Is Social Media to blame for the increase in the Mental Health Crisis? by Hope Virgo

Social media is often the first to be blamed when it comes to the mental health crisis. It is an easy thing to blame all of our problems on but how much influence does it really have over us? ‬Is it the reason that suicide rates are at an all-time high?‬‬‬‬ I developed anorexia when … Continue reading “Is Social Media to blame for the increase in the Mental Health Crisis? by Hope Virgo”

Lonely this Christmas? loneliness and living with mental health problems by Dr Sarah Carr

            Christmas is a tricky time for a lot of people, particularly those living with mental health problems. The pressure to socialize and be merry can make people feel lonely. This could be because they’re socially isolated and wish for company or because they’re overwhelmed by people and feel lonely … Continue reading “Lonely this Christmas? loneliness and living with mental health problems by Dr Sarah Carr”

IMH responds to the review of the Mental Health Act, by Steven Marwaha, Professor of Psychiatry

Our aim at the Institute for Mental Health is to improve care and outcomes for young people suffering from mental ill health, and as such we welcome the focus and debate.  The time does seem right to reconsider the Mental Health Act, as the public dialogue about mental illness is quite different now to when … Continue reading “IMH responds to the review of the Mental Health Act, by Steven Marwaha, Professor of Psychiatry”

Bullying: It’s time to rewrite the rules of the playground by Dr Christopher Chiswell

Take a moment and think back to some of the faces you remember from when you were at school. Those that really stand out. My guess is that at least a couple of those faces are people who you remember were unkind to you. Who you knew at the time, or look back now and … Continue reading “Bullying: It’s time to rewrite the rules of the playground by Dr Christopher Chiswell”

A personal journey in Mental Health by Matthew Broome, Director of the Institute for Mental Health

Today is World Mental Health Awareness day, and, together with several colleagues from the University of Birmingham’s Institute for Mental Health (IMH), I’m over in Boston at the International Early Psychosis Association (IEPA), where the theme of this, their 11th conference is Prevention and Early Intervention: Broadening the Scope. This is a conference that resonates … Continue reading “A personal journey in Mental Health by Matthew Broome, Director of the Institute for Mental Health”

Working together to prevent suicide by Dr Maria Michail – Senior Birmingham Fellow (Institute for Mental Health)

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and it seems timely to write this blog while attending the 17th European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour in the beautiful city of Ghent. Suicide is a global public health concern. By the time you finish reading this blog, approximately 8 people will have taken their life. The … Continue reading “Working together to prevent suicide by Dr Maria Michail – Senior Birmingham Fellow (Institute for Mental Health)”