Thorpe Park - The Asylum

   Last month it was Tesco and Asda, this month the culprit is Thorpe Park. This Halloween the troglodytes Thorpe Park and Liongate have teamed up to bring theme-park goers 'terrifyingly entertaining horror attractions', one of them being called 'The Asylum'.

     The 'attraction' includes walking through a mock psychiatric hospital, with 'actors' playing mental patients; some of which are jumping down from fences, jumping out onto visitors and others chasing them with chainsaws. Top marks to Thorpe Park for reinforcing an incorrect negative stereotype of mental illness.

     Discriminating against people with mental illnesses is just utterly unacceptable. This makes me sick to my stomach. Once again, some idiot(s) has thought that doing something like would be acceptable and that nobody would batter an eyelid. No!

     Many people, including myself took to Twitter to complain and show our disgust to Thorpe Park. They had the audacity to tweet this:

     'A fantastical experience'?! What on earth are they thinking? How can they get it so wrong? The only right about that tweet is that it is not 'a realistic portrayal of a mental health institution'. That being the case why are they even hosting such an 'attraction'? Do they not realise how offensive this is to so many people? Whether it is intended or not to be a realistic portrayal it still reinforces the negative stereotype that people with mental health problems are violent and murderous. When in actual fact people with mental health problems are far more likely to be victims of violence - it is things such as these that can evoke such violence and hostility towards people with mental health problems. As well as this, such hostility is what can prevent someone from seeking the help they desperately need.

     I fear that Thorpe Park don't care what we think, or how much they have offended so many people. As long as it makes them money then that is all they care about. I am suggesting a boycott; hit them where it hurts - their wallet. Perhaps that is the only way to get this 'attraction' withdrawn, unless they have any shred of human decency or compassion (which I doubt they do). This is not the end of this.

     Click on the link below to sign the petition to get 'Thorpe Park to close the stigmatising Asylum maze and to donate to Time to Change':
http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/thorpe-park-close-down-the-stigmatising-asylum-maze?share_id=EPOrwMGCZf&utm_campaign=share_button_mobile&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition

BMNM.

OCD Awareness Week - A little bit OCD?

     From the 14th-20th October it is OCD Awareness week; I thought I would do my bit and write a little blog-post.
     I would imagine that almost everyone has heard of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); but unfortunately there is one person too many that trivialises and belittles this debilitating disorder by making offensive, cruel and callous 'jokes' like the ones below, that only add to the stigma.

     Another misfortune is the amount of people who do not really understand what OCD is. OCD-UK say that "as understanding and public awareness about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder has grown, so has the use of the term ‘OCD’ as a description for some kinds of behaviour that are not related in any way to the actual condition". Someone may say, for example, "I'm a little bit OCD" to excuse themselves from any 'quirks' or unusual behaviours they have. This is not OCD. Whilst said person may have a particular way of wanting/having things done this simply doesn't qualify them as having a diagnosis/label of OCD. OCD can be extremely debilitating; affecting peoples education, careers and even relationships. This careless throwing of statements belittles the crippling anxiety and distress that many people who have OCD experience. Having OCD can bad enough in itself without added layer of shame, guilt and ridicule. It is things like these that prevent someone from seeking the help that they need - and all the while their symptoms can become worse.

     The DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders) gives an outline of the symptoms/characteristics of OCD.

     Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves obsessions and/or compulsions. 

     Obsessions:

• are recurrent/persistent thoughts, impulses or images that are experienced and cause anxiety or distress,
• are thoughts/impulses that are not simply excessive worries about real-life problems,
• are perceived as uncontrollable, the person with OCD may fear that they will lose control and act upon these obsessions,
• can be neutralised by thinking of something else, or by carrying out an action,
• obsessions can include: ideas - e.g. there are germs everywhere; doubts - e.g. worried that something important has been overlooked; impulses - e.g. to shout out words; or images - e.g. fleeting sexual images.

     Compulsions:

• are repetitive physical or mental actions that are carried out by an individual in order to reduce the anxiety that comes with the obsession and/or to 'prevent'  something from happening.
• can be hand-washing, but can also be, ordering things, checking things, counting or repeating words silently.

     We all may have minor obsessions or compulsions, e.g. we may say someone is obsessed with work or football and so on. You could say that I am obsessed with Harry Potter (I love Harry Potter!). However, these obsessions are not usually unwanted and do not interfere with daily life. Many people may carry out rituals, like not stepping on pavement cracks, that make them feel safe; but these are not usually considered to be problematic.

     An important part in the diagnosis of OCD is that a person's obsessions and compulsions have caused them great anxiety/distress and significantly interferes with their daily lives.

Raising awareness can be
as simple as wearing a ribbon!

     Now, considering it is OCD Awareness week, it would be a pretty good idea to do some awareness raising. There are loads of ways in which you can raise awareness (don't worry, you don't have to do every single thing - do as much as you want) and break down the wall of stigma. Here are a few suggestions:

• Changing your cover/profile photos on social network sites,
• Distribute leaflets, postcards or posters around your workplace, school, university or local doctors surgery,
• Write a blog (like me!)
• Wear a wonderful blue ribbon (like the one shown on the right),
• Hold a bake sale,
• Deliver a presentation or an assembly if you work in a school,

...anything that will get people talking!

BMNM.

References

     American Psychiatric Association (2000), Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th edition [DSM-IV-TR], Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association

     OCD-UK (2004), What is not OCD!, [online]. Available at: <http://www.ocduk.org/whats-not-OCD> [Accessed 16 October 2013]

'Mental Patient' Costumes - A Blessing In Disguise

     I am pretty sure if you have got your finger on the pulse you probably would have heard about the supermarket chains Asda and Tesco, and online retailer Amazon being caught in a uproar for selling Halloween costumes entitling 'Psycho Ward' outfit and 'Mental Patient' fancy dress costume. These costumes included ragged clothing, fake blood, a mask, and a fake meat cleaver or an orange boiler suit with a plastic jaw restraint as well as machete to "complete the look".
     After a storm of complaints and outrage from customers and people on social networking sites these companies subsequently withdrew these offensive outfits from sale, have made apologies and will be donating to the mental health charity Mind.
     Unfortunately there have been one-too-many troglodytes saying '...if you don't like the outfits then don't buy them....what's all the fuss about?' It's times like these I face-palm myself and try to keep myself calm over the frustration as to how someone could be so callous and ignorant, but if it still needs saying until I'm blue in face then I accept the challenge.

Sometimes I ask myself why I bother...
...but then I remember why.

     It is quite astounding, and worrying, to think that 'intelligent' (seriously considering whether this is the right word to use or not), successful people of these large companies would ever think it would be okay to do something like this - did they consider to sell outfits depicting cancer, diabetes or coronary heart disease as well? When were they born? 1847? The hard work that every single mental health charity, campaigner, activist, or volunteer does to try and break down the wall of stigma and then you have these buffoons pilling on more bricks and cement.
     It is things like this that re-enforce the unfair, incorrect negative stereotypes of mental health and mental illness - that we are blood-thirsty, violent, cannibalistic murderers. When actually people with mental health problems are far more likely to be a victim of violence. It is things like this that make people treat individuals with mental health problems as second-class citizens or as targets of abuse. Having a mental health problem in itself can be a struggle; without the additional layer of guilt or fear of social persecution or abuse making everything worse. There are thousands people with mental health problems who are not receiving the help and support they need - it is not just down to the lack of resources and funding available, but also fear of reaching out for help (from a GP, friend or family member) and receiving nothing in return except contempt, abuse and guilt. 
     Now when I title this blog post '...A Blessing In Disguise' I mean it in the sense that these companies idiotic actions have given a great opportunity for mental health charities, campaigners, activists, people with mental health problems and thousands of others to raise awareness and to help end mental health discrimination - to tell everyone that this kind of behaviour is not okay and that we should be treated with the same amount of care and respect as everybody else. Thousands upon thousands of people took to Twitter and Facebook to show everyone what a real #mentalpatient looks like. Do you know what they look like? Like you and me.
     If you would like to know how you can help end mental health discrimination check out Time To Change.

BMNM.

Southend Mind Jubilee Centre Appeal

     Southend Mind have been putting their heart and soul into its Jubilee Centre; a 'one stop shop' for community resources. The Jubilee Centre, located in Southchurch Road, will be the first of its kind in the UK; offering information, advice and guidance; advocacy; space for activities; and a range of other community based activities. The centre will also be used a number of other wonderful organisations within the area.

     I live relatively close to the Jubilee Centre and I have seen it develop from an old bed shop to this wonderful new centre. Having volunteered and worked with the fantastic people at Southend Mind I was invited to the launch; whilst being there I, and many others, felt great excitement and anticipation to see this centre being completed, up-and-running and ready to help people with mental health problems. 
     Part of the Jubilee Centre is now open, providing access to information and advice to the public.

     However, the centre is not yet finished - there is still some way to go. The next phase will provide the building and furnishing of five counselling rooms. Unfortunately, building work has currently been halted until more money can be raised. 

This is the reason for me writing this blog post. 

     The premise of this blog post is to encourage you to dig deep and give what you can, or perhaps donate some of your time and fund-raise for Southend Mind.
There are many ways in which you can help. You can:

• hold raffles, cake sales or coffee mornings,
• do a sponsored leg waxing or head shaving,
• hold a charity auction or fashion show,

the possibilities are endless!

     For more information about donating to Southend Mind click here.

     You can also volunteer yourself at one of Southend Mind's events; you can check their website here for their latest events. By being a volunteer it can be a win-win situation; not only is your time and effort hugely appreciated, but, you can meet new, amazing people, also, volunteering can make you feel amazing! It's certainly made me feel amazing!

Please give what you can.
Whether it's your time or money, no matter how much, it all adds up!

    1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. With your help and support together we can all help to improve the lives of others. Thank you.

     You can 'follow' Southend Mind on Twitter, and 'like' them on Facebook.

South East and Central Essex Mind: Registered charity number 1148451

BMNM.

Self Injury Awareness Day - The Stigma Of Self-Injury

     Self Injury Awareness Day (or SIAD for short) is a global event that occurs each year on the 1st March. The purpose of SIAD is ultimately to raise awareness, but, more importantly, to stamp out the stigma behind it. 

If you would like to help raise awareness about
self-injury you can wear an orange ribbon.

     Sometimes (unfortunately more often than not) when people first hear about self-injury, they usually fire questions like 'Why would someone do that to themselves?', or say that people who self-injure are 'attention seeking'. Let's get some of these things straight.

     A definition of self-injury is any deliberate, non suicidal behaviour that inflicts physical harm to your body; this can include cutting, burning, hair-pulling, scalding, scratching, biting, and many others.  Self-injury can be a coping mechanism - aimed at relieving emotional distress or pain, or to arouse sensation from feelings of numbness. Sometimes physical pain is often easier to deal with than emotional pain – it can cause 'real' feelings, and sometimes the injuries enable the individual to feel that their emotional pain is real and valid. Self-injury can become part of a natural response to the daily stresses of life, but in can escalate in frequency and severity.

     Self-injury, however, only provides temporary relief; it does not deal with the underlying issues. Additionally, after an individual self-injures sometimes they experiences feelings of guilt or disappointment, something of which is not helped by the stigma and prejudice 
that surrounds it. These feelings can also be a trigger to self-injury and so it can become a viscous circle.

A vicious cycle

     When some people assume that individuals who self-injure are ‘attention-seekers’ they perhaps do not realize that individuals who self-injure often do so in secret, and try their best to hide their injuries. They might feel frightened of talking about their self-injury for fear of being judged, misunderstood or stigmatized  Unfortunately, all too often they are proved right to feel this way. It is stigma like this that prevents someone from seeking help when they urgently need it.

The stigma that surrounds self-injury can prevent someone from seeking help when they urgently need it.

     To change people’s perceptions on self-injury, raising awareness is very important. By talking about it, not only will it help break down the wall of stigma (by educating them about the truths and challenging the myths) but perhaps show people that there is hope and help. Even if some people are unable to fully understand self-injury, at least by raising awareness more and more people with be able to empathize with people who hurt themselves.

     So make the most of Self-Injury Awareness Day. Wear a ribbon. Start of conversation. Anything that raises awareness and breaks down the wall of stigma.

     For further help and advice, whenever you may want or need it, click on 'Help, Support and Advice' on the menu on the right.

BMNM.

Mental Health Bill Victory!

     Remember a previous blog-post of mine? I asked you to 'back the bill, the Mental Health Bill'. If this is your first time here then probably not (ah well). Anyway...
     The Mental Health Bill, proposed by Gavin Barwell MP, was to repeal and amend pieces of legislation that discriminated against those with mental health problems. These pieces of legislation included: 

• the Mental Health Act 1983, Section 141 (an MP automatically loses their seat if they're sectioned under the Mental Health Act for more than 6 months),
• the Juries Act 1974 (a 'mentally disordered person' cannot undertake jury service), 
• and the Companies [Model Articles] Regulations 2008 (a person can cease to be a director of a public/private company by reason of their mental health).

     Recently, the Bill successfully passed in the Commons and gained approval in the Lords. All it needs now to become is law is the Royal Assent.

     This Bill becoming law is a milestone, a fantastic moment for people affected by mental health problems - its also a great step into breaking the wall of stigma that surrounds mental health and to improving the quality of life by removing barriers and helping enable people to live a fulfilling life. 
     Although this is a tremendous day for mental health, there is still long way to go; from improving mental health services to standing up to and fighting against stigma and prejudice. But still, let us share this victory. 
     A huge thanks to all who supported the Bill - to those who contacted their MPs to raise awareness, to those campaigned and urged others for support, to those who 'backed the bill'. 
Thank you!    

BMNM.

Mental Health - Let's Get Talking

     January is over and February is here. How are those new years resolutions coming along?  Congrats if you're still going - you rock! But if you've fallen off the metaphorical wagon or horse don't give up - brush yourself down and get back on that metaphorical wagon/horse that we talked about earlier.
     Even though the year is still young, I feel that this year will be a great year for mental health. Even though there are more and more people are talking, there is still a wall of stigma; but I believe that the more we walk about mental health the more the wall gets broken down.

     At this time 9 out of 10 people with mental health problems experience stigma and discrimination. I believe that it is the myths surrounding mental health that are perhaps the biggest contributor this stigma. Here are a few of these myths...

1. Mental health problems are very rare.
2. People with mental health problems are very different from other people.
3. Only celebrities get mental illnesses.
4. People with mental illnesses are violent and unpredictable.
5. It's best to leave people alone if they develop a mental health problem.

When in reality...

1. Mental health problems affect 1 in 4 people.
2. We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health.
3. Anyone can be affected by a mental illness, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity or background.
4. People with a mental illness are more likely to be a victim of violence.
5. Most people with mental health problems will want to keep in touch with their friends, family and colleagues. Keeping in touch can be a great help in their recovery.

These experiences of stigma and discrimination against mental illness can have very harmful effects. It can:

• prevent an individual from applying or gaining a job,
• leave an individual feeling isolated from friends and family,
• most importantly, prevent someone from seeking help when they may need it most  due to feelings of embarrassment or fear of discrimination.

You might be thinking now 'What can I do about this?'. Well, I have a few suggestions. 

You don't have be a mental health expert to be supportive (but some knowledge can help). But doing nothing, or avoiding the issue, can making things worse. If someone close to you (a friend, family member or colleague) is experiencing mental health problems or a mental illness there are a lot of small things you can do that make a BIG difference. 

• Be there to talk and listen.
• It can be very hard for somebody to tell someone about a mental health problem out of fear of reactions. If someone talks to you, acknowledge their problem and let them know you're there for them.
• Make time to stay in touch, carry on with whatever you'd normally do.
• Ask them how you can help; people will need support at different times and in different ways.
• Also bear in mind that having a mental health problem is just one part of the person; don't define them by this alone. Speak about other things - TV, movies, music etc.
• Furthermore, think about the words you use. Using words like 'crazy', 'nutter', 'loony' or 'psycho' can hurt and only reinforce the stigma of mental health.

     For further help and advice, whenever you may want or need it, you can turn to mental health organisations like Mind, YoungMinds, Time to Change, Rethink, and many more.

     So, with these tips in your arsenal why not start a conversation about mental health?

Let's get talking!!

BMNM.

2012 and Mental Health

     2012 has been a big year for mental health, particularly with tackling the stigma surrounding it. Legislation has changed, more and more people are speaking out and campaigns have even been held on TV, in the papers and online. We all hope that these efforts haven't been in vain and have helped to break down the wall of stigma, better our understanding of mental health and improve the lives of others.

     In this blog post I have compiled some of this years biggest news stories concerning mental health - illustrating how much has changed over the course of the year.

     February 8th - The House of Lords (HoL) voted in favour of an amendment to the Health and Social Care Bill - clarifying that mental and physical health will now have equal footing. The amendment itself was put forward by Mind, Rethink, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, The Centre for Mental Health and the Mental Health Foundation. This amendment means that in the NHS there is now a legal recognition that mental health is just as important as physical health. [1]

     June 14th - In the House of Commons (HoC) there was a four and a half hour debate on the subject of mental health it even saw four MPs speaking out about their own mental health problems. 
In the run up to the debate hundreds of people with mental health problems had contacted their MP urging them to speak out about local and national issues surrounding mental health.
The debate covered a wide range of topics including: the need for politicians, the media and public to talk more openly about mental health; the breaking downs of taboos and stigmas; ensuring that everyone is able to ask for help whenever they need it; the problems faced when trying to get help for mental health problems; the need of investing more into talking therapies, crisis care services etc; the need to overhaul the WCA so that those who are too unwell to work can receive the the benefits they need; and ways in which employers can improve conditions in the workplace. 
During the debate, the MP for Croydon, Gavin Barwell, announced his plans for introducing the Mental Health Discrimination Bill into the HoC next week, which will see four pieces of discriminatory mental health legislation amended and overturned. [2]

If you wish to see the full transcript of the debate go to: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmhansrd/cm120614/debtext/120614-0002.htm#12061445000002

     September 14th - Introduced by Gavin Barwell, the Mental Health (Discrimination) Bill was voted in favour by MPs - meaning that the Bill will now go onto the Committee stage. If eventually passed it will mean an end to archaic laws that interfere with the rights of people with mental health problems including the prevention of participating in jury service, becoming/remaining a company director and MPs losing their seats if they are sectioned under the Mental Health Act, regardless of recovery. [3]

If you wish to see the progress of this Bill go to: http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2012-13/mentalhealthdiscriminationno2.html

     October 29th- Ed Miliband, leader of the Labour Party, gave a speech on mental health at the Royal College of Psychiatrists following the Labour Party signing the Time To Change Pledge. [4] He stated that the problem of mental illness in the UK is the 'biggest unaddressed health challenge of our age'. He also stated that he wants to give patients the same legal right to mental health therapies as with physical ones. He also criticized some celebrities for reinforcing the taboo and stigma that surrounds mental health and urged for a culture change.  

For the full speech go to: http://www.politics.co.uk/comment-analysis/2012/10/29/ed-miliband-mental-health-speech-in-full

If you would like to make a pledge yourself go to: http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/pledgewall#60018


      November 19th- Mind published new statistics that state that 1/5 people who have experienced a mental health problem have sought help directly because they've been inspired by celebrities that have spoken out about their mental health. As well as this, over 1/3 of participants polled saw that their understanding of mental health and mental health problems had improved as a direct result of hearing famous people share their own experiences. [5]


     As you can see this year the world of mental health has come on leaps and bounds. It has had its revolutions. However, it is still not without its problems; although things have got better there is still a long way to go; I hope that 2013 will be an even better year for mental health and that the revolutions will keep on coming.

From me to you, I wish you a happy new year! 

BMNM.
[1] http://www.mind.org.uk/news/6393_house_of_lords_votes_to_give_mental_health_parity_of_esteem
[2] http://www.mind.org.uk/news/6979_a_landmark_day_for_mental_health_in_parliament
[3] http://www.mind.org.uk/news/7415_leading_mental_health_organisations_welcome_mp_vote_to_scrap_outdated_discriminatory_laws
[4] http://www.mind.org.uk/news/7641_miliband_speech_on_mental_health
[5] http://www.mind.org.uk/news/7776_the_fry_flintoff_bruno_and_pendleton_effect

Mental Health and Christmas

     Christmas is a time of peace and goodwill to all. It's just that not all of us feel this peace or goodwill. Although this time of year is renowned as family time and as a time for giving, it can become all too much.

     Preparing for the big day can be daunting for everyone, even more so if you're experiencing mental health difficulties. There is a phenomenal amount of planning and work to do. There's the presents, the decorating, the food, the entertainment, the list is endless. Juggling all this as well as a mental illness can be exhausting and can also detrimental effects on your mental and physical well-being. Even when you've ticked off everything on the list that's as long as your leg you panic and fret whether it's good enough or whether you live up to everyone else's expectations.

    Speaking of expectations, society expects you to be happy, jolly and full of fun - IT'S CHRISTMAS! You're expected to put on a front saying that everything's 'OK' for the sake of Christmas. You're bombarded by questions; 'How's your love life?' , 'Got a girlfriend/boyfriend?' , 'Lost any weight recently?' etc. etc. In reality, you want to punch society in the face and hide in a cave for the season (this could just be me)!

     I digress.

     And lastly, there's the issue of money. This is a big issue to (almost) everyone - especially with today's economic climate. There's having it in the first place and then paying it all back after Christmas has passed. However, this issue of money can be an even bigger issue to those experiencing mental health problems. The mental health charity Mind conducted an online poll and found that 1 in 5 people felt 'less able to manage their mental health because of worries about paying off the cost of Christmas'. The charity's Chief Executive Paul Farmer said that 'financial worries can have a devastating impact on mental health and can lead to serious problems such as stress, anxiety and depression.' He also stated that people who experience mental health problems are 'more likely to be living in poverty...dependent on benefits because they are too ill to work' [1] which only adds to stress in paying back what is spent over the holidays.

     Before I love you and leave you I'll give some handy tips that'll hopefully help you to survive this holiday season.

Don't expect everything to go perfectly - Some things are bound to go wrong - it happens to everyone! Whether it'd be lumpy gravy or someone receiving the same present; try to accept that this won't be Christmas will be the Christmas of all Christmases and try to enjoy the holiday as much you can with people that love you.

Find a place of sanctuary - Whether this would be your bedroom, a bathroom, or the shed at the bottom of the garden; when things start to become too intense or overwhelming allow yourself to leave the situation and go somewhere where you can allow yourself to relax,  and then go back when you're ready.

It's Christmas for you too - You don't have to do everything - the holiday is also for you too. Put yourself first sometimes. Get everyone else involved (don't let them sit on their backside for the entire holiday). This might not only get things done quicker and lighten the workload, but perhaps they'll appreciate all the more the hard work that goes into Christmas.

Bear in mind that it'll all be over soon - It's relieving to know that this won't go on forever. Hopefully knowing that the torturous carols, the painful jokes, the ear-numbing stories, or being with people we may not like will all come to an end will help you to endure the season and hopefully come out the other side unscathed.


Remember that you're not alone. If it ever becomes too much there are people that will listen to you and can give you the help you need.

Mind - http://www.mind.org.uk/ 0300 123 3393
Samaritans - http://www.samaritans.org/     08457 909090
YoungMinds - http://www.youngminds.org.uk/ 0808 802 5544


I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - all the best.

BMNM.

[1] http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/93715.php

Support the Mental Health Bill!

    I'm asking you to back the bill, the Mental Health Bill - whether you're a member of the public or work within Parliament. On the 14th September this Bill will be debated within the House of Commons, and we need all the support we can get. I suppose you are asking: 'What is the Mental Health Bill?'
     This Bill will repeal and amend pieces of outdated legislation that discriminate against those with mental health problems. It will remove barriers that are set in law that contribute to the stigmatization of mental illness. It will also show the public that the discrimination of people with mental health problems will not be accepted or tolerated.
     The Mental Health (Discrimination) (No 2) Bill was introduced the House of Commons on the 20th June by Gavin Barwell MP. The Bill so far has made some progress within the House of Lords with Lord Stevenson of Coddenham, however, before the Bill had a chance to become an Act the parliamentary session ended. It's second reading will occur on the 14th September.     
 
     The law currently stands that:

• An MP automatically loses their seat if they are sectioned under the Mental Health Act for more than 6 months (Mental Health Act 1983, Section 141), 
• A 'mentally disordered person' cannot undertake jury service (Juries Act 1974),
• And that a person can cease to be a director of a public or private company 'by reason of their mental health' (Companies [Model Articles] Regulations 2008).

      
     These pieces of legislation build into the old-fashioned and discriminating idea that people can never recover from a mental health problem, and that they cannot be trusted to be part of social, political or economic life. The messages received from these current pieces of legislation make it seem that because the law can discriminate so can we. No.
     This Bill is a very important stepping stone, or bridge (or whatever metaphor you fancy) to making a society where people with mental health problems can feel that they can participate to their full potential, without the discrimination and stigmatization that currently surrounds mental health.
     The amount of the support the Bill has is fantastic - Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists are all supporting the Mental Health Bill, as are large numbers of the public. The Government has also stated that the Bill is in line with the coalition's mental health strategy and will support it to become law. However, more support is still needed. On the 14th September the Bill will be throuroughly analysed, examined and debated; and it is crucial that as many MPs as possible attend this debate and support this Bill to become law. You can help by getting yourself, and others, into contacting to your MP, whether it's face-to-face, on the phone, tweeting, or via e-mail. Making this Bill law will help to improve the lives of many. We hope we can count on your support. Thank you.

  To keep track on how the Bill is going you can look here: http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2012-13/mentalhealthdiscriminationno2.html 

BMNM.