WELLBEING documentary on the impact of his father ’ s suicide and subsequent work on the Heads Together project as having a huge impact on young people .
He believes we ’ re reaching a tipping point when it comes to societal acceptance of mental health issues .
“ I don ’ t think it ’ s brave to talk about mental health . You ’ re not brave for talking about asthma . All that stuff is stigmatising – bravery , the courage to speak out . That means there is something odd or special about it . People go back to work after a broken leg or cancer , so why not mental illness ?” he asks .
Access to treatment
Campbell would like to see parity of access to treatment between mental and physical health . A 2014 Mind report into talking therapies found that half of people who requested treatment had to wait more than three months , with 56 % offered no help at all . While waiting for therapy , 67 % became more mentally unwell , 40 % harmed themselves and one in six attempted suicide .
When you factor in reduced income for mental health trusts , the UK is facing a crisis .
“ The long-term cost of this is going to be enormous as we all live longer ,” warns Campbell . “ It ’ s cultural . We need to be more open in our schools , workplaces and in politics .”
Openness includes recognising the value that those with mental illness can bring . “ It ’ s time to see the mental health agenda as an opportunity to create a better workforce and change the lens on it ,” he says . “ Let ’ s get the sparky , creative , energetic and different people in the room and let them show what they can do .”
“ My breakdown was like an explosion in my head ”
QUICK
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• Alastair Campbell is a public figure who has worked in government , journalism and broadcasting . As a young man , he suffered a psychotic episode and has dealt with mental health problems his entire life .
• He believes that young people are facing increasing pressure from exams , social media and society , which is causing a mental illness epidemic .
• While funding issues mean support for schools is low , the teaching profession can be part of the solution , helping to change the culture of how we talk about mental health .
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