Alastair Campbell on depression and mental health
If we invest now we'll save money in the future
Journalist and former political aide to Tony Blair Alastair Campbell joins Lorraine to talk about how his history with depression has inspired him to front a new campaign calling on the government to increase its spending on mental health services in the UK.
It was in 1986 when Alastair first realised he had problems with alcohol. Later that year, he was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with alcoholism and depression after suffering a nervous breakdown.
Recalling the ordeal, Alastair said, "I was in hospital for a few days, heavily drugged, and feeling pretty desperate. I was asked how much I drank, and I went through a recent day's intake, and as I went through it, it dawned on me: I was drinking vast amounts and had been kidding myself I didn't have a problem. I was advised to stop drinking and I did which wasn't easy but got easier with every day."
Alastair said from that day onwards he counted each day that he did not drink alcohol, and did not stop counting until he had reached a thousand.
He has been sober for almost three decades and is now an ambassador for Alcohol Concern helping others to overcome addiction.
"I have not touched drink in 29 years, three months and a few days," he said.
One in four people in the UK suffer from mental health issues, including celebrities like Lenny Henry and Frankie from The Saturdays, who are also backing the campaign.
Alastair told Lorraine the government needs to invest more in mental health care now to stem the issue. Alastair said, "We all have mental health. Some days it's great, and some days it's less good. All we're saying is there should be equality.
''If we invest properly in our mental health and mental well being, we'll save in the future."