IT is the devastating series of illnesses which grip millions of people a year and can lead to many feeling isolated and ashamed.

One in four people are afflicted with mental health problems in any one year – but many suffer in silence due to the fear of stigma.

Now a Southampton woman is among those fighting for change by speaking out to tackle stigma and raise awareness.

It comes as thousands of people are today preparing for activities taking place in Hampshire to mark World Mental Health Day.

The global initiative seeks to break down stigma surrounding mental health and promote education, awareness and health and wellbeing.

Rebecca Barber is an ambassador for Time to Change – a movement seeking to tackle mental health discrimination.

The organisation is run by health charities Mind and Rethink Mental illness and Rebecca is one of 40 people fronting the group’s Story Camp 2016 campaign.

The initiative seeks to empower people to share their mental health experiences through blogging, vlogging and the media to break down the silence surrounding mental health.

The campaign was launched at an event in London where the charity’s 40 “champions” united for workshops and activities and speeches from figures in the media.

Speakers included Southern Daily Echo health reporter Maxwell Kusi-Obodum and mental health bloggers Claire Eastham and Mind Media Award winner Ellen White.

Rebecca, 36, was diagnosed with bipolar five years ago – a condition characterised by extreme mood swings ranging from extreme highs (mania) to lows (depression).

She said: “The higher phases of mood would be racing thoughts where I feel I couldn’t cope to lows where I don’t have motivation and all my energy goes into keeping my head above water.”

The human resources worker says her family, friends and colleagues have been highly supportive but there is still a wider “misunderstanding” of the condition.

Now she wants to share her story by blogging and is also using social media to raise awareness.

She said: “It is very important because mental health needs to be seen in the same way as physical health and people aren’t scared to talk about it.

"People say you are brave for sharing it but people need to be more clued up on it. It feels like you are doing something good by sharing it and hopefully making a contribution and helping others. You are opening up about yourself and it is helpful to get support from other people.”

The Story Camp project also encourages people to organise events in their area to raise awareness.

Time to Change interim director Jo Loughran said: “We want to inspire and equip people to talk about their personal stories.”

"These are the first 40 people going through Story Camp and we will hopefully have thousands of young people and adults talking about their personal stories and run events in their community.

"Through having a group of people from a wide variety of backgrounds we can speak to the rest of the country in challenging stigma and discrimination.”

l Have you or someone close to you experienced mental health problems? For more information on Story Camp, or to share your story, see time-to-change.org.uk

PANEL

HEALTH campaigners in Hampshire are launching a wide range of events to celebrate World Mental Health Day today.

Leading organisations will be outside Southampton Central Station today promoting services in the region and urging people to stand up to stigma.

Representatives from Steps 2 Wellbeing, Time to Change, Solent NHS Trainers, Southern Health and the Red Lipstick Foundation will be there from 9.30am and will launch an online activity aimed at getting people to talk about mental health.

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust is hosting its Exploring Realities event at the city's Nuffield Theatre from 2pm-4.30pm to support people living with psychosis.

There will be the screening of documentary ‘In The Real’ about a self help group for people who hear voices.

Dr Eleanor Longden will launch a TED Talk called ‘The Voices in my Head’ followed by a panel discussion focussing on mental health.

Staff from Solent Mind's Fareham wellbeing centre will be in the Podium in West Street during the day offering advice on mental wellbeing and its new Upturn service - offering help for young people aged 14-18.

The group is offering people the chance to find out more about drop in sessions taking place during the week until Saturday.

The charity is also holding open days at two of its Hampshire centres this Wednesday.

The Winchester Wellbeing Centre in Priory Gardens, Parchment Street, will be opening its doors from 10.30am to 12.30pm while Eastleigh Wellbeing Centre in Leigh Road is inviting people in from noon-2pm.

Both Centres will have displays, refreshments and staff and volunteers on hand to chat to about services on offer.

An open evening will take place at the Soul Café in Dibden Purlieu from 7-9pm on Friday and it is a chance to see an art exhibition created by people with mental health problems.

The exhibition is also open to view from 10am-1pm on Saturdays for four weeks.

The Romsey Citizens Advice Bureau is also using the event to promote the positive effects of volunteering on mental wellbeing.

Staff are urging anyone wanting to apply for vacancies to contact 01794 522 137 or see testvalleycab.org.uk for more information.