YP Letters: Credit to young royals for tackling mental health stigmas

From: John Redfearn, Whitby Road, Pickering.
Princes William and Harry bow their heads at their mother's funeral in 1997.Princes William and Harry bow their heads at their mother's funeral in 1997.
Princes William and Harry bow their heads at their mother's funeral in 1997.

On the subject of mental illness we now have the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry bringing it to the attention of the public especially with the purpose of removing any stigma which may be attached to mental illness.

In 1741 Charles Jennens sent the libretto for the Messiah to his friend George Frederick Handel.

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Handel at the time was depressed but on receiving the libretto was cheered up and, without much food and sleep, he wrote the music for the libretto in 24 days on a manic high.

Manic Depression is now known as Bipolar Disorder by the professionals but that sounds more like an Antarctic expedition.

The words ‘manic depression’ are more descriptive of the psychotic illness.

This illness is thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.

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It tends to show itself at times of stress. For example, during exams at university, or triggered by a favourite relative dying or a marriage break-up.

The exposure by the young Royals is commendable and I’m sure will reduce the stigma of mental illness.

The illness has the effect of causing damaging changes in mood, hence the modern name of Bipolar Disorder.