Stacey Dooley’s new book, Are You Really OK? Understanding Britain’s Mental Health Emergency – looks Britain’s looming mental health crisis, how the Covid-19 pandemic has contributed, and its particular impact on young people.
In the book, Stacey talks to young people across the UK who are living with mental health conditions and allows them to share their experiences.
As well as speaking to those directly affected by mental health issues, she worked with medical and other health professionals, who provide insights into the conditions discussed and explore the possible external factors at play including poverty, addiction, identity, pressures of social media, along with the impact of Covid-19.
“We had so many conversations…with various different organisations and individuals. We just really wanted to make sure we got the tone right and it was looked at responsibly, so I really hope we’ve managed that.”
Every week, 1 in 10 young people in the UK experience symptoms of a mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression, and 1 in 5 have considered taking their own life at some point.
The book was inspired by Stacey’s two most recent documentaries on mental health where she spoke to those affected and those working on the mental health frontline.
She hopes that by opening up the conversation, and by giving a voice to young people, it will help to challenge the stigma and stereotypes around mental health.
The book is available for pre-order now, ahead of its release on 3rd February, 2022.
