May I draw your readers' attention to the fact that Sunday 10th October has been designated as World Mental Health Day.

As an Anglican clergyman and a recent sufferer from the effects of mental health problems, I feel it is vitally important for the health of our society and the individuals within it that the issues surrounding mental health are given a greater prominence and that we begin to confront the stigma that is still, sadly, a feature of many of our social attitudes towards those who, at various times in their life, may suffer from mental health difficulties.

At any one time, up to 1 in 4 Adults and a significant number of children may seek recourse to mental health services, services which are often woefully lacking.

We often stigmatize and isolate those who need help, stereotyping them in appalling ways. We do not realise that anyone of us can, under appalling pressure and stress, break down. It can be the most natural and understandable reaction and needs compassion and empathy rather than hostility.

Bereavement, loss of employment, family breakdown, stress at work can all be factors at work. The present state of our rural economy and the decline in farming have caused many local families to experience the shock and heartbreak of mental breakdown.

It is not a sign of weakness but a sign of how vulnerable we human beings truly are. Some of the bravest people I know are those who, acknowledging they need help, have begun the long, painful journey to wholeness and healing.

We human beings are a truly wonderful balance of body, mind and spirit and we need to develop ways of living and ways of treating each other which deepen that balance and help to restore it should things go wrong.

If you are going to church on Sunday, please do pray for the issue of mental health to be given greater priority in our society and remember those you know and love who may be suffering, often in silence and isolation.

REV CHRISTOPHER NEWELL

Looe.