Using Books to Beat Mental Health Stigma

Posted by See Me, 27 April 2018

Some of the most famous quotes in history will be used to start conversations on mental health, at an event in Edinburgh.

Bridget Dickson who volunteers with anti-stigma programme See Me, has been working with The Edinburgh Bookshop to run the event, following the success of her event at Atkinson-Pryce Books in October last year. Bridget’s ‘Don’t Judge a Book’ events use quotes from literature to kick start conversations on mental health and aim to show that it can be spoken about anywhere.

The words of William Shakespeare, Sylvia Plath and Nick Hornby will all be used to get people talking about mental health, at the Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover event on November 16th.

The free event is open to anyone to attend.

Bridget, from Peebles, said: “For me books are an escape. They give me comfort and personal insight. I also think that it sometimes easier to talk about things in your own life, by making reference to a book or character in it, rather than directly talking about yourself.

“There have been times I have read paragraphs out to my friends and family to help them understand how I’m feeling.

“There is a lovely atmosphere in a book shop and the event will have something for everyone.”

The event will run from 7.30om – 9.30pm at The Edinburgh Bookshop, 219 Bruntsfield Place, EH10 4DH.

RSVP by calling 0131 447 1917.