Anthony David: Why is there still such stigma around mental health?

<p>Mental health has become a hot topic in recent years, with campaigns asking us to be kind on social media and to reach out to friends who are struggling.</p><p>It seems now more than ever, we have a better understanding of what it means when someone is struggling with their <a href="https://www.sciencefocus.com/tag/mental-health/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mental health</a>, but despite this, some people feel that the stigma surrounding it stops them from getting the help they need.</p><p>Professor Anthony David is a neuropsychiatrist at University College London, whose book <a href="https://oneworld-publications.com/into-the-abyss.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Into the Abyss</em></a> (£14.99, Oneworld) tells the stories of patients he has treated and what their cases have taught him.</p><p>He speaks to our editorial assistant Amy Barrett about why this stigma exists and whether it’s getting any better.</p><p>Let us know what you think of the episode with a review or a comment wherever you listen to your podcasts.</p><ul><li><strong>Subscribe</strong>&nbsp;to the&nbsp;<em>Science Focus Podcast</em>&nbsp;on these services:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.acast.com/science-focus-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Acast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/science-focus-podcast/id1296673906?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">iTunes</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/immediate-media-2/science-focus-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://rss.acast.com/science-focus-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">RSS</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://overcast.fm/itunes1296673906/science-focus-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Overcast</a></li><li><a href="https://www.sciencefocus.com/magazine/why-you-should-subscribe-to-bbc-science-focus/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Why you should subscribe to&nbsp;<em>BBC Science Focus</em></a></li></ul><p><stron