A new Medical Director of Mental Health & Neurodiversity has been announced by NHS England. What difference could this role make and how can organisations outside the NHS set an example that helps transform health outcomes?

Mental Health & Neurodiversity Medical Director

Dr. Adrian Jones is the new Mental Health & Neurodiversity Medical Director. As a former President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, he oversaw initiatives to improve workforce well-being, as well as promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. Equally, he advocated for mental health to be on par with physical health in terms of medical provision.

Now he takes on a newly created role focused on transforming NHS services for individuals with mental health and neurodivergent conditions. That is because current access to services does not meet the needs of individuals referred or diagnosed with these health needs. He has stated his intent to improve timely access to services and provide better experiences of care.

This is a momentous challenge, with the demand for services currently far exceeding provisions. Just looking at data* for 7-17-year-olds, almost one in five (18%) has a probable mental disorder, a 50% increase from one in nine (12%) in 2017.

With data like this showing the scale of the challenge, we need to consider how we can contribute as a society to improve mental health. So, what role could we as individuals and organisations play in supporting each other’s well-being? I believe greater inclusion is key to this development.

Neurodiversity & Mental Health

At this point, it is important to note that neurodivergence is a cognitive, not mental health, condition. Dr. Jones’ remit covers both because both groups have been identified as receiving inadequate support from NHS services.

Having said this, an article in Barrister Magazine** highlights that neurodivergent individuals have higher rates of poor mental health. Having to constantly adapt to fit into a neurotypical society or workplace drives high rates of anxiety, depression and other factors which affect well-being. Unfortunately, it’s no surprise that feeling different and excluded impacts every aspect of life.

Our Need to Belong

Belonging is a basic psychological need. We are social beings and the strongest societies exist where people come together, work together, support each other and experience interpersonal exchanges.

Many people experiencing mental health challenges and those with neurodivergent conditions feel that they don’t belong. To avoid stigma, some put considerable energy into masking their condition, acting as normally as possible to be accepted. Others withdraw because it is too much effort to pretend to be something they are not. Either way, these approaches can make their differences even more apparent to them.

If a person struggles to fit into societal norms it makes everyday interactions complicated or insurmountable. Let’s think about recruitment processes as an example.

How do you successfully navigate a job interview if you struggle to look someone in the eye or have an aversion to touch, which makes a handshake unbearable? What do you do when presented with written instructions that dyslexia makes almost impossible to follow? You might be highly skilled and yet judgements are made that it will be difficult for you to fit in. Therefore, you’re not given a chance. Isn’t it time for us to be accepting of differences and recognise the benefits that uniqueness brings?

Promoting Neurodiversity to Raise Mental Health

I came across some interesting research taking place at Newcastle University. Headed by Dr Josephine Go Jeffries, the project explores how greater awareness, acceptance and integration of neurodivergent people can have a wider impact on mental well-being.

“Neurological conditions such as autism, dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are estimated to affect 20% of the UK adult population…businesses could be part of the mental health solution by destigmatising mental differences and supporting people to flourish, even when they are experiencing difficulties. Businesses that raise awareness of neurodiversity can improve their teams’ and customers’ mental health and wellbeing.”

— Dr. Go Jeffries, Newcastle University

So, can we all show greater acceptance and play a part in increasing mental health?

Neurodiversity Valued in Society

One way to improve understanding and accessibility is to increase the representation of neurodivergent people in every organisation. Additionally, greater visibility in marketing campaigns, television and radio programmes would help people to see other like them. This helps to create an environment of psychological safety, where people no longer feel the need to mask. In turn, this has a positive impact on mental well-being.

On this point, I’m delighted that a growing number of organisations have been accessing my neurodiversity training to build awareness. It shows that more companies are open to fully embracing inclusion. Equally, Neurodiversity for Managers training has helped many team leaders adopt fresh approaches to realise the potential of neurodivergent employees in their team. They are reaping the rewards and the wider impact on colleagues is also being recognised.

Even with a dedicated Medical Director in post, improving outcomes for NHS patients with neurodivergent or mental health conditions is a long-term project. However, if we find ways to accept and respect differences, we can help more people feel that they belong. This could reduce the need for health services.

* https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/role-of-paediatricians-child-mental-health-position#key-facts-background

** https://barristermagazine.com/neurodiversity-and-mental-health/#

*** https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/sense-belonging/202202/the-science-behind-our-need-belong