free.
We know that stress levels are rising across the country so does this mean that we have all stopped smiling? Surely not! And yet stress is currently the cause of 13 million lost working days every year. When we smile our body releases feel-good hormones and the stress hormone, cortisol, is reduced. Smiling helps us feel calm and in control. It lowers our blood pressure and makes us feel good about ourselves.
You too can take part in our Save Our Smiles campaign by contacting Paritas for one of the funky, smiley posters to display in your own workplace. They are destined to be a real collector's item, so contact the Paritas team for yours today. You can also download a smaller version by clicking on the smile poster.
Stigma and stereotypes.
There are many common myths surrounding mental health problems. Myths are inaccurate ideas that spread because of people's fear of the unknown. Knowledge is the best way to eliminate this kind of fear.
In a recent survey 1 in 6 people said it would be unwise to marry someone who has suffered from a mental illness at some point. 1 in 4 people thought that people with mental health problems shouldn't live in the same neighbourhoods as so called 'normal' people.
The result is that the stigma attached to mental health leads to people being discriminated against on a daily basis. Stigma, by definition is a mark of disgrace or shame. People with physical health problems are not discriminated against in the same way.
By supporting Paritas and by supporting employees with mental health problems you can make a real difference to creating a postive image of mental health.
Paritas supports the national time to change anti discrimination campaign. Visit their website to find out about joining in.