Ruby Wax Docu

Laurel · #1 24th July 2012, 00:04

Any thoughts on it?

I don't mean to start a thread with no content, but I'm still sort of digesting it- and curious other's thoughts on it.

#2 24th July 2012, 00:18

not sure why they've only focused on people who are successful in their jobs? be good if they also followed a few people who were really struggling with their careers and came up with some help for them while they followed them.

iTz0kt0Bu · #3 24th July 2012, 00:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobazaw

not sure why they've only focused on people who are successful in their jobs? be good if they also followed a few people who were really struggling with their careers and came up with some help for them while they followed them.

True say, but I also like the successful people they showed. I liked the show but think it could have been better and like you said it could have had ppl who are less successful in employment. I think it's a good thing the ppl confessed to their workmates that they had dealt with mental illnesses in their life cause tbh no one is perfect and everyone has problems. I dont really like when ppl make it seem like certain ppl cant do something just case of a problem they have which some ppl seem to do.

Medea · #4 24th July 2012, 01:13

For those, like me, who missed this, here it is on 4oD:

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/r...onfessions/4od

Ethereal · #5 24th July 2012, 05:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobazaw

not sure why they've only focused on people who are successful in their jobs? be good if they also followed a few people who were really struggling with their careers and came up with some help for them while they followed them.

I think it's cause they were trying to show how people can still be successful and able to work well, even with mental illness. It seems there's a whole season of programs on mental health right now though so I'm hoping for a wider range really in the other programs...

Last Chance Undies · #6 24th July 2012, 07:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medea

For those, like me, who missed this, here it is on 4oD:

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/r...onfessions/4od

Thanks for that. Will watch it later.

tryinghard · #7 24th July 2012, 08:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethereal

I think it's cause they were trying to show how people can still be successful and able to work well, even with mental illness. It seems there's a whole season of programs on mental health right now though so I'm hoping for a wider range really in the other programs...

I think that too. The only problem with that approach is that it suggests you are not acceptable if you are not successful: "It's ok, they might be mad, but they still work". I understand why they're doing it, but I'm also hoping they show the other side of things in other programmes.

firemonkey · #8 24th July 2012, 09:35

It would be good if they could show what it's like for the severely mentally ill who are less functional.
These are the people who really need more understanding.
Being acceptable if mentally ill only if working isn't really that stigma busting.

There's a danger that the approach of the programmes will play down how serious and debilitating mental illness can be, and paint an overly optimistic/rosy picture.

Laurel · #9 24th July 2012, 09:37

what I was intrigued by was each person's reaction- ie. because it wasn't the done thing to do. To do that.

I also wonder if in some workplaces it's actually not a good idea.

tryinghard · #10 24th July 2012, 09:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laurel

I also wonder if in some workplaces it's actually not a good idea.

A colleague at my last workplace described her flatmate as a "proper weirdo" because she was easily startled. It sounded to me like her flatmate was slightly neurotic in personality, but not even clinical. Another colleague at the same place told me I was "weird" because I said I was stuck out in torrential rain and had ended up finding it quite fun. She didn't say it in a joking way, she sort of turned her head away and said it under her breath. I would never, ever, tell those people I had mental health problems.

There are a huge number of people, particularly younger people in my experience, who are massively concerned with being seen as normal. As a result, they want to disassociate themselves from anything abnormal and make fun of those they think are "weird". I hope stigma over mental health problems diminishes, but I would definitely discourage people from admitting their mental health problems if they are in an environment with these people. They don't even want to understand, they just want to make sure everybody else knows they think you're a weirdo so they can still be accepted as normal.

Nowadays, I work in a very pleasant environment at a socialist think tank with three women who are older than me. When I spent all morning having panic attacks at work, I told my boss, she gave me a hug and let me go home and then asked the next day whether I wanted to avoid certain situations. I explained I wanted to keep pushing myself into situations so I would become desensitised and that she shouldn't worry. You just have to know when you're in the right environemtn to tell people and when you're not. I think it's gut instinct.

iTz0kt0Bu · #11 24th July 2012, 14:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by tryinghard

There are a huge number of people, particularly younger people in my experience, who are massively concerned with being seen as normal. As a result, they want to disassociate themselves from anything abnormal and make fun of those they think are "weird". I hope stigma over mental health problems diminishes, but I would definitely discourage people from admitting their mental health problems if they are in an environment with these people. They don't even want to understand, they just want to make sure everybody else knows they think you're a weirdo so they can still be accepted as normal.

True say, i dont like ppl like that. People that i have met that are like that act as if they believe it's good to act your normal self and respond well to the majority of people. However, they also act like not acting completely like "the normal person" isn't good and respond to those they think are weird as if they have problems.

socialanxietyjohn · #12 24th July 2012, 20:57

Wouldn't work if the tv cameras weren't there. 99% people see admission of mental health issues as a weakness to be used against you.

Chimpy · #13 24th July 2012, 21:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by socialanxietyjohn

Wouldn't work if the tv cameras weren't there. 99% people see admission of mental health issues as a weakness to be used against you.

Not true. I've "come out" as mentally ill to my employer and I've received nothing but support from my manager and my colleagues. It probably depends on where you work, if you work with a bunch of people who bitch about other people in general I suspect you'd have a more difficult time.

socialanxietyjohn · #14 24th July 2012, 21:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chimpy

Not true. I've "come out" as mentally ill to my employer and I've received nothing but support from my manager and my colleagues. It probably depends on where you work, if you work with a bunch of people who bitch about other people in general I suspect you'd have a more difficult time.

That's why I said 99% cuz there's always that 1% of work places that are the exception to the rule. I'm glad you've found a good place to work

Chimpy · #15 24th July 2012, 21:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by socialanxietyjohn

I'm glad you've found a good place to work

Thanks. I have found people are more willing to open up to me since I told them about my own problems; one of my managers told me about using diazepam, another one about his son who has mental health problems and someone else on the same grade as me who was suffering from stress and depression. But yeah, you have to have that kind of supportive environment in the first place, I do consider myself fortunate.

iTz0kt0Bu · #16 24th July 2012, 23:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark101

No way would i have revealed my mental problems on the building sites lol
I got slaughtered enough without giving them amunition

The ppl on the show seemed to be in high positions in their job as well which must had made it easier for them to reveal their mental problems.

iTz0kt0Bu · #17 24th July 2012, 23:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark101

Absolutely,the chef was the top man so nobody is gonna say anything to him now

The other two were in office jobs with mostly female staff so yeah Hmm..

People should really think twice about spillin their guts unless they are the boss or work with mostly females.
In an all male enviroment you would soon regret revealing your weakness

I think it also depends how you come across. Although the designer didn't seem like the most confident person on the show the other people did. They seem well able to stand up to others, maybe im just saying this cause i need to be more assertive.