HomeBlogPatientThe British Royal Family is Changing How We Look at Mental Health The British Royal Family is Changing How We Look at Mental Health June 5, 2017Patient When you think of the monarchy, a few things may spring immediately to mind: the Queen, crown jewels, fashionable princesses, and historic palaces, to start. But chances are, mental health would not be something that is mentioned in any particular conversation regarding the Royal Family. But that may all change with the founding of a new initiative in the United Kingdom, Heads Together, a mental health advocacy group founded by Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge and heir to the British throne, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry of Wales. On the Heads Together website, the founders write: “Through our work with young people, emergency response, homeless charities, and with veterans, we have seen time and time again that unresolved mental health problems lie at the heart of some of our greatest social challenges.” To combat those unresolved mental health problems, William, Catherine, and Harry decided to create an organization that would help provide practical tools for people to take better care of their day-to-day mental and emotional well-being as well as provide support and resources to friends and family struggling with mental health disorders. This inspired group of Royals jointly introduced their new endeavor in January 2017. Prince William told the London press that he hoped the New Year would bring with it a “tipping point” when it comes to mental health. “Talking to someone else is a positive and confident step to take— but for too long it has been a case of ‘keep quiet and carry on.’ As a result, too many people have suffered in silence for too long, and the effects of this can be devastating,” he said. His wife, Catherine, agreed with that sentiment and added, “We have seen that two heads are better than one when dealing with a mental health problem. William, Harry and I have been very privileged to witness in the course of our work countless examples of simple conversations that have changed lives, which were the first step on a path to recovery.” While there have been great strides in reducing mental health stigma both in the United Kingdom and the United States in past years, their hope is that Heads Together will help continue that trend and change the national conversation regarding mental health. They hope to reshape the language used and negative associations linked to mental health disorders, so that people can stop suffering in silence and reach out for the help they need. The organization is also working to provide tools and resources to friends and family of those with mental health issues—so, they too, can support their loved ones as they seek assistance. Because, often, getting the right support early can make all the difference. As Harry said in January while helping to introduce Heads Together, “The truth is we can all help each other. You don’t need any qualifications to help your mate out, simply to listen to what they have to say. At the heart of this campaign is our hope that no-one should be afraid to ask for help, and no-one should worry about knowing how to help. That initial conversation could be the cure, before it has a chance to manifest itself.” Our articles are for informational purposes only and are reviewed by our Medical Information team, which includes PharmDs, MDs, and PhDs. Do not make any changes to your current medications or dosing without consulting your healthcare provider. The GeneSight test must be ordered by and used only in consultation with a healthcare provider who can prescribe medications. As with all genetic tests, the GeneSight test results have limitations and do not constitute medical advice. The test results are designed to be just one part of a larger, complete patient assessment, which would include proper diagnosis and consideration of your medical history, other medications you may be taking, your family history, and other factors. If you are a healthcare provider and interested in learning more about the GeneSight test, please contact us at 855.891.9415. If you are a patient, please talk with your doctor to see if the GeneSight test may be helpful. Patient Which Mental Health Provider Should I Consider? A Symptom-Based Guide The support of a good healthcare provider can make all the difference when you’re struggling with your mental health. But how do you connect to one in a sea of ... Read more Patient One explanation for why we experience Side Effects? Understanding Your Genetic Response to Antidepressants Antidepressants often play an essential role in helping patients with their mental health conditions. But as many patients can attest, it’s frustrating when... 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Patient Which Mental Health Provider Should I Consider? A Symptom-Based Guide The support of a good healthcare provider can make all the difference when you’re struggling with your mental health. But how do you connect to one in a sea of ... Read more
Patient One explanation for why we experience Side Effects? Understanding Your Genetic Response to Antidepressants Antidepressants often play an essential role in helping patients with their mental health conditions. But as many patients can attest, it’s frustrating when... Read more
Patient Barriers at Every Turn: How Systemic and Social Factors Block Men from Mental Health Care Taking the important step of seeking care for mental health isn’t always an easy decision. Uncertainty about the need for care, social stigmas associated wi... Read more
Healthcare Provider Overcoming Side Effect Concerns: Leveraging Pharmacogenomic Insights to Inform Depression and Anxiety Medication Selection Whitnee Brown, a lifelong resident now practicing in Birmingham, Alabama has nearly an entire alphabet following her name, abbreviations for degrees and certifi... Read more
Patient Concerns about Mental Health Medication Side Effects Remain a Barrier to Getting Help for Those Diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety Lisa Roberts has raised a family, reached an impressively high level in her career, and was an anchor for her mother and other family members. When, within ... Read more
Patient Common Antidepressant Side Effects Taking an antidepressant can be an effective way to help treat a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. However, these medications can also cre... Read more
Patient MTHFR Mutations: Clinical Implications and Management Strategies MTHFR mutations—changes in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene—have gained increased attention in the medical community due to their potent... Read more
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