ITVs mental health awareness campaign

[codenameduchess]

I hadn't given it much thought as we don't tend to watch live TV, or ITV, but I'm aware of the minute where it stops to encourage families to talk to each other and that's a great idea if a little sad that anyone needs that reminder.

However, my mum mentioned it to me. She lives alone and is a BGT fan and said that when it came on it made her feel a little sad as she had no one, other than the dog, to stop and talk to. (Full disclosure, she's a widow and this week marks the 5th anniversary of my dads passing so it's likely these feelings are more noticeable)

Is this not a sad reminder to the many people who are completely alone who use TV as company of how isolated they are? Is there any balance campaign for this section of viewers?

I felt the same. I'm on my own and don't see anyone most days. The campaign rubbed in how few people I have to talk to...no one's here. I too felt a sinking feeling when I'd been trying to switch off and enjoy a TV prog.

As for help with mental health, well it's just one long waiting list, or be referred to a course where the attention seekers take up the majority of the workers time. I gave up a long time ago.

it was a joke doing it in BGT having Ant involved. yep sure he helped his wife's MH and the family he drove into.
but that aside your not wrong. someone living alone will just be reminded how alone they are.

But without raising awareness how will anything change? TV is an amazing way to spread a message, hence why so many charities use TV ads

@beachcomber70 I'm sorry you're in that position too, this exactly what I mean- they want to raise awareness for MH but only for those who have someone in their house to talk to, no thought for those without that for whom support just isn't available. I've also worked with vulnerable people and know that a lot use tv/radio as company when they don't see or speak to another person for days or weeks at a time.

@StylishMummy how is making a pretty large section of tv viewers feel even more isolated helping anything is my point. There is almost no support for isolation and effect of that on MH, a few charities offer companion services for elderly people but not many and there's even less for younger people in that position.

It doesn't help that I am unwell after an accident and relying even more on tv to distract from the pain I am in. The ads...and the silences are coming at me all day.
Never felt so alone. Didn't think I'd see the day when I would prefer a mindless ad playing.

Stylish the point is mental health comes about a lot of the time because family members are met with derision, ignorance and lack of interest by members within the family. And the sufferers feel cut off, ridiculed and lack the confidence to open up a conversation about their deepest, most painful and private feelings...especially not in a 2 minute time slot. I'm probably missing the point...or stuck in my own hell.