Suicide! No Laughing matter!

Suicide is a difficult topic for all of us. Suicide affects all of us. And the effects of someone completing suicide, doesn’t just stop with close family and friends. It affects the whole community. Wither you believe it or not, a few words can give someone who is contemplating suicide, a glimmer of hope, a reason to live. So let’s talk about suicide now! Let’s educate ourselves!

The hard facts

• In 2013, 6,233 suicides were registered in the UK. This corresponds to a rate of 11.9 per 100,000 (19.0 per 100,000 for men and 5.1 per 100,000 for women).[i]
• The male suicide rate is the highest since 2001. The suicide rate among men aged 45-59, 25.1 per 100,000, is the highest for this group since 1981.[ii]
• Male suicides in Wales rose by 23 per cent between 2012 and 2013. The rate for males (26.1 per 100,000) is at its highest since 1981.[iii]

As the graph below shows that Wales has the second highest rates of suicide.[iv]

This is particularly worrying. But why do people feel like it is the only option.

Why?

From personal experience. Sarah, 22

“For me it got to the point where I felt trapped. Each day I was just dragging myself through it. The pain of each day was extreme. I didn’t see and end.my eating disorder had completely took control over me, there was nothing of the ‘old me’ left. I could visible see the pain my mental health was causing my family. And that hurt most. I was considered not ill enough to be taken in as an in-patient. So I felt the only way to end this pain, and the hurt that I was causing my family. Was to end my life, I felt useless, worthless and pathetic. And felt the world could do better off without me.”

However

“With the constant support of my family, friends, and psychiatric team. I have the correct medication and talking therapy. I have the right support to get through the dark times and see that I can get through this and that suicide is only a permanent fix to a temporary problem”

What are the warning signs?[v]

Sometimes the warning signs are obvious that someone is at risk of attempting suicide. This however, is not always the case.

If someone is threatening to hurt or kill themselves, talk or write about death, dying or suicide or are actively looking for ways to kill themselves. If they have one, you could contact there care coordinator at their local Community Mental Health Team(CMHT) or Child and Adulterant Mental Health service (CAMHs). If you are unsure its best to contact your doctor, (or out of hours doctor) or your nearest accident and emergency department.

Other warning signs that a person may be at risk of suicide:

• Complain of feeling of hopelessness
• Have episodes of sudden rage and anger
• Act recklessly and engage in risky activates with an apparent lacl of concern about consequences
• Talk about feeling trapped, such as saying they can’t see a way out of their current situation
• Self-harm- including misusing drugs or alcohol(or increased use)
• Noticeably gain or lose weight due to a change in appetite
• Become increasingly withdrawn from friends, family and society in general
• Appear anxious and agitated
• Are unable to sleep or sleep all the time
• Have sudden mood swings-a student lift in mood after a period of depression could indicate they have made their decision to attempt suicide
• Talk and act in a way that suggests that they have no sense of purpose
• Lose interest in most things , including their appearance
• Put their affairs in order, such as sorting out possessions or making a will

If you notice any of these warning signs in a friend, relative or loved one, encourage them to talk about their feelings. Share your concerns with your GP or a member of their care team.

 

Offering Support[vi]

The best thing to do is to encourage them to talk about their feelings and listen to what they say. From personal experience, if you don’t know how to respond, say nothing! Just give them the time to express themselves, and love and support they need. Trust me this can go a long way, and make them feel loved and wanted. If there is any immediate danger, DO NOT LEAVE THEM ON THEIR OWN!!!!

Do Not Judge

It’s important to not make judgements about how a person is thinking or behaving. You may think their behaviour is making them worse. For example, they may be drinking too much. However pointing this out with not be helpful. Reassurance, respect and support can help someone during these difficult periods

Asking Questions

Asking questions can help extract information, and give you a better understand how the person is feeling. Open ended questions such as “where did that happen?” and “how did that feel?” will encourage them to talk. Its best to avoid statements that could end the conversation such as “I know how you feel” and “try not to worry about it”

Getting Professional Help

Talking to someone about their feeling can make them feel safe and secure, these feeling may not last. It will probably require long term support to help someone.This will be easier will professional help. If you are feeling suicidal or know someone who is feeling suicidal it is important to speak to your care coordinator or GP as a matter of urgency.

IMPORTANT INFO!!

If you are supporting someone who is having suiciadal thoughts it is important to look after yourself. If the person is deemed a danger to themselves or you feel unable to support them. Do Not hesitate to contact emergency services. It could save a life.

For more info, take a look at the NHS website, mind website or pop in to your local mental health resource centre.

take a look at our Where Can I Get Help page

[i]Samaritans – Suicide Statistics Report 2015 Including data for 2011-2013 12/10/2015

[ii] Samaritans – Suicide Statistics Report 2015 Including data for 2011-2013 12/10/2015

[iii] Samaritans – Suicide Statistics Report 2015 Including data for 2011-2013 12/10/2015

[iv] Samaritans – Suicide Statistics Report 2015 Including data for 2011-2013 12/10/2015

[v] http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/pages/warning-signs.aspx

[vi] http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/pages/helping-others.aspx

The Obsessive-Compulsive Post

In the UK it is estimates that 1.2% of the population will have OCD, which equates to 12 out of every 1000 people, based on these statistics, approximately 741,504 people are living with OCD at any one time.[i]

50% of all these cases will fall into the severe category, with less than only a quarter being classed as mild cases. Which is why some estimates suggest that maybe 2-3% of all those visiting their GP will be doing so because of OCD.[ii]

It is believed that many people affected by OCD still suffering in silence through embarrassment and fear of being labelled. Others are unaware that their suffering is a recognised medical condition.[iii]

So what is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder has two main parts. Obsessions and Compulsions. Obsessions are unwelcome thoughts, ideas or urges that repeatedly appear in your mind. Compulsions are repetitive activities that you have to do. The aim of the compulsion is to ‘put right’ the distress caused by the obsessive thoughts and temporarily relive the anxiety you are feeling. It is unlikely that you will feel any pleasure from carrying out the compulsion.[iv]

Many of us experience minor obsessions or compulsions, approximately four-fifths of us. However, the distinction between this and Obsessive – Compulsive Disorder is its severity. With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder the problems are so sever they interfere with everyday life. It might mean spending eight to ten hours a day washing, with hand red-raw and bleeding. Or it might mean repeatedly dressing and undressing or running up and down stairs.[v]

Common Obsessions[vi]	Common Compulsions[vii]
·         Fearing contamination ·         Imagining doing harm ·         Fearing your aggressive urges ·         Intrusive sexual impulses ·         Excessive doubts ·         ‘forbidden’ thoughts ·         Needing things to be perfect ·         Needing to confess something	·         Repeating actions ·         Ordering or arranging ·         Hoarding or saving ·         Washing ·         Checking ·         Touching ·         Counting ·         Praying

Interview this Georgia

I caught up with Georgia who suffers with OCD

“When people think OCD, they think of washing hands, tidying  etc. The term OCD is thrown around a lot.”

“OCD feels like a constant state of anxiety, because unless things are organised and they are how your mind wants them to be. Your mind convinces you that anything and everything is going to go wrong.”

“For me my OCD is especially prevalent when things in my life feel out of control, so by organising things and taking control of my physical environment. It makes me feel at least in control of something.”

I asked Georgia about her compulsions and the obsessions behind them and how they affect her.

“One of my regular compulsions is that the sofa has to be in the ‘correct’ position. I can spend up to an hour adjusting and readjusting it until it’s exactly right. If I don’t do it I feel extremely uncomfortable.  I won’t be able to settle because everything feels out of balance.” 

“My routines are important. An example of his would be every morning I have to as soon as I wake up, I go to the loo, take my medication,  then back into bed, then check my tablet and phone, and then I will have a cigarette. If I don’t do it that way the fear is that my whole day will go wrong.”

“My DVD’s are organised in age range  (U-18), genre, collections and actors. The fear behind that is if the DVD’S are not in that particular order,  the DVD’S wouldn’t work.”

“The intensity of the fear can be as extreme as a panic attack or it can be just feeling unsettled and extremely uncomfortable.”

“As for the urge to carry out the compulsion, it feels like having an itch that you have to scratch.”

“At the time the reason doesn’t occur to me (why I carry out the compulsion) until I really think about it or something interferes with the compulsion.  E.g. People moving things in my flat”

I then asked Georgia if she had any tips to cope with the obsessions and compulsions. And here is her advice.

“Being kind to yourself, not having a go at yourself for needing to complete the compulsion.”  

“Allocate only a certain amount of time to complete the compulsion so it doesn’t have a huge impact on my day as it could do.”

“Try to rationalise the obsession and look at it realistically ‘is this actually going to ruin my day or upset my friends and family.”

If you think you may have OCD or any other condition. Please see your GP.

[i] http://www.ocduk.org/how-common-ocd  10/08/15

[ii] http://www.ocduk.org/how-common-ocd 10/08/15

[iii] http://www.ocduk.org/how-common-ocd 10/08/15

[iv] mind, understanding Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder leaflet. Page 3

[v] mind, understanding Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder leaflet. Page 4

[vi] mind, understanding Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder leaflet. Page 5

[vii] mind, understanding Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder leaflet. Page 5

I am NOT an ‘attention seeker’

The thing that bugs me the most when people talk about Self-harm, is this theory that “people who Self-harm are attention seekers”. Before I tackle this statement let’s take a look at what is self-harm.

What is Self-harm?

Self-harm is a term used to describe a wide range of behaviours. Injuries that are caused on purpose are considered to be acts of self-harm. Self-harm is understood to be a physical response to emotional pain, and is very addictive[i]. Self-harming behaviours include

• Cutting, burning or scratching the skin
• Hitting themselves against objects
• self-poisoning
• Swallowing or putting things inside of themselves
• Taking unnecessary risks such as unprotected sex.
• Staying in an abusive relationship
• Eating disorders
• Substance misuse
• Not looking after their own emotional needs

Why people self-harm?

People harm themselves for all sorts of reasons. The need to self-harm usually comes from emotions that have become difficult to manage, although sometimes it may be a sign of an underlying mental health issue[ii]. People who experience strong emotions such as depression, anger, and loneliness, may self-harm as a way to ‘make them go away’ or to be ‘numbed’, this is only a temporary release, and the feelings of guilt and shame usually follows.

Some people describe it as a ‘release’. If you shake up fizzy pop, the bottle is under pressure and self-harm can feel like When you open up the bottle to release the gas out.

Some people self-harm to feel ‘real’. Some people feel ‘numb’ or ‘floaty’, this experience is called ‘Dissociation’, and self-harm can break this state temporarily.

Self-harm is a coping mechanism, although a bad one. They may not have been taught other coping mechanisms that are less harm full.

Attention, Please!

One of the sad truths is that those who self-harm are labelled as ‘attention seeking’ and ‘manipulative’. If attention-seeking really was the biggest motivation for someone struggling with self-harm, it’s a long way from being the most effective way to go about getting it. Self-harm may be a way of someone communicating that they are emotionally distressed or finding life difficult to manage, but there are a huge number of ways to ‘get attention’ that don’t involve inflicting pain on oneself or hurting those around us. Self-harm is about expression, not attention![iii]

Most people are deeply ashamed of their self-harming behaviours, and go to great lengths to hide it from those around them. People some people who self-harm go for months even years before being ‘found out’ or having the courage to seek help, because of this shame and stigma attached to self-harm. So every time someone calls a person who self-harms ‘attention-seeking’, you are making it more difficult for someone to reach out for help.

Dealing with scars

There are many ways to deal with scars here are a few[iv]

Oils and Creams

There are a variety of difference oils and creams available in high street stores, which are designed to reduce the appearance of scars and other skin conditions, such as stretch marks. I would speek toy your doctor before using any of these creams.

Tatttoos

Some tattoo artists will have worked with people recovering from self-harm and covering scars with a memorable tattoo is one option. It is not always possible for scars to be covered completely, especially if the skin is uneven, and of course you need to be sure you actually want a tattoo as you are essentially covering one thing with something else. You have to wait until the scar is healed befor it can be tattooed over. This can take on average a year and a half to two years. Make sure the tattooist is quolifited an uses seritle needles.

Make-Up

Special concealers designed to camouflage skin imperfections have been developed for people wishing to cover scars and burns from serious accidents and house fires, and they are increasingly being made available to people who are recovering from self-harm. The concealers are unlike the make-up you might buy for normal use on your face – they are much heavier and extremely robust in water, which can enable you to go swimming. It’s important to have a consultation when looking at make-up options so you can be 100% sure you are not only using the correct shade, but that you are also fully informed about how to use it. As with many things, practice is key, so don’t be disheartened if your first few attempts appear to make little difference. If you are interested in finding out more, speak to an understanding GP or read more online

 

Scar Acceptance

These methods may help you disguise or reduce the appearance of scars, but it’s important to remember that scars are permanent. Learning to accept your scars is an important part of recovery. Your scars are important as they signify a stage of your life that was difficult, and can become reminders of the stronger person you have become. Learning to see your scars positively is not easy, but often the biggest hurdle is dealing with other people. Society still struggles with self-harm and makes certain assumptions about the people who go through it.

How I deal with scars

I’m not going to lie, dealing with scars is difficult and the comments you get are also challenging. Over the years I have mainly worn long sleeved tops. As my scars began to fade on my lower arm I began to wear tops that came to my elbow. Only recently I have been able to wear t-shirts. I have come to accept my scars are a part of me and I should not be ashamed by them. When people comment or ask about my scars, I start off a conversation about self-harm, or challenge negative comments. To get to this point I have had to gain a lot of confidence.  In the past my doctor has offered to give me scar reducing cream on prescription, but I declined. My scars tell a story of how I go through the darkest time of my life. I have an orange tribal butterfly tattoo to symbolise self-harm recovery, with the help of the butterfly project.

Never be ashamed of your scars.

Where can I get help online

selfharm.co.uk

recoveryourlife.com

lifesigns.org.uk

mind.co.uk

rethink.org

youngminds.org.uk

harmless.org.uk

nshn.co.uk

[i] https://www.selfharm.co.uk/get/facts/what_is_self-harm

[ii] https://www.selfharm.co.uk/get/facts/who_self_harms

[iii] https://www.selfharm.co.uk/get/myths/attention_please

[iv] https://www.selfharm.co.uk/get/facts/dealing_with_scars

What Are Autism Spectrum Disorders?

As someone with a lot of knowledge of mental health conditions, the most common questions I get asked surround Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). So let me educate you about Autism Spectrum Disorders. specifically Autism and Aspergers.

Since changes to the Diagnostic and statistical Manual – 5, which has all the diagnostic criteria for mental disorders.  The terms  ‘Autistic disorder’, ‘Asperger disorder’, ‘Childhood disintegrative disorder’ and ‘PDD-NOS’ have been replaced by the collective term ‘autism spectrum disorder’. Although the DSM-5 dose influence diagnostic criteria in the UK, the main set of criteria used in the UK is the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD)[i].

Autism[ii]

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them

It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.

People with Autism share difficulties in three main areas of life.

Difficulty with Social Communication

People with autism have difficulties with both verbal and non-verbal language. Many have a very literal understanding of language, and think people always mean exactly what they say. They can find it difficult to use or understand:

• facial expressions or tone of voice
• jokes and sarcasm
• common phrases and sayings; an example might be the phrase ‘It’s cool’, which people often say when they think that something is good, but strictly speaking, means that it’s a bit cold

Some people with autism don’t speak, or have limited speech. They usually understand speech but prefer to communicate using sign-language or symbols. Others will have good language skills, but still find it difficult to understand.  Some people may repeat what they hear (echolalia) or talk about their own interests at length.

Difficulty with Social Interaction

People with autism often have difficulty recognising or understanding other people’s emotions and feelings, and expressing their own, which can make it more difficult for them to fit in socially. They may:

• not understand the unwritten social rules which most of us pick up without thinking: they may stand too close to another person for example, or start an inappropriate subject of conversation
• appear to be insensitive because they have not recognised how someone else is feeling
• prefer to spend time alone rather than seeking out the company of other people
• not seek comfort from other people
• appear to behave ‘strangely’ or inappropriately, as it is not always easy for them to express feelings, emotions or needs

This means people with Autism find it difficult to make friends. They may want to from friendships but are unsure how to go about it.

Difficulty with Social Imagination

Social imagination allows us to understand and predict other people’s behaviour, make sense of abstract ideas, and to imagine situations outside our immediate daily routine. Difficulties with social imagination mean that people with autism find it hard to:

• understand and interpret other people’s thoughts, feelings and actions
• predict what will happen next, or what could happen next
• understand the concept of danger, for example that running on to a busy road poses a threat to them
• engage in imaginative play and activities: children with autism may enjoy some imaginative play but prefer to act out the same scenes each time
• prepare for change and plan for the future
• cope in new or unfamiliar situations

Difficulties with imagination should not be confused with a lack of imagination. People with Autism are very creative and may go on to be accomplished artists, musicians or writers

 

Asperger syndrome

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language

Gender and Autism Spectrum Disorder[iii]

Statistically there are more males diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder than Females. This is believed to because females hide their difficulties better or that females present Autism Spectrum Disorders differently.

In recent years researchers have put forward a genetic explanation for the differences. Skuse (2000) has suggested that the gene or genes for autism are located on the X chromosome. Girls inherit X chromosomes from both parents, but boys only inherit one, from their mothers. Skuse’s hypothesis is that the X chromosome which girls inherit from their fathers contains an imprinted gene which “protects” the carrier from autism, thus making girls less likely to develop the condition than boys.

Hope this helps you to understand Autism Spectrum Disorders. For more information take a look at

The National Autistic Society – www.autism.org.uk

[i] http://www.autism.org.uk/about-autism/all-about-diagnosis/changes-to-autism-and-as-diagnostic-criteria.aspx 3/7/15

[ii] http://www.autism.org.uk/about-autism/autism-an-introduction/what-is-autism.aspx 3/7/15

[iii] http://www.autism.org.uk/about-autism/autism-an-introduction/gender-and-autism/why-are-more-boys-than-girls-diagnosed-with-autism.aspx 3/7/15

Substance Abuse: ‘Why should we help them?’

First of all lets take a look at what is substance abuse and why people turn to substance abuse.

What is substance abuse then?

Substance abuse refers to the harmful and excessive use of substances that alters the brains function or perception. This includes alcohol, illegal drugs and legal drugs (‘over the counter’ drugs). This can lead to a physical and psychological dependency. someone who has developed a dependency may feel  a strong need to take the substance, lack of control of its use, continuing to use despite it harmful effects, a higher priority given to substance use than other activity’s, increased tolerance and physical and psychological withdrawal.[i]

So why do some people turn to substances?

There are those who at more at risk from using substances. Those who have experienced[ii]:

• Sexual, physical, emotional abuse or neglect
• Mental health Problems
• Peer pressure
• Quality of life; homelessness, low income, poor education, in care etc.
• Personality traits: addictive personality, impulsiveness, anxiety, ‘sensation seeker’
• Family influences; substance abuse in family setting, domestic abuse, family conflict
• Genetic predisposition; those who have a parent with substance abuse problems are more likely to develop one themselves. Even if they are in an adoptive family with no substance abuse.

Why should we help those who use substances? ‘They do it to themselves!’

This term does my head in! It makes me so angry!  ‘Why should we help them?’.

Because it’s immoral the let them get on with it! If there are those of you reading this, and are thinking ‘what about the money?’  Let me give you some stats!

Harm Reduction Saves Money![iii]

• Addict on 0.2 of a gram of heroin (£30.00 a day approx.) steals £200,000 a year (approx.), but if they were on methadone it would cost £1000 a year (approx.).
• HIV treatment costs £12,000-£20,000 per year (approx.). A needle exchange costs a fraction of that.
• Hepatitis C can cost up to £50,000 (approx.) a year. And some people may need more than one treatment.
• Intensive care costs £1000 a night (approx.). simple harm reduction advice can prevent someone going into intensive care, not only have you saved that person from harm it has save a drain on NHS recourses
• Jail cost approximately £500 – £600 a week, but if someone was on methadone or Subutex, then they wouldn’t need to be committing a crime to get the money for drugs.
• Drug users don’t only sleep with drug users, before needle exchange, HIV was massively on the increase, it is now much less now.
• In Powys substance abuse treatment has saved criminal justice service and health services approximately £4.6 million.

Take a look at the ‘Working Together to Reduce Harm- The Substance Misuse Strategy for Wales 2008-2018’

  gov.wales/dsjlg/publications/commmunitysafety/strategy/strategye.pdf?lang=en

Addiction is a Disease

Would you blame someone with Asthma for their condition? How about Cancer, or Diabetes? Today addiction is seen as a complex lifelong disease, which take a huge amount of effort motivation and will power to overcome but it is possible. Nobody sets off to become a Diabetic, you just have it. And it is exactly the same with Alcoholics and Drug addicts.  Then the choice is yours you can either control it or let it control you!

Substance abuse has a huge impact on the person itself and their family and close friends. And it is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.  Family breaks down, financial debt, conflict and abuse can all result from substance abuse. Life as an addict is chaotic. It is a full time job! Trying to get that next drink or hit becomes your life. However there is support out there.

Kaleidoscope offer help for those over 18 who have a substance misuse problem, or if you know someone with a substance misuse problem and need support. They also offer a needle exchange, drug testing as well at many others. For young people CAIS is for you.

And with that I leave you with this!

Addiction IS a Disease! And it can be Overcome!

 

Kaleidoscope (18 +) – www.kaleidoscopeproject.org.uk

CAIS (18 and Below) – www.cais.co.uk

[i] http://www.who.int/topics/substance_abuse/en/

[ii] Youth Mental Health First Aid. Page 69-70

[iii] Substance misuse level 2, hand out

How to be Normal

Pretending to be ‘normal’ is one of the hardest things to do if you are suffering from mental health problems. But why do we do it?  Why do we hide in shame behind a smile? So what is ‘normal’?

This definition was taken from the Oxford Dictionary – ‘Conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected’[i]

As humans we are social beings. It is believed that most of our behaviour is learned through the process of socialisation. Through socialisation we learn the culture of society – language and beliefs, customs and ways of behaving that are seen acceptable. If these ideas are widely accepted then they become the social ‘norm’. Those who do not conform to the social ‘norms’ are disregarded and are seen as deviant.[ii]

Over the years we have seen groups of people once seen as ‘deviant’, becoming the ‘norm’ in society. Those who identify themselves as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Questioning (LGBTQ), are more widely accepted as the ‘norm’ in today’s society than it was over 20 years ago.

This is great for the LGBTQ community. However, when we compare those with mental health problems to LGBTQ community, we are still stuck in the dark ages. So why is mental health not accepted as a social ‘norm’? We all have physical health AND mental health? So why are those mental health problems frowned upon by society as ‘deviant’

Let me put the sociology book down and get out the psychology book….

First of all I believe there is a sense of fear and mystery around mental health. And I believe Walter Cannon’s ‘fight or flight’ response can explain it. When we feel frightened we either a) fight it b) ‘flight’ run away[iii].

I believe people either ‘fight it’ by openly discriminating, name calling, violence and making people outcasts. Alternatively, people ‘flight’ by not acknowledging mental health problems exists, and live by a ‘pull yourself together’ code.

Secondly as a society we like to conform, even if we think it is wrong. The fear of not fitting in outweighs what we believe to be true. This has been shown in several psychological tests. The Fist experiment was done in 1951 by S.Asch. He used a simple test where the subject was shown a line and asked to match the test line with three different length lines. When the subjects were tested individually, they all gave the correct answer. For the group test he used six ‘stooges’, who were instructed to give the wrong answer. The ‘real’ subject listened to the six stooges give the incorrect answer. When it came to the ‘real’ subject they also gave the wrong answer, even though they knew it was wrong[iv].

So how do we be normal? By making mental health the ‘norm’. So how do we do that?

We stand up to those who try to discriminate. And admit that we ourselves suffer. Stand up and say ‘I have  a mental health problem’, ‘ I know someone with a mental health problem’. There is nothing to be ashamed of, so why should we hide in shame? We need to educate those around us when they make a joke about mental health. Because mental health is not a joking matter! We need to make a stand! We are not ‘bad’, ‘evil’, or ‘psycho’. We are people, we deserve to be treated as such. By doing his we lessen the fear and mystery, making it easier for people within society to accept it, making it a social ‘norm’!

You don’t have to do much to make a difference. Just openly talk about mental health because it affects all of us, directly or indirectly. 1 in 4 people suffer from mental health! Whether it’s a friend family or even you. Mental Health Problems affect us all.

Thanks for reading my rant! >^..^<

To make a difference, please sign this petition to make mental health education a part of the National Curriculum in wales.

https://www.assembly.wales/en/gethome/e-petitions/Pages/petitiondetail.aspx?PetitionID=788

[i] http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/normal

[ii] Health and Social Care, book1, Level 3 BTEC National. Stretch and Whitehouse. Page 306-307

[iii] A First Course in Psychology. Nicky Hayes. Page 229-230

[iv] A First Course in Psychology. Nicky Hayes. Page 278-279

Feel Happy Eating Fix – 16 June 2015

The Feel Happy Fix:
The day ahead

The feel happy eating fix was a day for the young people to have their voices heard, to enable them to improve support and understanding for all people affected by Eating disorder

A dozen fixers travelled to London to discuss the problems faced, in relation to eating disorders, within six areas of life. The areas discussed are, Home, Work, the Media, Health care and Play (social life).

The morning was spent at the Ballet Rambert Studios discussing in small groups what the issues where in each area and the solutions we propose to combat the problems.

Feel Happy Eating Fix:
Meeting fellow Fixer Angharad May.

Work
During the discussion we found the main problems in the work were discrimination. We found it more difficult to obtain work or be able to hold a job, because of appointments, being deemed a health and safety risk, and negative views of eating disorders from colleagues and employers. We also discussed about how routine is very important in recovery from an Eating disorder, but it can be very difficult to keep to meal plan because of not being able to have time or allowed that time.

Solutions
The solutions we came up with include having something similar to a ‘disability friendly’ approved work places but for mental health. We also discussed that work places should take mandatory Mental Health First Aid, like First Aid training. We also discussed a quite area could be available for someone who has and eating disorder could eat without the pressures from colleagues and employers.

Media
Within the media we believe the issues were the availability of triggering content online dubbed as ‘Pro-Ana’. That the media seams to only report on sever cases of Anorexia. And the sensationalising of stories reported in the news, only focusing on statistics e.g. lowest weight, number of calories etc. we felt that this effects societies education of what an eating disorder is, and instils the idea that someone with an eating disorder is skeletal thin.

Solutions
We believed that the media should not just focus on just the sever case, but a wide range of eating disorders, and encourage others to look for help. We also agreed there should be more robust regulations on what is reported in the media, to reduce the negative effect is could potentially have on people. We also agreed there should be better and more widely publicised support websites to hopefully reduce the number of people turning to ‘Pro-Ana’.

Health Care
We found that waiting times to be seen initially by secondary mental health services. Some have even been turned away from health professionals for not being ‘ill enough’. Waiting time for talking therapy and the variety of talking treatment that was available on the NHS was not enough. We found there was too much focus on the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Another issue was the lack of bed in inpatient units and how some young people were places in units hours away from where they lived.

Solutions
We believe that eating disorders should be treated ‘from the inside out’. That the root cause should be tackled with little emphasis on the physical side effect of the illness, this could help prevent further relapses. We also think more funding needs to be put into early intervention, ensuring those who are developing an eating disorder can be treated before the behaviours take hold. There was also discussion of removing the BMI from the diagnostic criteria, making it easier for people to gain the treatment they require.

Home
Eating disorders not just only affect the individual with the condition but those in the family support the person. Eating disorders can cause family conflict, feeling of guilt, the parents feeling they are to blame for their child’s eating disorder, or the person feeling guilty for hurting others because of their eating disordered behaviour. We also discussed about the lack of support for parents and siblings of those with an eating disorder. The stress of supporting someone with and eating disorder can intern can damage their mental health.

Solutions
We think that the family should be able to access support and advise to help them to promote recovery, and also a space for them to deal with the difficulties and how it is affecting them. We belief those supporting the individual should be involved within the planning of their treatment especially if they are in an inpatient unit, to prevent relapse. It is important that parents/guardians have enough support on how to support recovery during mealtimes. As this can be a course for conflict because of the lack of understanding, and the education of eating disorders to reduce the lack of understanding.

Play (Social life)
The main difficulties we face is feeling of abandonment, mainly because of a lack of understanding an fee from friends, the way society enjoys socialising with food and drink and because of the nature of the illness makes you cut off ties from friends. We also found that we felt we had to grow up quickly which makes it difficult when trying to relate with peers.

Solutions
We think Mental Health Education would reduce the fear, lack of understanding and the stigma that surrounds eating disorders and mental health conditions. Making more accessible support within local communities such as support groups, one to one support and peer mentoring. This can help reduce the isolation that an eating disorder can course and enable someone with an eating disorder to develop friendships.

School

The main issues we found is there is a lack of mental health education, and a lack of awareness of eating disorders.
We believe that many teachers are unsure how to deal with a student with an eating disorder or the fear of saying the wrong thing. We found that it was difficult to get time out of college, school or universities to attend appointments, because of the pressure to keep attendance records up. We also found that school, college and university councillors are actually under qualified to deal with the emotional courses of an eating disorder.

Solutions
We discussed that places of education should give more allowances to take time out to attend appointments. That all employees within an education setting (tutors, head teachers cleaners etc.) should have mandatory mental health first aid. We believe students should be taught about mental health and emotional wellbeing, and how to deal with the pressure of studying for GCSE etc. we also think that for those struggling with an eating disorder or a mental health problem should be given more allowances if needed. For example more time to get in an assignment. We also think school; college and university councillors should be more qualified to deal with more complex difficulties. We also thought it would be a good idea for education staff to have a badge to show they have the time and the compassion to help a student when facing a time of difficulty.

Feel Happy Eating Fix: The debate in the British Film Institute with Dr Dasha Nicholls

In the afternoon we moved to the British Film Institute. it was the fixers turn to tell the audience, which consisted of advocates , specialists and other health care professionals, what they believed what the problems were and the solutions they came up with. The Fixers discussion was led by Dr Dasha Nicholls, Joint Head of the Feeding and Eating Disorders Service (FEDS) at Great Ormond Street Hospital. And the discussion was punctuate by films made by the fixers and the audience had a chance to ask the fixers questions. From the whole day the outcome will be a set of policy proposals for decision-makers, government, practice and public

Overall it was a fantastic day and I was honoured to be a part of the event. I hope that everyone else involved felt the same. By working together we can make a difference we can Fix this!

Black Cat Project >^..^<