In honour of World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2022, Rare Patient Voice helped to launch “Beyond Limits: Rare Men Talking Mental Health,” a new short film from our rare disease patient/advocate David Ross!
In today’s society, mental health still has a prominent stigma surrounding it. Many feel ashamed, judged, or fear they will be labeled as weak if they seek treatment. Now imagine that you are a male patient or family caregiver in the rare disease community. The layers of personal struggle and stigma around seeking help are often magnified and pose a unique challenge for men.
One in four people globally struggle with a mental illness – more than cancer, diabetes or heart disease, according to Clubhouse International.
David Ross, a rare disease patient and advocate himself, was inspired by his own experiences and those of others in the rare disease community to develop a film called “Beyond Limits: Rare Men Talking Mental Health.”
In this video, you will hear the personal experiences of male rare disease patients and family caregivers as they are asked thought-provoking questions about their mental health. This video was created to address the very real stigma surrounding men’s mental health in the rare disease community and to open a meaningful dialogue moving forward, and is also a great way to mark World Mental Health Day (October 10).
“Mental health should be treated the same as physical health. I want men to see talking about their mental health as a strength. I think this is even more important when living with a rare disease as it comes with many added layers.”
Watch “Beyond Limits: Rare Men Talking Mental Health”
About Rare Patient Voice
Rare Patient Voice, LLC provides patients and caregivers an opportunity to participate in all types of research including market research, health economics outcomes and real-world evidence, user experience/human factors studies, and clinical trials. RPV has over 100,000 patients and caregivers across more than 700 diseases, both rare and non-rare. Visit us at www.rarepatientvoice.com.
Join David’s Rare Disease Male Support Group
AllStripes featured David’s support group in its article:
5 Mental Health Resources to Help Rare Patients & Families Feel Less Alone
Request to join this Facebook group now to discover a safe space to discuss your feelings and receive support by talking, listening and building each other up.