The Royal College of Psychiatrists has
produced the first ‘Get Well Soon’
cards specially designed to send to people who are unwell with
mental ill-health. The cards are a simple way to send a message of
support to friends or relatives – and could even help boost their
recovery from mental illness.
Previous research1,2 has shown that
people who are admitted to mental health in-patient units receive
far fewer cards and messages of support than people who are
admitted to hospital with a physical health problem. A new survey
of 131 mental health service users, conducted by the College
earlier this month, shows a similar pattern.
Just over half (51%) of the survey respondents
said they had received a ‘Get Well Soon’ card the last time they
were physically ill – but only 31% received a card when they were
last unwell with a mental health problem. Over half (52%) said they
did not receive any cards, flowers or gifts when they were last
mentally ill – compared with 36% the last time they were physically
ill.
Importantly, more than 8 out of 10 (81%) of
people surveyed said receiving a ‘Get Well Soon’ card would help
their recovery. Almost half of these (46%) thought it would help
their recovery ‘a lot’.
The cards have received backing from TV
presenter Trisha Goddard. Trisha, who has spoken
openly about her battles with depression and – more recently –
breast cancer, said:
“When I was diagnosed with breast
cancer last year, I was inundated with ‘Get Well Soon’ cards, all
of which were really touching. If you’re thinking I only got those
cards because I’m in the public eye, let me tell you this. When I
lived in Australia, I was equally in the public eye and yet when
news leaked out that I was in a psychiatric hospital following a
breakdown – not a peep! No cards and certainly no
flowers.
“If anything increases feelings of
isolation and unworthiness just when you’re at your lowest ebb,
this does. Feeling ‘invisible’ because people avoid you not knowing
what to say rubs salt into a wound, which sometimes takes a long
time to heal. That’s why I support this brilliant idea from the
College. It’s a great way of reminding people that a few kind words
and card can help you deal with the pain; whether the hurt is in
your heart or your head!”
The cards come in two striking and
colourful designs. The greeting inside the card reads:
“Thinking of you at this time. Hope things improve
soon.”
Dr Peter Byrne, a consultant psychiatrist and
chair of the College’s Public Education Committee, said:
“I have worked in general and psychiatric
hospitals for over 20 years, and there is no greater demonstration
of the hidden prejudice against people with mental illness than the
bedside lockers. In psychiatric units, there is barely a card or
any other reminder that the outside world cares.
“People often don’t know what to do or say
when a friend or relative is ill with a mental health problem – so
they end up doing nothing. I hope these specially-designed cards
begin the process of change. They are a great way of sending a
message of support, showing that you care, and maybe even helping
to boost someone’s recovery.”
The cards have been produced in collaboration
with mental health service users, carers, psychiatrists and other
mental health professionals.
Service users have praised the College’s ‘Get Well Soon’ card
initiative:
Sally, a member of the
College’s Service User Recovery Forum and someone who suffers from
enduring mental health problems, said:
“For 35 years I have been admitted many
times to psychiatric wards – and general medical wards
following suicide attempts – without receiving cards, flowers,
grapes or, sometimes, even visitors. When I had to have a
mastectomy, I received large bouquets, cards, presents and
visitors. People commented on how brave I was. No-one has ever told
me how brave I am to endure all these years of mental
ill-health.”
Thomas, a service user, said:
“I first experienced mental ill health
whilst I was studying at University. My friends and family did not
know what to do, or how to react, so they did nothing. Some time
later, when I went into hospital for a relatively minor operation,
I received lots of visitors with cards, fruit, chocolates and
enough Lucozade to sink a ship. It is such a shame that friends and
family usually know how to respond if you are physically ill, and
yet find it so difficult when you are mentally unwell . When you
are ill you can often feel quite isolated, and knowing that people
who care for you are thinking of you would have really helped my
recovery.”
The cards form part of the Royal College of
Psychiatrists’ three-year Fair Deal
campaign, and promote the concept of recovery from mental ill
health.
For further information, please
contact:
Liz Leicester
or Deborah Hart in the Communications
Department.
Telephone: 020 7235 2351 Extensions. 6298 or 6127
References:
1) Lankappa JS and Spence SJ (2005) Psychiatric in-patients receive fewer greetings cards than other in-patients, Psychiatric Bulletin, 29:449-451
2) Bromley JS and Cunningham SJ (2004) ‘You don’t bring me flowers any more’: an investigation into the experience of stigma by psychiatric in-patients, Psychiatric Bulletin, 28:371-374
Note to editors:
Cards come in a choice of two designs – ‘Flowers’ and ‘Grapes’. A single card and envelope costs £2.25 (incl. p&p). Discounts are available for larger orders.
Order cards from: Leaflets Department, Royal College of Psychiatrists, 17 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PG. Tel: 020 7235 2351 ext.259. Email: leaflets@rcpsych.ac.uk
Proceeds from sales of the cards will be used to continue producing the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ award-winning mental health information – particularly in paper form. Many people, including older people and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, don’t have access to the internet and value our printed materials. The College does not receive any government funding towards the production of its materials www.rcpsych.ac.uk/info