The Governments detention plan for dangerous mentalpatients is not only immoral, repressive and impractical, but also representsthe tip of the iceberg for the 1 in 4 of us who already experience the pain andstigma attached to mental illness.
Jacqui Smith may believe that she has closed a loophole inmental health legislation, she has in fact widened another, more dangerous andfar-reaching one. This Bill could lead to abuse and neglect in the provision ofmental health services and further fuel the fire of those who stigmatise mentalillness. As has already been proven in the recent human rights victory forpsychiatric patients, the reports of mental health care crisis, and thehijacked funds for mental health, the Government is intent on continuing itsappalling record on mental health issues.
It was widely reported that this new legislation would bewithout spin. We are seriously worried that this populist, knee-jerk Bill willset the treatment and public view of mental health back 100 years, allowing thepresent Government to continue getting away with under-resourcing vitalservices and research.
1. DepressionAlliance is the leading UK charity for people with depression. We work torelieve and to prevent this treatable condition by providing information,support and understanding to those who are affected by it. We also campaign toraise awareness amongst the general public about the realities of depression.