I recently went to see Ruby Wax’s show “Losing It” at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival up the road from me here in Scotland UK. Although it was only on my list of “things that I might want to see” out of the 1000’s of shows available during the Fringe, I am incredibly glad that my first choice (can’t even remember what that was now) was fully booked, as Ruby and her colleague Judith Owen were in the venue next door, so we grabbed some seats.
The following show had us in fits of laughter and floods of tears in turn. This incredibly moving show is essentially Ruby Wax’s own story of her breakdown. As her website states, “This show gives you the chance to explore the ups and downs of mental illness, its stigmas and the freedom you discover when you share the darkest moments of your life.”
Of particular interest to me as a mental health professional is the way Ruby and Judith use the show to tackle mental health stigma, and in honour of WMHD, I thought I would share some resources with you (the end of the show is an open forum for the audience to share their own experiences and ask questions – this also takes place at London Venues regularly which I hope to take part in onmy next trip down south).
Firstly, sign up for updates and developments about Losing It is working towards reducing stigma of mental health here.
And why not follow the work on Twitter by following @rubywaxlosingit and @judithowen. @TimeToChange is another great programme to end mental health discrimination – see their website here.
You can also join in the World Mental Health Day Blog Party over at PsychCentral, where you get a nice shiny logo!
Have fun destigmatising Mental Health today! Remember the hashtag #worldmentalhealthday to keep up to date with what is happening in your area 🙂
Kate
