IT is shocking to hear that nearly a quarter of all adults in this country could have mental health problems which are misunderstood or being overlooked.

In a bid to tackle this worrying statistic, Southdown Housing and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s Brighton and Hove Recovery College looks to education for solutions.

The college believes lessons in coping with challenges the students have faced, and tips on how to build confidence and gain new skills, is the way forward.

But perhaps the real problem is the stigma attached to mental health and a lack of understanding from the public that the mentally ill are vulnerable and need support and treatment.

Some dismiss mental health issues as attention seeking or an excuse to shirk responsibility.

So maybe more education needs to be focussed on understanding how a mental illness affects someone and how we can help them overcome this difficult time in their lives.