Today, 10 October, is World Mental Health Day 2014.
Statistics show 42% of people with a mental illness face stigma and discrimination at least once a month, 58% of sufferers say the stigma and discrimination is as damaging or harder to deal with than the illness itself and 63% of adults know someone with a mental health problem.
1 in 4 people will experience some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year, with mixed anxiety and depression the most common mental disorder in Britain.
This year’s World Mental Health Day shines a light on Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a diagnosis given to some people who have severely disrupted beliefs and experiences. The causes are unknown but episodes of schizophrenia appear to be associated with changes in some brain chemicals. Stressful experiences and some recreational drugs can also trigger an episode in vulnerable people.
At least 26 million people are living with schizophrenia worldwide according to the World Health Organization, and many more are indirectly affected by it.
There are many services and organisations that offer help and support to people with mental health problems. Click here to find out more.
Premier League Tackling Mental Health
More and more Premier League clubs are appointing so called Mental Health First-Aiders. Every one of the 20 Premier League clubs now has a ‘mental health first aider in place.’
Martyn Heather of the Premier League says the clubs realise they have a duty of care to the young people who play for them.
“We have over 3,400 players between the ages of nine and 21 in the Premier League academies and it would be unrealistic to think the issues young people have in society wouldn’t be reflected in our own football environment.
“I think it’s about recognising how different aspects can affect performance. In the same way an injury can affect performance and you can physically see an injury, when it comes to a mental health issue, you might not see them but they need to be recognised.
“It’s about creating an environment and culture where players aren’t afraid to admit they might need help.”
This is not just about the pressures around football – experts say a quarter of us will experience some kind of mental illness.
But attitudes are changing.And football clubs are now taking seriously their duty of care towards the mental health of the young men in their charge.
Premier League Tackling Mental Health originally appeared on the BBC Website. Read more here.
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