Actor, comedian and mental health campaigner Ruby Wax visited West Cheshire College during national Mental Health Week to help students better understand mental illness and challenge the taboos that surround it.
Ruby, famous for her one-woman shows, stand-up comedy, books, and TV programmes, has suffered from depression for many years and is among a host of celebrities committed changing attitudes and beating discrimination.
During her flying visit to the college’s Chester campus to support the Student Union’s efforts to promote better understanding of mental illness she talked to more than 200 students about the problems faced by people with mental illnesses and the best ways to continue battling the taboos.
Student Union President Maz Ferguson said: “Prejudice suffered by people with mental health problems just doesn’t seem to go away.
“That’s why our Student Union decided to join the Time to Change campaign, which is England’s first long-term campaign to raise public awareness about good mental health, confront negative stereotypes and challenge discrimination.
“We are delighted Ruby was able to find the time to join us. She was an insightful and interesting speaker who has certainly made an impact on our understanding.”
Ruby told the students she had experienced episodes of depression for most of her life, but it wasn't until she finally checked into a clinic that she realised how widespread mental problems are.
She said: "It's so common, it could be anyone. The trouble is nobody wants to talk about it and that makes everything worse. We need to take the stigma out of mental illness. People shouldn't be ashamed of it.
"It used to be the 'C' word - cancer - that people wouldn't discuss. Now it's the 'M' word. I hope pretty soon it'll be okay for everyone to talk openly about their mental health without fear of being treated differently.”
