Friend or family member experiencing mental illness? Be there, Stay involved
MEDIA RELEASE
12 August 2010
The small things family members and friends do make an enormous difference to people experiencing mental illness, according to the Like Minds, Like Mine programme.
Many people want to help, but don’t know what to do. So Like Minds, Like Mine is next week launching a new set of TV ads for friends, family and whanau, letting them know what they can do to support people with experience of mental illness.
“Research shows that Like Minds, Like Mine is having a profound impact on public attitudes towards people with experience of mental illness,” Associate Minister of Health, Dr Jonathan Coleman says.
“But it also shows that family members and friends have the power to make a huge difference – both positive and negative – through the little things they do. ‘Be there, stay involved’ is the clear message to friends, family and whanau,” Dr Coleman says.
One of the ads features Johnny, who talks about a friend who always came to visit him.
“I was trying to hide and he came in and put a smile on his face… I was real happy that he was there,” he says.
Mental Health Foundation Chief Executive Judi Clements welcomes this new phase of the Like Minds, Like Mine programme.
“People can be fearful when someone close to them experiences mental illness, and afraid of what they might be called on to do to support them. In fact, it’s just the small things that make a huge difference, and simply staying involved and being there is the most important thing we can do for our loved ones.
“Positive behaviour from family, whanau and friends makes all the difference to someone’s recovery,” she says.
“The aim of the new advertising is to equip people with clear tips about how to take a step forward and support someone experiencing mental illness, so that those experiencing mental distress can feel comfortable talking about their illness and getting the support they need from those close to them.”
The new campaign is supported by the Foundation’s latest research Walk a Mile in Our Shoes, which was launched last month and shows that family and whanau members often want to help but feel they need more guidance and support in doing so.
The first ad will screen on TV2 during Shortland Street on Monday, 16 August.
Media Enquiries:
Carrie Briffett
Communications Officer
Mental Health Foundation
021 918 220
