I remember growing up in the 1970s when all you saw or heard about mental health was either through those talking about One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey or the story called Sybil by Flora Rheta Schreiber.

Then in the 1990s I remember a new wave of books about struggles with mental health and people struggling with their minds and emotions.

Nowadays, thank goodness, there is less stigma around mental health and issues surrounding those people who suffer as more and more people are not only talking about their own experiences but there are so many more books, films and programmes which look at those people suffering from related conditions. The Royal Family’s high profile involvement in Heads Together have helped to shift attitudes.

Trends and statistics show that there is an increased interest in books about mental health and illness, self-improvement and psychology. Growth in this market was 27% in the UK in 2017 and in Australia is was 56%. In Ireland it was 29% and in New Zealand it was 72%.

What do you think? Is it easier to find support today or do you find it’s still difficult to find the support you need?

 

Either way, stay safe and remember you are not alone.

 

Elisa x