Snowflake: Breaking Through Mental Health Stereotypes and Stigma

Description

Ever been called a 'snowflake' for sharing your emotions? Or told to 'man up' when you're struggling? Labelled a 'skiver' for taking a mental health day? Misconceptions and negativity surrounding mental health are still alive and well (and breeding). In this stigma-busting book Lucy Nichol exposes 10 of the most harmful mental health stereotypes. She examines where they come from and how they are perpetuated, exploring the impact of social media, the power of the press and how mental health is represented in popular culture. With the help of experts and the voices of those affected by these harmful perspectives, Lucy proposes how we can dismantle stigma once and for all. Snowflake is a call to reclaim this 'over-sensitive' slur as someone who is brave and authentic. To stand up to the harmful rhetoric and to show strength in vulnerability and honesty. Foreword by Sue Baker OBE, International Mental Health Consultant, Changing Minds Globally. The 10 Stereotypes: 1 Attention Seeker (OR ... being honest and open) 2 Snowflake (OR ... building resilience) 3 Miserable (OR ... dealing with depression) 4 Workshy (OR ... managing mental health) 5 Psycho (OR ... experiencing psychosis) 6 Neurotic (OR ... OCD and debilitating anxiety) 7 Wino (OR ... the illness of addiction) 8 Vain (OR ... living with an eating disorder) 9 Flawed (OR ... diagnosed with a personality disorder) 10 Bad (OR ... locked up due to mental health problems)

Lucy is a writer with a passion for mental health awareness, music, comedy and nostalgia. She's written extensively in the media, her words appearing in theIndependent, thei Paper,NME,Red Magazine,Metro, Den of Geek, Huff Post and many more. She is also a former columnist with Sarah Millican'sStandard Issue magazine. She is passionate about challenging mental health stigma - particularly addiction stigma - and has worked with a wide range of mental health charities including: Recovery Connections, Mind, Time to Change, Student Minds, Action on Postpartum Psychosis, Road to Recovery Trust, St Andrew's Healthcare and Newcastle United Foundation. She is, unfortunately, a bit of an expert when it comes to living with anxiety, and speaks openly about growing up with panic attacks and health anxiety. Lucy has also worked on behalf of Mind and Recovery Connections providing script advice for TV soaps and dramas regarding mental health (including addiction) portrayals. Lucy has also written two novels about mental health: The Twenty Seven Club and Parklife.

'Sensitively and seriously exploring mental health stereotypes' * Stylist * 'Exploring the role of pop culture, the press and social media, [Lucy Nichol] breaks down stereotypes and champions the bravery of people who speak about their emotions' * Woman's Own * 'A much-needed, no-nonsense guide to tackling mental health stigma' -- Denise Welch 'Punchy and kind - a great mix. Like a steely snowflake' -- Andrea McLean 'Educational, funny, eye-opening and very readable. It should be read by everyone' * Narc Magazine * 'A breezy book that nevertheless travels through turbulent waters. Incisive and funny and very useful for anyone who has found themselves caught up in the hyperbole of the culture wars' -- Robin Ince