Unresolved mental health problems lie at the heart of some of our greatest social challenges in the UK, says the Royal-backed charity Heads Together which aims to challenge mental health stigma and change the national conversation on mental wellbeing.
Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry have united to stop people suffering in silence and urge everyone to talk about their mental health. They called on people not to ‘keep quiet and carry on’ but to open up to a friend or family member about the mental challenges they face.
The royal trio spoke out about the Heads Together campaign just metres from the Virgin Money London Marathon finish line. Heads Together is the chosen charity for this year’s marathon.
“There are times when, whoever we are, it is hard to cope with challenges – and when that happens being open and honest and asking for help is life-changing,” Prince William said, adding that the three of them hoped 2017 will be the ‘tipping point’ for mental health in Britain when more people feel able to talk about it without fear of being judged more than ever before.
Heads Together is a mental health campaign led by The Royal Foundation in partnership with YoungMinds and seven other charities. The aim of the campaign is to challenge mental health stigma and change the national conversation on mental well-being.
Commenting on the Heads Together campaign, former England footballer Rio Ferdinand, who has also had mental health concerns, said: “This feels like a national mission: a national team effort that we all need to play a role in.”
The National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) – the largest not-for-profit organisation in the UK for clinical hypnotherapy – supports Heads Together and its goals to make mental health less of a stigma.
“The NCH is glad to see such high-profile support for de-stigmatising mental health issues. Hypnotherapy is used for sports performance – why not use it for everyday performance too?”
Prince William said: “It is no exaggeration to say that conversations – simple conversations – can be life-changing: in a workplace, in your kitchen at home, with a friend, family member or colleague.”
The NCH agrees and says that talking to a hypnotherapist can be life-changing as issues ranging from stress and anxiety to bullying, phobias and unwanted habits can all be successfully treated through hypnotherapy.
The Heads Together charity says that people are often afraid to admit that they are struggling with their mental health.
“This fear of prejudice and judgement stops people from getting help and can destroy families and end lives. Heads Together wants to help people feel much more comfortable with their everyday mental wellbeing and have the practical tools to support their friends and family.”
Commenting on treating mental health issues, the NCH, adds that, during as hypnotherapy session, the hypnotherapist will talk to the person and take a detailed history before discussing that person’s goal and how they would like to be or feel at the end of the treatment sessions.
“Using a range of different techniques your hypnotherapist will relax you, make you feel comfortable and work with you towards achieving your goal. After a session you may feel uplifted, lighter and very relaxed. Often change is very subtle, as your hypnotherapist will be working with you subconscious mind, and you may just notice a very positive shift in how you are feeling,” says the NCH.
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