'Remember mental illness' says mental health expert

Stephen McCrimmon says it is important to remember mental illness. Credit: ITV Channel

A new organisation in Jersey is seeking to improve outcomes for people with mental illnesses and their families, by raising awareness of the most serious conditions and breaking down social stigma.Focus on Mental Illness, led by mental health worker Stephen McCrimmon, is focussed specifically on the most severe end of the mental health spectrum, which despite the increased focus on mental health, he says, remains heavily stigmatised.'Certain named illnesses still carry the biggest stigma', says Stephen McCrimmon of Focus on Mental Illness, 'schizophrenia, bipolar disorder... any types of psychotic illnesses, people tend to be quite unsure about them.'During our lifetime, one in six people will experience a mental health issue.

But a far smaller number, one in 100, will suffer from a severe mental illness like schizophrenia or bi-polar disorder.McCrimmon has spent most of his working life in mental health, the last 15 as part of Mind Jersey, and has now decided to dedicate himself to an area he feels has been left behind.

Adrienne Dixon knows all about the stigma attached to mental illness. She became mentally ill when she was just 16.

Today at 21, she is half way through university- and making the most of her opportunities.  But that was not always a given.

Adrienne's recovery was aided by her supportive family, who in turn had support from Stephen, after being put in touch with him by a friend. He then went on to become a direct support for Adrienne too.'He became a really good support network for our whole family,' she says, ' and was able to advise my family on the things that would help me recover.'Helping families cope with mental illness is a key focus for Focus on Mental Illness. 

Sue Lockyer has also experienced mental illness in her family, and knows how important it is for family members to shave someone to turn to when mental illness hits.

When it comes to World Mental Health Day, Stephen says the best thing we can do is to work on our own awareness.

Focus on Mental Illness can be reached via stephen@focusmi.org or on 07797710900.