Shaw Mind

Only 6 more sleeps please let me know if you need to be added to the group 💚

Our CEO Kate Majid spoke to BBC News about the recent figures surrounding mental health conditions amongst young people.
She spoke about School responsibility alongside the positives and negatives of social media.
Give it a watch and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

We are at a point of crisis...
With the recent Children and Young People's mental health report highlighting that 1 in 8 young children have a mental disorder, it highlights just how important mental health education is.
"We will continue our work with the government, NHS and local schools to continue to fight for the rights of young people and to ensure they get access to the right treatment and support before it is too late" - Kate Majid (CEO of The Shaw Mind Foundation)

A recent report from the Mental Health of Children and Young People in England shows that 1 in 8 children are now suffering from a mental health disorder.
Here's what our CEO, Kate Majid, had to say in response:
You can read the report here: https://digital.nhs.uk/…/mental-health- of-childre…/2017/2017

As a charity we’re still committed to #liftingthelid on mental health stigma, to share stories and help encourage other people to speak openly about their mental health.
Because there’s still far too many people suffering in silence.
But how has stigma affected your mental health recovery?

Here's another #SMFStory, this time from Leo.
With ever story we share, we aim to show others that they're not alone as we continue #liftingthelid on mental health stigma.
*This content may be triggering to some people*
... "I came to realise a few years ago that I’d been struggling with mental health (PTSD) since a very young age. Unfortunately, previously I’d used unhealthy mechanisms of coping such as obsessively worrying, hiding away from the world, self-harm and trying to control every aspect of my life.
When I had a crisis in 2017 catalysed by high work stress and pressure I was diagnosed with PTSD based on my multiple traumas in my early life.
Stigma has been a big issue. Not so much from other people but my own stigma. I didn’t want to appear weak. I didn’t want people to think less of me because of my illness. At the time of my crisis I was a very senior manager and I was worried that people would not respect or trust my decisions anymore, instead always questioning my mental health, or that my political opponents would use my mental health status against me. It took time for me to realise that actually it was me who had the stigma not my coworkers, none of whom felt or thought that way.
For someone struggling just now the biggest advice I could give is to get it out of your head either by talking or writing. My breakthrough and recovery started when I wrote my book about my traumas alongside letters to myself at that time (Reliving the Past to Release the Present). Maybe a similar exercise could work for you?
Main thing is don’t suffer in silence, you’re not alone. There’s lots of Facebook groups as well if you’re not feeling up to talking verbally. Remember there’s nothing wrong with you as a person, you have a illness that’s all. It doesn’t make you a failure or bad person."
Thank you Leo for sharing, if you'd like to share your story for #SMFStories and how stigma has affected you get in touch!
See More

Don't be afraid to talk.
Every conversation matters.

We need to start being proactive when it comes to mental health treatment rather than reactive like we are now.
Early intervention and mental health education is so important.
Hit share if you agree 💚

"It's an incredibly large step in the right direction..."
Here's a short clip from our recent feature on BBC News, where Chief Executive Kate Majid talks about our recent petition and why mental health education is so important.
What should schools teach children to better support their mental health?

We hope that stories can inspire...
And this #SMFStory comes from Frances, who has suffered with mental health herself and also tragically lost her eldest son Conor to suicide earlier this year.
*This content may be triggering to some people*
... "I've struggled with my mental health throughout my adult life and also as a teenager now looking back, although not diagnosed at that time.
I've lived with depression (including post-natal depression), anxiety, an eating disorder, and have felt suicidal.
Stigma and the judgement of others has resulted in me beating myself up for being ill, and made me hide my feelings behind a mask, which only made my mental health deteriorate further.
If you are struggling just now, please reach out and speak to a trusted friend or family member, if the first person doesn't support you the way you need, try again with another person. Also please seek professional help if your struggles get worse and you feel unable to cope.
There are a huge variety of different types of support and you will find one that helps you. It won't be a quick fix, but it will be worth it. I'm a prime example that with help, things do get better, and I only wish I had spoken out sooner. Then perhaps, I would have been able to prevent my eldest son Conor from taking his own life earlier this year at the age of 24, following his own struggles with depression. I now have to live with the fact that I wasn't able to save him and I don't want anybody else to reach that point where they feel that they have no other way out of the pain. It can get better. Please seek help before it's too late."
Thank you Frances for sharing your story!
Please don't be afraid to seek help, and as a foundation we'll continue doing all we can to keep #liftingthelid on mental health stigma.
See More

As a Foundation, we will continue #liftingthelid on mental health stigma until it becomes socially acceptable to talk about mental health and suicide 💚
Will you join us?

Bullying is never okay and it can affect anyone.
Being bullied can have a huge impact on a young person’s life, impacting on their mental health.
For Anti-Bullying Week 2018, Chief Executive Kate Majid shares a few thoughts on the link between bullying, child mental health and adulthood: http://shawmindfoundation.org/anti-bullyi ng-week-2018/

We estimate in the last 12 months, 15,000 children would've arrived at emergency services because of their mental health difficulties.
We think 50,000 children will have had their referall to specialist mental health services declined.
And horrifyingly, we think that data will show that over 100 children and young people will have ended their life by suicide.
... This is unacceptable.
This has to change.
And this is why The Shaw Mind Foundation will continue to fight and battle against the shame and stigma that so often stops young people from reaching out and getting the help that they deserve.
Will you join us?
See More

Proud of this one!

Early intervention is so important, and that’s why as a foundation we focus on mental health education within schools.
Share this on if you agree that mental health should be taught within schools...
💚

Fancy fundraising from the comfort of your sofa?
Amazon will now donate a small portion of any purchase you make if you buy through www.smile.amazon.co.uk. The best part is - it's costs you nothing extra!
Head over there and select The Shaw Mind Foundation to start fundraising.

Did you know, that every time you shop on Amazon.com you can donate to us?
You can make a difference whilst shopping!
Simply head to smile.amazon.co.uk, search for The Shaw Mind Foundation and for every purchase you make Amazon will donate a % to us!
... Share this on.
See More

Fancy giving the #LiftingtheLid challenge a go?
Watch our video to see why we're Lifting the Lid on stigma, then make your own short clip and be sure to tag us using the hashtag!

The Shaw Mind Foundation expertly covering how difficult everyday tasks are with anxiety in the work place. Those suffering from mental health issues have gone many years with little or no support before plucking the courage to ask for help. I think it should be compulsory for companies to train in mental health issues and how to address them or where they can get additional support for their employees.

Mental health education should be a priority in schools. Well done! �

Lovely to meet Adam what a amazing inspirational man, it's so important to get this message out children need more help to stop years and years of suffering !!! 💗

Incredible work - so glad I came across The Shaw Mind Foundation

I think The Shaw Mind Foundation is doing and excellent job in engaging themselves in helping others.

I found your work through a Youtube Video and google search on Harm OCD. I have had this extreme form of OCD since i was around 14, im now 37. Knowing there is a place to come and get support is fantastic and Adam's story makes me feel like im not going mad. Thank you for this fantastic foundation.

Fab time meeting Adam Shaw, Natalie and the team at Shaw Mind Foundation today, taking part in some filming for their headucation campaign launching on 22nd March. Great experience and what a great job they are doing. Supporting them all the way! Go for it!

Excellent charity helping those suffering from mental health.

A wonderful foundation out there to help anyone - there truly is no shame!

At the moment I'm suffering from depression and anxiety and on medication I know how it makes you feel I've even wanted to end my life so l do think children should be taught bout mental health problems