Mental health is an extremely important topic – and one which people still feel difficult to talk about. Why?

In the past, mental health awareness was much poorer than today, and was something which was taboo, hidden and controversial. Because mental health can’t be ‘seen’, because it’s internal, it is a lot easier to dismiss than a physical disability. But mental health is just, JUST, as important as physical health.

As time has gone on, we, as a society, have become better at talking about mental illness. We still aren’t 100% there, but things are improving – and one of the reasons for this is because famous people have come forward to discuss their mental health openly in the media. By starting a conversation, lots of celebrities have shown that it’s okay to talk about mental health. It shouldn’t be taboo, or hidden, or controversial – it should be discussed, openly.

HRH Prince Harry famously came forward recently to discuss the importance of mental health. He has spoken of his battles with his own mental health, especially after tragically losing his mother at a young age. He has started a conversation – a very important conversation – which we should all carry on.

The more we talk about mental health, the more it becomes okay to talk about it more. Why should we only discuss physical ailments, and not mental illness? There is no reason. So start a conversation; ask how your friends are, talk about how you are feeling, keep the conversation going. Break the stigma.