In a small but poignant study, The Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK carried out a poll of mental health patients which showed the majority did not receive any cards or gifts when they were unwell – however the last time the same group were “physically unwell” more than two thirds of them did receive cards or gifts.

Dr Peter Byrne, chair of the UK Royal College of Psychiatrists’ education committee, said:

"I have worked in general and psychiatric hospitals for over 20 years, and there is no greater demonstration of the hidden prejudice against people with mental illness than the bedside lockers."

"In psychiatric units, there is barely a card or any other reminder that the outside world cares."

And according to the study, a simple card may be an important aid to recovery with eight out of 10 people reporting that receiving a "get well soon" card would help.

"When I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, I was inundated with 'get well soon' cards all of which were really touching.….and yet when news leaked out that I was in a psychiatric hospital following a breakdown, not a peep, no cards and certainly no flowers.”

"If anything increases feelings of isolation and unworthiness just when you're at your lowest ebb, this does." She added

The college is launching two of its own gift cards with the greeting: "Thinking of you at this time. Hope things improve soon."

A spokesman said existing greeting cards often had inappropriate images and words that were not suitable for a mental health problem.

“People often don't know what to do or say when a friend or relative is ill with a mental health problem - so they end up doing nothing." Said Dr Byrne