Generally speaking, mental illness has always been a complex issue to understand, even though it is as common as asthma. As a result, most people with mental illness find speaking about their illness very difficult, often afraid of rejection and, in some cases abuse.

Mental health is a 'hidden' issue that is rife with stigmas and misunderstandings. The media have highlighted the more (and thankfully rare) dramatic and tragic stories, but for the most part have failed to educate people to help dispel the myths surrounding mental health.

In a 1995 MORI survey, 23 per cent of those surveyed said that if they had had or were having psychiatric treatment they would be reluctant or unwilling to admit this to their friends. (MORI 20 March 1995, Lifestyles, Topline Results, p.1.)

Mental health problems can be as varied as the people who face this illness. From mild anxiety to severe, long-term conditions such as manic depression, mental health issues will affect one in four people at sometime during their lives.

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