Cards 'can support mentally-ill'

Patients rarely receive cards or flowers when they stay in a mental health unit

People should consider sending cards and gifts to friends and family suffering with mental health problems, experts say.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists said cards and gifts were a simple way to support people with mental illness.

The college even said it may aid their recovery.

It made the plea after carrying out a poll of 131 mental health patients, which showed over half did not receive any gifts or cards when they were ill.

This compared to just a third who did not get presents the last time they were physically ill.

Recovery

More than eight out of 10 of the people surveyed said receiving a 'get well soon' card would help their recovery

The college is launching two of its own gift cards with the greeting: "Thinking of you at this time. Hope things improve soon."

A spokesman said existing greeting cards often had inappropriate images and words that were not suitable for a mental health problem. Read more...