Help challenge mental health discrimination – Time to Talk Day 2017

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The time has come for the fourth annual Time to Talk Day, and here at EEAST we want to do our bit. With more than 60%* of people saying that stigma and discrimination are as damaging as the actual symptoms of their mental health problem, now is as good a time as any to get talking!

Last year as a Trust we made an employer pledge, but as individuals you can also make the commitment over on the Time to Change website, where you can also see how many ‘talks’ have been logged  throughout the day. They are also taking Blue Light Time to Change pledges from people who work in the emergency services, which you can commit to on the Mind Blue Light page. The page also lists a number of ways in which you can contact them if you should ever need to, so is definitely worth a visit.

So what can you do today? Well, if you see someone sitting alone, why not ask them to join you? They may feel isolated but lack the confidence to make the first move. If you know someone had a particularly difficult shift, or something has happened recently in their personal lives, ask them how they are getting on now. Don’t fear being expected to find a solution or give professional advice. If we all act as an ear and a shoulder to one another, the barriers will soon come down and the stigma around mental health will become extinct. Challenge yourself to take that first step outside your comfort zone and see what a difference you can make. And why not read our colleague Phil’s poignant blog on his experience of living with bi-polar?

If you feel you require some support yourself, you can contact the wellbeing team on 01234 243092, or email them at wellbeing@eastamb.nhs.uk. The Trust also has an Employee Assistance Programme, which you can call on 0800 085 1376, or visit their website www.well-online.co.uk.

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(*statistic taken from Mind.Org)

Published 2nd February, 2017

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