MANY people with mental health problems experience prejudice from others and the ignorance and fear that surrounds these problems can often prevent people from seeking the help they need.

As someone who’s experienced depression, I know exactly how this feels, which is why it’s so important to get the message out to people that despite the stigma that continues today, you can lead a normal life.

One in four of us will have some sort of mental health problem in our lifetime but people consistently identify discrimination as a major barrier to their quality of life.

It can prevent people playing an active and positive role in their community and can stop people building new friendships and getting the jobs they are qualified to do.

This week is Depression Awareness Week (to April 21) and I am urging readers to find out more about mental health issues where they live, in a bid to reduce this discrimination.

One of the most effective ways of doing this is to become a member of our trust. By joining the 10,000-strong membership, you can opt to receive quarterly updates about the trust’s services, which include specialist mental health, learning disability and brain injury care across Dorset.

Membership is free, you only become as involved as you want to be and anyone over 11 years old can join.

You can complete a form by visiting dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk or by calling the trust on 0808 100 3318. Alternatively, follow the trust on Twitter – @DorsetHealth – or ‘like’ our Facebook page, Dorset HealthCare.

I sometimes refer to my depression as a dark shadow, but I eventually got the help I needed and now I use my experiences to help others. Please give us your support this week and help us share a better understanding of mental health.

NICK PLUMBRIDGE, governor, Dorset HealthCare