Mental health problems can affect anyone at any time in their lives, and thankfully the stigma associated with mental illness is reducing — more people are asking for and receiving help.
World Mental Health Day this year was marked by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they met with young people with experiences of mental health problems at an event held by the charity Mind in London. It was their first joint engagement on mental health issues, and I hope it will be the first of many.
Young people face many challenges and pressures today, and educating young people and their families about emotional health and resilience is vital. It is hugely important that all of us change our attitudes about mental health problems. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness! In the United States, where mental health has long been recognised as important, asking for help and engaging in a counselling process is viewed as a sign that someone is on the road to recovery — rather than a sign that they are unwell. Roll on the day when we see it the same way here!