ABC brilliant series 'Changing Minds'

If you have not seen this 3 part series as part of Mental Health Week, please do you self a favour and have a look at it. This beautifully and sensitively made documentary about the experiences of clients and staff in a typical Australian mental health hospital setting is just fantastic. As a psychologist and a mental health practitioner who has worked in a hospital based mental health system, this documentary is a wonderful example and reminder of the importance to maintain hope in the face of terrible adversity and to NEVER judge the book by its cover, beware of one's assumptions always. The courage of the clients to tell their stories with such raw openness is something I am in constant awe of. Add to this, the great care and sensitivity from the staff who manage to maintain an attitude of unconditional positive regard under such difficult circumstances. Most importantly, everyone displays a sense of humour while not undermining the integrity, care or respect of the clients. This documentary also goes a long and useful way to help keep demystifying the whole subject of mental illness. We might have a mental illness but it is not what defines who we are. You will find the series as a repeat on I View where you should be able to download all three episodes.

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