Mind comments on Denise Welch's interview in the Sunday Mirror

Denise Welch spoke out in yesterday's Sunday Mirror, about the danger of compounding the stigma that surrounds mental health.

Paul Farmer, Mind's Chief Executive, said: "In this weekend’s Sunday Mirror, Denise Welch underlined the real danger posed when those in the public eye use outdated stereotypes to mock the one in four of us who experience a mental health problem every year.  

"90% of people with a mental health problem report feeling the impact of discrimination on their lives. This stigma results in people feeling isolated, excluded from everyday activities, makes it harder to get or keep a job and, vitally, it stops people asking for help when they urgently need it. Ultimately, the fear of speaking out can eventually cost lives.

"Time and again Denise has spoken candidly about her own experiences of depression and, in so doing, has made others feel confident to do the same. Mind strives to ensure everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve and, in speaking resolutely about the need to stamp out stigma, she echoes Mind’s ambitions. For that reason we are incredibly proud of Denise’s ongoing role and grateful for her passion as an ambassador for Mind.”