Challenging the Mental health stigma

The issue of depression and mental health is usually one which doesn't get discussed in most Asian families - it's just not the done thing.

The statistics of those who suffer from mental illnesses at some point in their life is startling - around one in four people. And 90% of those who experience it get unfair treatment. It affects all communities across the board, but the shame and misconceptions around mental health, especially in the south Asian community, does nothing to help those who are suffering.

But there is a big drive to challenge to break down the stigma and taboo of mental health problems, through the Time to Change campaign. Led by mental health charities Mind and Rethink a regional campaign was launched in Harrow, North-West London this summer and there are a number of events taking place this month to get people to be more open about the issues.

An event will be held on August 27, between 11am and 4pm, at St George’s Shopping Centre, Harrow, where Bollywood entertainment group Jay Kumar will be presenting an interactive dance session and Harrow Community Choir will take to the stage. The Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust will also be there to answer questions from the public.

On August 30 there will be a free special screening of the award-winning short film Open Secrets, which explores the stigma of mental illness within a British Asian family starring popular Indian actor Saeed Jaffrey. This event will be at VUE cinema, in St George’s Shopping Centre, and will feature director Azeem Khan who had a personal experience with mental illness and will hold a question and answer session after the film.

Khan said,

“We really need to start changing attitudes and support one another – with 1 in 4 of us affected by a mental health problem at some point, it’s an issue that could affect anyone of us at any time. The stigma and ignorance surrounding ‘madness’ really has no place in today’s society and it’s time to put an end to it.”

Harrow Mayor Councillor Mrinal Choudhury, who supported the launch of the campaign in June added,

“This issue is very close to my heart as I know people close to me who have mental health problems and my wife is a mental health social worker. People with mental health problems are part of our society – they are our mothers, fathers, sons and daughters – without these people we can’t have a peaceful and complete society. We need to look after all members of our community equally.”

Find out more about Time to Change here