#mhaw17

[thesadghostclub]

This week is Mental Health Awareness week, so look out for any ghosties you know struggling, start conversations and let’s try and normalise talking about how we feel <3

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[sleepiestdesignsmoved]

learning to open up

[desperate-thursday-blog]

#Postitforward

Supporting people is what I do, I want nothing more than to help. If I can make a positive impact on someone’s life (no matter how small) I’m happy for them and pleased with myself - it’s a two way thing. 

I decided to go into mental health as a career after experiencing my own MH issues and being grateful to those who helped and supported me through that difficult time. When I became well enough and was on the road to recovery I did a counselling course at night school, which is where it all began. I applied the skills I learnt on that course to situations in my personal life; being there for family and friends, even just to talk things through. I believe it made me a better listener, which a lot of the time is all someone needs - to be heard. I noticed my self esteem improve and linked it to feeling like I had more of a purpose and could make a difference/help people. I felt that I could show those going through tough times that recovery and learning to live with your mental health IS possible - because I know all too well how at the worst points it can seem like things will never get better. I want to inspire hope in individuals who are struggling!

So I started this mental health recovery and support blog, which I run in my free time, and got a job as a support worker (specifically for people with mental health issues) at a non for profit organisation. I’m here to help!

[stephenscottday]

The darkest time of my life is now a short film. First, a little back story:

I was sitting on my patio with my hands cuffed behind my back trying to answer all the questions the police were asking me as I watched my mother crying in the doorway. There were a few cops inside, searching my room, probably for other weapons or maybe drugs or whatever. They confiscated my step-dads shotgun, which was a gift recently given to him by his dad. I was barefoot and in my boxers in the back of the cop car for the forty-five minute drive to the emergency psychiatric ward. On the ride there and for the next few days I could not stop thinking about how scared my mom and family must be. My mom jumped on my back when she saw me hovering over the gun, she had to hear me damning my existence, her own son. My four day stay gave me more than enough time to reflect on my actions and my feelings that lead me to them. I met people with a variety of different illnesses. I heard stories of internal and external adversity, and I heard it straight from the mouths of the people it affected so regularly. These experiences began to reveal the bigger and nearly hidden picture of people facing the issues of mental health and the systems put in place to help them and how ineffective those systems can be and how mysterious these problems are.

Months before all this I was living in Austin, TX. I lived in a one bedroom apartment by myself. All my friends and family were back in Los Angeles. I made a couple friends there in Austin but wasn’t hanging out with them very often. I was a real estate agent, Uber driver and Postmates driver. None of my jobs really had co-workers. Instead my jobs meant interacting with new people every day for brief periods of time. It wasn’t long into this lifestyle that I started feeling the effects of isolation. I became debilitatingly depressed. I found myself drinking and smoking in excess. I spent night after night by myself, crying and wishing I didn’t exist. I wished for a button to press that would quietly, unobtrusively delete me from history. I valued the end of my terrible numbness more than I did the well being of my friends and family. That is to say I stopped caring about who might weep for my death.

I got a therapist and shortly after that I moved back to LA. Things were better but I was still a bit shook. There were a couple months I was feeling particularly lost and anxious and that’s when the whole shotgun and trip to the psych ward thing happened.

I’m here now writing this (on my way to the beach for my cousin’s birthday), so you know I made it out of all this shit alive. I can confidently say that I’ve amassed enough of an emotional/psychological toolset to keep me out of those super low lows. I still have lows because like anyone reading this, I am a human. Unlike before, I now see no low worth my resignation to life.

The biggest set of tools I have can be categorized as “sense of belonging”. Humans are inherently social beings, whether or not we need tons of alone time. When a group of people have a common goal that they’re genuinely enthusiastic about, there is a deep fulfillment that makes it near impossible for depression to rear its ugly head. I got a job with co-workers who I loved to be around. I doubled down on my art and months later I was doing what I loved for a living. I began spending more time with people pursuing the same things as I was. It’s good to have any kind of extreme intimacy but the most potent kind is with someone that you share goals with. Find a tribe to hunt with and you’ll seldom be tempted to escape existence.

There’s a handful of things that helped me through those dark times, but there are a couple really important sources I’d like to share:

Tim Ferriss’ “Some Practical Thoughts on Suicide” http://tim.blog/2015/05/06/how-to-commit-suicide/

Sebastian Junger’s “TRIBE” https://www.amazon.com/Tribe-Homecoming-Belonging-Sebastian-Junger/dp/1455566381

For the longest time I’ve suspected there to be a huge disconnect between the way humans have evolved to live and the way modern, developed (and mostly Western) society has been designed. Though I’ve seen plenty of films dealing with isolation and depression, none have really addressed directly the things that made my experiences so excruciating. Out of my experiences I’ve made a film reflecting the causes of my sickness and the values that have helped me overcome it. It’s called “A Short Introduction to Love and Purpose”. Though there are many more facets to what I went through, I made sure that the film embodied the most important things: isolation, feeling hopeless, and not being able to recognize that same thing in anyone other than yourself.

I hope that at the very least the film could be an insight into one of the many ways depression takes a hold of people every day, and that if anyone facing these things themselves sees this film they can find some sort of catharsis or hope in getting through their darker times. https://vimeo.com/217615235

A Short Introduction to: Love and Purpose (2017)

[runescape]

Help support Mental Health awareness and support this week with Gielinorian Giving!

Find out more about it here - and about our charity partners, who all aim to raise the profile of, remove stigma from, and support those suffering from mental health difficulties.

Please donate what you can!

[bunny-buddhism]

#Repost @bunartist with @repostapp ・・・ A hug for mental health awareness week x #MHAW17 #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawarenessweek

[natalieadkinsdraws-blog]

Mental Health Awareness Week

Animation by by Natalie Adkins

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week

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[changingthedefinition]

Self care- mental health awareness week 2017.

I had so many topics I wanted to write about for mental health awareness week, but due to an infection my plans were pushed to one side for plenty of rest. However, as my antibiotics seem to have started to work (fingers crossed) I thought I would take this opportunity to make a post on self care. For a really long time, the concept of self care made no sense to me. It seemed to be a term thrown around to describe an evening spent painting your nails after a nice bubble bath. Or at least, that was the only time people ever mentioned self care. However self care is a lot more than a nice evening pampering yourself. After years of confusion, I have now come to define self care as to look after ones whole self. So yes, self care can be taking a nice bath and painting your nails, but I can also be phoning up a friend, doing your washing and tidying up your room. Self care can be days sat binge watching a new TV series, but it can also be making sure you drink enough water, eat a balanced diet, making sure you take your medication and get enough sleep. Self care is a concept which applies to our physical, mental, emotional and social health, and also includes our environment. It can be as simple as making sure you brush your hair and clean your teeth everyday, right the way through to treating yourself to a holiday in the sun. No matter how small or grand, all self care is important. Life can often run away with us and stressors can often leave even those with 'good' mental health neglecting themselves. For those battling mental illness, neglecting their needs can be an indicator of a deteriorating mental state, or a symptom of their illness. I never understood why psychiatrists would ask about personal hygiene or would make notes on the way I was dressed, and there isn't one answer, however it often comes down to self care and how able an individual is to look after their own needs. I know personally when my depression is paralysing and exhausting, the last thing I want to do is take a shower, go down stairs and get my meds or tidy away my clothes. Sometimes those simple, everyday tasks feel impossible. However something I have learnt and often find myself accidentally preaching to others is that self care is really important!! Went we neglect our needs, it impacts all areas of our lives. If we don't feel ourselves properly, we can be irritable, have poor concentration and our energy levels decline. When we don't get enough sleep over time, that in itself can cause features of psychosis. If we isolate ourselves, our negative thoughts and anxieties strengthen. And the less we do, the less we want to do. The more we stop functioning, the more difficult it is to start functioning. Even if you just make a deal with yourself to brush your hair everyday, it can make a big difference to your overall mental health given time. There is never an excuse for neglecting yourself. You deserve to be taken care of, just like you would care for someone else. And I know some days it might feel like been asked to climb a mountain, but it really is important to take care of yourself, even if only on the most basic of levels. Let yourself rest, but make sure not to shut yourself away. Take the time to cook a meal, even if it's just beans on toast, rather than grabbing a chocolate bar and calling that dinner. Be kind to yourself, even if others aren't kind to you and see if you notice a difference over time..... (Because of the importance of self care and the growing recognition it has, on a very basic level, all of the recovery shoeboxes will contain something to promote taking time out for yourself.)

[readingbukowski]

This week is #mentalhealthawarenessweek so I'd thought I'd share this. I have an anxiety disorder & after years of trying to hide it from people it's so nice to be open and honest about it. Being ashamed of mental health conditions is so tiring! So let's #stopthestigma ❤️ #mhaw17 (at King's Manor)

[moonfragmentspoetry-blog]

Poem 106. All that glitters isn’t gold All that is gold isn’t for you.

[rosegolddripping]

In Ode To #MHAW17 I was inspired to Create a piece of Work & Plat Form In Order To Be Able To Share My Personal History With Mental Health Issues That I Still Battle With To This Day. Anxiety, Depression,ADHD For Starters. At "Elements Of Her" I Met Three Amazing Women @abaforewa Being One Of Them Who Was So Kind And so Bold To Be Able To Share her Suicide Story With Me . Thank you For Being Apart Of A Dream Ive Had Since I Was A Teenager 💚✨💪You are So Stong,Empowering, & #fullyexpressed @kailaboulware @stefparrott

[desperate-thursday-blog]

Undiagnosed

The struggle to get help…

”I’m not sick enough” is a very dangerous but common thought among people suffering with their mental health, especially if it is the first time someone has crossed such difficulties in their life and are not already receiving some form of mental healthcare.

The inability to reach out and ask for help can stem from a lot of things; not wanting to admit something is wrong, a fear of being sectioned/believing some of the common misconceptions regarding mental healthcare, a fear of being judged or not being believed, having the opinion that mental illnesses are not ‘real illnesses’ - or that theirs isn’t, comparing ones symptoms and situation to that of others, not relating to all the diagnostic criteria to certain illnesses/disorders, not wanting to ‘make a fuss’, unsuccessful previous attempts at asking for help… Sadly there are endless reasons that stop people getting the help and support they so desperately need, preventing them from a better quality of life. Usually going without treatment allows matters to get worse -which can result in reaching crisis point, (always better avoided). 

I am here to tell you that if you are suffering; your struggles are real, your mental health is important and your feelings are valid. With the right help and support things can and will improve.  Action:

The first port of call would be your GP, note down the way you have been feeling and any unusual symptoms/behaviours you have experienced, maybe even take someone close to you with you to the appointment. Depending on the GP’s evaluation they may be able to offer you some counselling/medication there and then, or they may refer you to be assessed by a psychiatrist from the community mental health team (CMHT) or a specialist. The latter is nothing to be scared of, it just means the GP feels that they will not be able to support you adequately whereas another service will.

Treat the referral appointment as you did the GP appointment, the psychiatrist (who is just another type of doctor - the word ‘psychiatrist’ can be off-putting at first) will most likely ask you some questions in order to learn more about you and what you have been experiencing. Here are some questions you can expect to be asked: - What is bothering you about your mental health? - Is it affecting your daily life/ability to function? - When did these symptoms begin? - Have you got any history of mental health problems in your family? - Has something big/distressing happened in your life recently that could have triggered these thoughts/feelings (e.g. a bereavement)? - Have you/anyone close to you noticed a change in your behaviour? - Have you suffered any trauma in your life? - How has your mood been over the last 3-6 months? - Have you hurt yourself/put yourself at risk due to your recent mental health? - Have you had any thoughts of suicide/harming yourself or others? Questions like this may make you feel uncomfortable, but they have to be answered (every new person being assessed gets asked these type of questions, so don’t be offended). It is important not to downplay the impact of the symptoms you are experiencing, try to be as open and honest as possible - everything is confidential (unless there is need to raise a safeguarding). 

The psychiatric doctor may not seem as concerned as your family members and friends are, this is because they see people suffering with similar symptoms to you on a daily basis. It does not mean that you are not unwell. Try not to feel invalidated or disappointed.

After a number of appointments to investigate the cause of the problem your doctor will make a diagnosis, and discuss with you options and possible treatments. They will give you some information to read and will advise you on how to improve your daily living; fixing your sleeping pattern, encouraging you to eat healthier, maintain good personal hygiene, advise you to leave the house, get some gentle exercise etc. By practicing self care as well as attending appointments/therapy and taking medication regularly as instructed you increase the chance of speeding up your recovery. 

Reading this may make it sound simple, but it can be difficult - It takes a lot of courage to talk about yourself and your mental well-being at first, but it does get easier. There may be waiting lists for different treatments/services and you will have to take somethings into account, for example the cost of medications and who to inform of your diagnosis. These concerns can be discussed with your doctor. 

If you are are struggling with your mental health or think you may have an undiagnosed mental illness, I urge you to speak to your GP. You have nothing to lose and possibly everything to gain.  You can always message me for advise and support on seeking professional help. 

[feminismandtea]

It's #mhaw2017 and 11 months since I started taking antidepressants, which was one of the best decisions I could ever have made. I spent years not wanting to try medication because of the stigma and myths surrounding taking medication. But it doesn't make me a zombie, it doesn't make me numb, it doesn't give me false happiness. Medication, for me, makes the lows just that little bit less low, it makes them easier to deal with. It means I'm not having anxiety attacks every week. It means I've been able to do more when it comes to finding a job I love, it means I have much less anxiety over my body and food. It means I'm just a better version of me. My brain doesn't deal with chemicals the way it's meant to, and these give it a bit of a helping hand. If you can't make your own neurotransmitters, store-bought is fine 😘 #mentalhealthawareness #mhaw17 #medicatedandmighty

[nicoletallow]

it’s mental health awareness week: 

[herdingdinosaurs]

It's Mental Health Awareness Week this week, and I'd like to ask everyone to always be mindful that people may be struggling with demons that you can't see. Please always be as kind and understanding as I know you can be.

Check out this beautiful video that my friend made to raise awareness about mental health: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oog-4t9n2A

[thepurpleyogacat-blog]

A lack of spoons, and an update.

A lot of the posts on this blog are useful, advice, this is what I’ve learnt type posts, but I feel it’s time for a bit of reality. Things aren’t always as perfect as they seem online. 

I'm very aware that I haven’t written in quite a while. Coming up a month and a half.  I feel like I should apologise for that, but at the same time, I have no reason to apologise for my mental health, or for taking time out to look after my brain. This is my blog, and if I don’t have the words to write, I’m not going to force myself or pressure myself into it. It’s not my job. It’s my outlet.

So after going for lunch with one of my closest and oldest friends, sitting at the table in an empty bar, physically shaking about the concept, after going for a drink with a schoolfriend and being as close to rock bottom as I have ever been, I realised I couldn’t keep going like this. The fact I had worried even her, who knows me better than anyone, showed that things were not okay.

So I am MADD. No. I AM not. I HAVE MADD. It is not me, it is something I have. In the same way that I have hands, but I am not hands. Moderate Anxiety and Depression Disorder.

A diagnosis. 8 years, and a diagnosis. I asked for it, I asked to be told what was going on. I wanted a “why.” It’s like having a cast on your leg, being given crutches, but never actually being told the words “your leg is broken.” I’ve spent so long thinking “What is wrong with me? This is ridiculous. I’m being ridiculous.” and I wanted to be able to rationalise it, to justify it as far as you can with anxiety, to be able to tell myself “You’re not being ridiculous. There IS something wrong with the way your brain works.” So I pushed for the words to be said to me. It’s not a label, and it doesn’t change anything. It just gives me the words to describe what my brain is like.

I lost myself. I spent a week, mentally not there. It’s called depersonalisation and derealisation. I went on a long walk I don’t remember. The only way I can describe it, is when you’re really drunk, and you look in a mirror and you can’t quite make the connection with the “you” in the mirror. Only there is no mirror. I didn’t open my blinds for almost a month. I dragged myself out of bed at 4:30pm the other day, got dressed, and went to work. Sat in the car outside work with a heart rate of 118bpm, having to psyche myself up to go through the doors. Panicking about the possibility of pouring the wrong drink, making the wrong coffee. Being so useless at my job that I may as well quit. I’m a barmaid. It’s not stressful. I have friends who work in medicine, in sciences. They have stressful jobs! Making a coffee wrong is NOT a serious mistake. But to my brain, it is. It’s a “you can’t even do that right. A simple task. Why do you even bother, you’re never going to be good enough and you’re never going to get anywhere.”

I’ve started using the spoon theory. It was originally used with Lupus, but the main gist is that you start each day with a number of spoons. Each task uses those spoons, the more physically and mentally demanding the task, the more spoons it will use. Sleep doesn’t always restore them, you can have a great nights sleep and wake up with no spoons. You don’t know how many spoons you’re going to have. I find my spoons sometimes are restorable by an evening of candlelight and fairy lights and a meditation playlist. A night curled up with my cat, gently purring. A night of softness and gentleness, a reminder to be gentle with myself. I find myself spoonless if I’ve overdone things, spent too much time socialising. I limit myself. It’s exhausting. The constant overthinking and overanalysing and overdrive and over everything. It’s exhausting.

Tonight, I pulled myself out of an anxiety attack. I felt it coming on. Over something ridiculous. I was out dancing with my lovely friends, and I was offered a drink. The drink that arrived wasn’t quite right, and so this the thoughts went a little like this. “You can’t drink this. You’ll be sick.” “If you don’t drink it, your friend will think you’re so rude. How selfish of you. Drink it. Deal with it. If you don’t drink it he’ll never offer you a drink again and why would he? Why would he want to spend time with someone so rude? You’re never going to be invited out again. Why would anyone want to be friends with someone who won’t even accept the drink they’ve been bought. I wouldn’t blame them” “Tell your other friend. She’ll understand. She can smooth it over and it’ll be okay.” “No. She’s enjoying herself. Don’t ruin her night. How selfish. Attention seeking. Grow up and deal with it. Drink the god damn drink” “What are you even getting frustrated about. This is so stupid. It’s ridiculous. If you mention how worked up you are over something so daft, you’ll just get laughed at.

I was getting shakier and shakier. I couldn’t breathe. I was hot and clammy and shaky. I got a glass of water and went to stand outside.

“Cheer up love. Smile!”

I don’t remember what I said back. But I pulled myself out of it, calmed myself down. Breathing. Counting. I noticed the signs my body was giving me, and I listened. I was gentle with myself.

I am SO lucky to have such lovely friends who understand and support me through times like this. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve them. Friends who understand when I can’t confirm plans until I know how I feel on the day. Friends who constantly reassure me that I’m doing okay. That they’re here. That don’t let me push them away no matter how high I build my walls. Wonderful, incredible people with the most amazing hearts that they’ve opened to me.