Personally, I think this was a good, and fair post by 'Devastated'. 'Ant', you are probably not aware that some time ago, Humphs had himself, allegedly intimated (may be in jest) that he may someday go the same way as a family member had, with a mental health issue.
The fact that Humphs approach to running the brewery has changed so dramatically over the last 7 - 10 years, in a way which an outsider could be forgiven for thinking that the breweries hostelry management strategy is now being controlled by someone completely different.
It's also understandable that people are looking for explanations as they try and understand the changes in policy which have caused so much hurt to individuals, and seriously tarnished the breweries reputation within the industry. Dare I say (and I have heard this first hand) that the current brewery policies (specifically in relation to staff) are making Humphs a laughing stock, within the industry. This is sad, as there was a time that any other company would happily employ an ex-Sams member of staff, as they had previously had a reputation for being highly trained and exceptionally proficient.
Mental health issues have always carried a stigma, and have often be the focus of ridicule. However, as high as one in three of us in the UK, will at some time suffer a varying degree of a mental health problem.
As a society, if we all acted more responsible, and caring, in trying to understand such matters, then it is more likely that individuals would get the understanding, and more importantly, the care they so much need.
With the appropriate care - peoples lives can be substantially changed for the better - and often a full 'cure' can be achieved.
Recent changes in Government policy has enabled the creation of many more facilities for assessment and administration of appropriate therapies.
A very good friend of mine, suffered in silence for many years with a form of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) - and it does come in very many forms and variants. She was eventually put on a type of anti-depressant (Seroxat) which is an 'SSRI' - Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor (allowing the increase in serotonin within the brain). Although this helped her manage things a little better - it wasn't the solution.
Eventually she managed to get assessed on the NHS, but at that time was told she would have a two year wait for CBT - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Another option was to go private - which was at that time beyond her financial means.
I'm pleased to say, she found a very successful (and affordable) alternative, which she claims has restored her 100%, to as she had been before any problems. I say 'she found', it was actually a mutual Internet savvy friend, who searched and found the solution.
I will detail it here, so that if Humphs believes it may help, or if anyone else may be having any difficulties or anxiety related problems, then not only does this solution seem very effective (and now well proven), but can also be done in ones own privacy, although a full supporting structure is also available.
This is called the
Linden Method, and here are some associated links..
http://www.thelindenmethod.co.uk/http://www.youtube.com/user/CharlesLinden 