Humanising Mental Health - Dr Jess Hunter in conversation with Jaana Tuominen

In a world increasingly devoid of humanistic values, tainted by the toxic positivity of can-do capitalism, people are struggling. Stigma suffocates. When real human struggles are made to be burdens of shame, secrecy and suffering, many end up alienated and dehumanised.

Feelings of depression and anxiety are more acceptable in public discourse, but this is of little solace to those with other labels. The focus will be on borderline personality disorder, which is amongst the most misunderstood and stigmatised of psychiatric diagnoses. Looking behind the labels, they will explore how people with this diagnosis struggle in life, and what the real-life consequences of stigma and lack of understanding and support really are.

Dr Jess Hunter is a clinical psychologist based in Bristol. She completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Bath, where she researched the mental health of young trans & gender diverse people. After qualifying as a clinical psychologist, Jess moved into forensic personality disorder services and currently works part-time in the prison system, alongside her role as co-director of a local private practice. Her work covers a range of difficulties but specialises in working with individuals with a diagnosis of personality disorder (or difficulties that may be labelled as such). Jess is committed to creating change by bringing compassion to the most difficult parts of the human experience.

Jaana is a Mental Health Peer Support Coach, and a member of the Bristol Humanists Committee. She studied her B.Sc. in Molecular Genetics at King’s College London, and Masters in Biochemistry at the University of Bristol. She is also a member of an HRA Research Ethics Committee. Jaana has worked as a support worker in Inpatient Psychiatry, as well as working for NHS Cancer Services. Together with Jess, she is providing mental health training to university professionals across the country. She coaches in a start-up organisation championing innovative and affordable mental health support for the internet generation.

This is the first of two loosely linked sessions with a focus on psychology and the human mind. The second session in May is with Dr James Brennan.

Bristol Humanists events are open to everyone. they are FREE to members of Bristol Humanists, others we request a voluntary donation of £3/£1 to cover costs.

Meetup link: https://www.meetup.com/bristol-humanists/events/291937513/