Ranjit’s article explores possible reasons for detention under the Mental Health Act, and includes mentions of suicide. Please take care when reading. 

When did you join Rethink Mental Illness as a trustee? 

I joined Rethink as a Trustee Board Member in Autumn of last year. My career as a solicitor has spanned 33 years, and I have specialised in representing those detained under the Mental Health Act in psychiatric units across the Midlands area. I hope to bring my knowledge and experience from my career to Rethink Mental Illness to help make a difference for those who need it.

What have you learnt as a solicitor that inspired you to get involved with a mental health charity? 

During my career I have learnt there are several relevant factors leading to someone being sectioned, and why they are so impactful. Life events such as marital breakups, a bereavement, financial difficulties, trauma and many other reasons can trigger mental health issues.

Some of these personal conflicts are complicated and often require legal representation from different specialists. This might include problems with the criminal justice system, matrimonial/child proceedings for contact, employment disputes, benefits issues and housing problems. Everyone handles these challenges differently, and for some people being sectioned is the safest option. As a trustee, I am looking forward to using my expertise to inform Rethink’s mission and ensure we can provide positive outcomes for even more people.

What support do you think is most important for those at risk of being sectioned?

My career has really highlighted to me how important the level of support provided through multi-disciplinary teams is for those at risk of being sectioned, and equally those who are returning back to the community. For example, visitation by a social worker, community psychiatric nurse, outreach teams and others can make a huge difference in someone’s wellbeing on a day-to-day basis. It ensures they are not isolated, which we know is another big factor in someone’s wellbeing, and empowers them to engage with helpful services.

Working with vulnerable people has also shown me the importance of opening up and discussing your issues with those who are there to support you. Recent figures indicate that there are 7,055 deaths a year by suicide in the UK, which equates to 19 suicides per day. Close to three quarters of the total suicide figures are men. It is understood that men don’t always feel able to talk about personal issues, and when feelings build up over time, it can create a ‘pressure cooker’ effect with potentially serious consequences. 

Have you had the opportunity to see the positive outcomes of working with these multi-disciplinary teams? 

Absolutely! My career has spanned more than three decades, and one of the most positive outcomes is seeing individuals return back into the community and live a full and positive life. I was privileged to be invited to the wedding of a client many years ago, who had completed the journey of detention in the mental health system, and it was really positive to see her flourishing with her family. 

It’s been so interesting hearing about your career - we’re delighted you’ve joined our Board. Is there anything else you would like to add? 

Thankfully, awareness of mental health issues is far better and has progressed in the last decades, but of course there remains important work to do, and everyone has a part to play in that journey. The importance of community cannot be overstated – isolation and retraction are often signs of a mental illness developing. One thing I have learnt is to never hesitate to call, visit and speak to those you know without being prompted.