Ive never been more prouder of my father then the moment he told me he hadnt had a cigarette in over two weeks. It seemed like a simple action, yet life-changing one, and one that I dont think society recognises enough. NCDs surround us and its a myth that they are diseases of the rich, the affluent and of lifestyle. With Mental Health Week just finished the AMSA Mental Health campaign asked us how do you keep your grass greener? - I never considered my mental illness, or mental illness at all, as an NCD. My friend Jaz spoke about this in her brave and powerful #theface contribution, which really made me change my perspective. We need to empower all those around us, as daughters, doctors, students, community members - to consider mental health as an illness just like other NCDS - just like smoking and lung cancer, and reduce stigma. Weve almost made smoking history and being close to someone who made that powerful, determined decision to change their future has empowered me for my career in medicine. But now we need to continue to do the same for ALL NCDs, mental health included. How are you #thefaceforncds?
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 06:11:34 +0000