When anti-stigma mental health campaigns go too far… Is it possible to cause harm whilst trying to achieve good?
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) When anti-stigma mental health campaigns go too far… Is it possible to cause harm whilst trying to achieve good? In brief, the short answer, is yes. While anti-stigma campaigning for mental health has gained momentum in recent years, it is important to acknowledge that there is a potential for over-pathologising […]
Lived Experience and Being a Leader
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) As a mental health leader, owning your own mental health experience can be a difficult and complex experience. On one hand, sharing your experiences can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and show others that it’s okay to seek help when needed. On the other hand, it can be […]
Harmless and its Values
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) Values are central to the work of Harmless because they guide the organisation’s mission and approach to supporting individuals who self harm and are at risk of suicide. Harmless is grounded in the values of compassion, respect, empowerment and collaboration. Compassion is at the heart of Harmless’ work, as the […]
Pathologising the Human Experience
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) In recent years, the use of mental health diagnoses has become increasingly prevalent in our everyday language. It is not uncommon to hear someone say they are ‘depressed’ or ‘anxious’ when feeling down or worried. Similarly, people may describe themselves as ‘a bit OCD’ if they like things to be […]