On World Mental Health Day, Friday, 10th October, two consultant clinical psychiatrists from St Andrew’s Healthcare, Professor Donna Arya and Dr Alex Hamilton, launched a new initiative to challenge the stigma surrounding complex mental health conditions.
A video filmed in Northampton captures public views on severe mental illnesses, revealing compassion alongside confusion and fear.
Dr Hamilton said: “We’ve made great strides in talking openly about common conditions like depression and anxiety. But complex mental health, which includes more severe illnesses, remains poorly understood, and that lack of awareness fuels stigma.”
Defining complex mental health
Professor Arya explained: “Complex mental health is a broad term we use when someone has a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or psychotic depression, often alongside other challenges like personality disorders, autism, or learning disabilities. These overlapping conditions can make life far more difficult than the diagnosis alone. But not much is known by the general public about these conditions, nor the symptoms and associated behaviours, which means people are often overlooked, misunderstood and feared.”
St Andrew’s Healthcare, a mental health charity with nearly 200 years of service, works with the NHS to support people with the most complex needs. The Northampton-based organisation provides specialist care to help patients rebuild their lives and achieve personal goals.
What the video revealed
The video project highlights a persistent gap in public understanding. It found that while many people express empathy, confusion about complex mental health conditions continues to contribute to stigma and social exclusion.
Dr Hamilton reflected: “We were encouraged by how respectfully people spoke about complex mental health conditions. But it also showed how much work remains. Misunderstanding leads to fear, and fear leads to stigma. The more we educate, the more we can dismantle those barriers.”
The footage, filmed on the streets of Northampton, shows candid reactions from members of the public discussing conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
A call for greater awareness
Professor Arya added: “Complex mental health conditions are more common than many realise. 1 in 105 people live with a severe mental illness. That means most of us know someone who is affected. It’s time we embrace those who are struggling and talk more openly about their challenges.”
Dr Vivienne McVey, CEO of St Andrew’s Healthcare, said: “Our mission is to transform lives. We support people who are often forgotten, helping them reconnect with themselves, their communities, and their futures. It’s about rediscovering hope.”
A wider movement for change
The initiative forms part of a growing effort to improve understanding of severe mental illnesses in the UK. A 2024 report by the charity Mind found that stigma remains one of the main barriers to seeking help, particularly for those with complex conditions.
By encouraging open dialogue, St Andrew’s Healthcare hopes to bridge the knowledge gap and promote inclusion. As Professor Arya and Dr Hamilton emphasise, education is key to replacing fear with understanding and creating a society that supports everyone’s mental health.