Are You Really OK?: Understanding Britain's Mental Health Emergency

The author of this book, Stacey Dooley, has been fortunate to meet many remarkable people over the last decade of making documentaries. She has seen the devastating effect that poverty, trauma, violence, abuse, stigma, stress, prejudice, and discrimination can have on people's mental health. In this book, she opens up the conversation about mental health in young people to challenge the stigma and stereotypes around it. She talks to young people across the UK directly affected by mental health issues and helps tell their stories responsibly to shine a light on life on the mental health frontline and give a voice to young people throughout the UK who are living with mental health conditions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2023
Publisher: Ebury Publishing

Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of encountering numerous remarkable individuals while creating documentaries, often in challenging and hostile environments. These encounters have allowed me to witness firsthand the profound impact that poverty, trauma, violence, abuse, stigma, stress, prejudice, and discrimination can have on individuals' mental health. It has consistently been a recurring theme throughout my journey.

In the UK, approximately 1 in 10 young individuals experiences symptoms of common mental health problems like anxiety or depression, and 1 in 5 has contemplated taking their own life at some point. In her book, Stacey Dooley aims to initiate a conversation about mental health among young people, challenging the stigmatization and stereotypes surrounding it.

Collaborating with mental health experts and charities, Stacey engages directly with young people across the UK who are directly affected by mental health issues. Through responsible storytelling, she aims to shed light on the realities of life on the mental health frontline and provide a platform for young people throughout the UK to share their experiences and voices, particularly those living with mental health conditions across the spectrum.

In addition to hearing firsthand accounts from individuals, Stacey also conducts interviews with medical experts, counselors, activists, and health practitioners who provide detailed insights into the conditions profiled. They explore the environmental factors that contribute to these issues, including poverty, addiction, identity, pressures of social media, and the impact of COVID-19.

This book serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness, promoting understanding, and fostering empathy toward mental health issues among young people. It is a testament to the resilience and strength of those who face these challenges and a call to action for society to prioritize mental well-being and provide the support and resources needed to ensure a brighter future for all.

Weight: 214g
Dimension: 126 x 198 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785947032