MAGAZINE FOR WELLBEING
Issue 58
>> Therapeutic Colouring >> Walk and Talk Group >>Another Miracle Cure? >>Enfield in Nature >>Discrimination in the Work Place
2015
>> Art, Science & more
ISSUE 58
>> MIND & the Black Dog
Equilibrium Patron Dr Liz Miller Mind Champion 2008
Front cover image: Taran Parke-Antonis
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EQUILIBRIUM 2
editorial Hello and welcome to our Christmas/ New Years issue of Equilibrium! Whether you’ve just discovered our magazine for the first time, or are a loyal reader, we hope you enjoy this issue’s offerings. We’ve got some lovely new guest contributions, which we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Do keep them coming! We would love to hear your feedback; please do tweet us @teamequilibrium. If you’d like to join the editorial team, contribute an article, some art, photos or creative writing, please do get in touch via equilibriumteam@hotmail.co.uk. Kate, Editor/Team Facilitator
disclaimer Equilibrium is produced by service users. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly forbidden without the prior permission of the Equilibrium team. Products, articles and services advertised in this publication do not necessarily carry the endorsement of Equilibrium or any of our partners. Equilibrium is published and circulated electronically four times a year to a database of subscribers; if you do not wish to receive Equilibrium or have received it by mistake, please email unsubscribe to equilibriumteam@hotmail.co.uk
the team Facilitator/ Editor: Kate Massey-Chase. Editorial team: Dev, Ian, Angela, Nigel, Richard, Mohamed and Isobel.
contact us Equilibrium, Clarendon Recovery College, Clarendon Road, London, N8 ODJ. 02084894860, equilibriumteam@hotmail.co.uk. We are in the office on Friday afternoons 2.30-4.30, but you can leave a message at other times and we’ll get back to you.
contributions Wanted: contributions to Equilibrium! Please email us with your news, views, poems, photos, plus articles. Anonymity guaranteed if required.
EQUILIBRIUM
3
MIND & the Black Dog Campaign Edinburgh College gives Black Dog a home to help raise mental health awareness
Edinburgh College is support-
During his time at the college from
ing mental health charity SANE’s
October until July, Angus will visit
nationwide Black Dog Campaign
each of the four campuses to allow
(sponsored by chartered surveyors
Ryden), to help encourage positive discussions about mental health. The
students from across Edinburgh and the Lothians to engage with the
college is providing a home for the
campaign. He has started his journey
black dog, Angus, to help reduce the
at the college’s Granton Campus,
stigma around depression and other
where he was unveiled by principal
mental illness, and support staff and
Annette Bruton.
students to find help.
Photo: Anthony
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 4
Summer/ Issue 38
Fraser Shand
SANE’s Black Dog Campaign aims
that Angus will help the students of
to reduce the stigma surround-
Edinburgh College to develop the
ing mental illness and encourages
confidence to talk more openly
people to seek help early, rather
about their mental health and seek
than suffering in silence. To bring the
help more easily. We look forward
campaign to life, statues of black
to working them in developing
dogs like Angus have been placed
their campaign over the coming
in locations across the country.
months.”
Students and staff at the college
Susan Inglis, Edinburgh College
are being encouraged to take part
equalities, policy and research
in the campaign by taking selfies
manager, said: “We are excited
with Angus to share on social media
to be hosting SANE’s Black Dog
with the hashtag #BlackDogEC and
campaign. We understand that
to share their own stories of mental
balancing college life with other
illness and recovery.
external pressures can be difficult for our students and staff, and that
Majorie Wallace, chief executive of
some may think that they have to
SANE, said: “We are delighted that
suffer in silence. I hope that Angus
Edinburgh College has adopted
will provide the talking point our staff
Angus, and pleased to see that
and students need to engage with
the Black Dog Campaign is gath-
each other about mental health,
ering pace in Scotland. We hope
and lead to positive outcomes.”
www.haringey.gov.uk/equilibrium
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 5
CAN A CHILDHOOD ART ACTIVITY BE THE NEXT REVOLUTION IN ADULTHERAPY?
Mischa Fellez Johnston
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 6
Summer/ Issue 38
Being raised in an abusive environment,
two decades, consuming every style, and
and suffering from PTSD, and ADHD has
medium I could grasp. Seeking mastery
transformed me from victim, to seeker,
of my calling in life became a catalyst for
to thriver. My Father was an alcoholic,
my healing. I then realized that sharing
and my Mother was bi-polar. Crushed
the respite of art with the mental health
under the weight of their afflictions, one
community would be the final step to
of my brothers is homeless and addicted
wholeness. I would leave a legacy of
to drugs, and the other is dying of stage
comfort in my wake, not chaos like those I
four cancer at the age of 40 (unresolved
was raised by. It was an epiphany! Turning
helplessness takes all forms). I somehow
our past pain into something beneficial
made it out intact, and met my beautiful
for others, so that it is no longer useless, is
husband who loves me because of my
how we can become a powerful force for
past, not despite it even though I still must
change in this world.
face my PTSD, and ADHD on a regular basis. When I say, ‘my PTSD, and ADHD’, I mean that I have embraced it. I finally own it. At one time, it owned me. As a child, art became my only refuge from the torrent of emotional, and physical abuse in my home, and I still use it to cope everyday. It was, is, and always will
I began the creation of a therapeutic adult coloring book for PTSD, and ADHD patients. The book, ‘Meditative Imaginings: A Curative Coloring Experience’, embodies a completely original perspective on classic coloring styles, and has been hand drawn, re-sketched numerous times, and lovingly inked over so that the designs radiate a comforting, personal
be the center where the stability of my
touch with a level of effort and originality
psyche hovers. I tirelessly pursued art for
that can be found no where else. cont.
www.haringey.gov.uk/equilibrium
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 7
A revolutionary form of art therapy,
ist with more shading, and intricate
utilizing a cherished childhood
detail within their finished pieces.
activity, adult coloring books have
On the other hand, crayons grant
become an amazing tool for PTSD
an improvisational, and childlike
patients, sufferers of ADHD, in group
freedom for the colorist to explore. If
therapy, and even for people need-
you’re feeling brave, coloured pens
ing to work on their fine motor coordi-
bring a bold, and striking experience
nation. I want everyone in the mental
to the art table. Of course, you can
health community to become part
always combine all these mediums
of this contribution. By empowering
or even add your own imaginatively
other trauma survivors to persevere in
drawn details to each illustration.
their lives through creativity, we are
inspired to embrace our own healing
Colouring reassures a nostalgic feel-
as well.
ing of accomplishment, making us
proud to explore our talents, and
Depending on the mood, a variety of
inspiring us to rediscover our joy
artistic implements can be perfectly
again! By embracing the peaceful
paired with adult coloring books.
process of colouring, we all begin to
Colored pencils provide the color-
reconnect with the child inside, and
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 8
Summer/ Issue 38
merge with the present moment where
If you’d like to share in this heal-
there is no longer room in our swirling
ing venture with me, you are most
minds for the manic oppression of fear
welcome to check out the campaign
from our past, and future. Like dancing,
link below, to donate to the cause,
colouring has no rules and only exists
or share the campaign wherever you
to be enjoyed. It’s a place where we
think it would be a contribution in the
are fully free to escape to a world of
world. Thank you to all my fellow seek-
creative meditation and breathe in the
ers, and survivors for your
beautiful simplicity of self-care.
continued strength, and commitment
to the mental health community. We
I believe in community and that with
shall overcome, and rediscover our joy
the aid of allies and advocates like
together!
you anything is possible. By continu-
ally choosing to inspire tranquility in
Wordpress Art Blog link: http://
our human society with our time on this
mischafellez.wordpress.com
earth, we break the ancient bonds that our fears have tried to shackle us with. A new day can now begin with us.
www.haringey.gov.uk/equilibrium
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 9
PHOTOGRAPHY: SARA MCCALLUM
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Walk and Talk Group Canning Crescent Centre – Haringey
Mohamed
The group meets every Wednesday at
Last summer we played tennis in Bounds
2pm. The session lasts 1.5 hours over vary-
Green and in winter we visited art galleries
ing places, with half an hour for refresh-
in the West End. Some walks also use tube
ments. The Walk and Talk Group is led by
or bus journeys to reach suitable walk
a walk leader who has a passion for walk-
routes. We walk while sharing our struggle
ing and a keen interest in her local parks
and life situations. We walk and talk about
and rivers. Canning Crescent offers these
other opportunities in terms of courses,
sessions to all adults who are 18-65 with
other walk and talk groups in Haringey
mental health issues, such as schizophre-
and voluntary work. The walk and talk
nia, bi-polar affective disorder, psychotic
group motivates all patients to go out and
depression and other psychiatric disor-
enjoy the meeting.
ders. For me, the Walk and Talk Group Exercise is good for the body and mind. It
produces massive benefits to my physical
is a great approach for therapy. Walking
fitness and mental wellbeing.
and talking is a more relaxed environment than the office. Walking and talking
Contact details:
sessions are conducted outdoors while
West Haringey Community Support and
walking together.
Recovery Team Canning Crescent Health Centre, 276-292
We walk in different parks across north
High Road, Wood Green,
London, such as Trent park, Alexandra park,
London, N22 8JT
Finsbury park‌ We also walk along rivers.
Tel: 020 8702 3200
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Enfield in Nature Photos: Taran Parke-Antonis
EQUILIBRIUM
Summer/ Issue 38
www.haringey.gov.uk/equilibrium
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Mental Health
& Discrimination in the Work Place
I believe people with mental health
of the high street (e.g Mind, Cancer
issues are not getting the right support
Research, Oxfam, British Heart Founda-
for employment and are still discriminated against in the work place. We
tion and The North London Hospice).
have always been here, even before
I see a lot of people from the mental
biblical times, so why do we still face so
health system working in charity shops
much stigma?
on a voluntary basis but they do not progress into paid work in the shops on
Progressing from volunteering
the high street, not even on a temporary
The charity shop is an established part
basis at Christmas.
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Summer/ Issue 38
ANGELA
Support from the council
applied for jobs where they said I was too slow.
In the housing department in the local council, there is a panel to represent
Success Stories
people with mental health issues for coun-
Sometimes I hear about success stories,
cil flats. People with mental health issues
where some people get a full-time job and
don’t just automatically get a council flat;
are completely out of the mental health
they have to be assessed first over a period system. However nobody finds out how of time to show that they can live indepen-
they did it. When I left college, I got a job
dently. They look at things like: can you
with the Civil Service.
take your medication regularly, can you
The careers officer from my college
cook, maintain personal hygiene, keep the
phoned me at my home to find out how I
flat clean and deal with repairs?
got the job, so that she can advise other students what to do. This was in the 1980s.
I think there should be a panel to represent
I gained my work experience by temp-
people with mental health issues in the
ing. At the interview I was assessed about
employment department of the council.
current affairs and I had to talk about
I suggest that they do work that does not
the work I was doing in an international
involve a lot of training, e.g messenger,
merchant bank, as a filing clerk. The prob-
receptionist or cleaner. I also think there
lem is, the ones who move on from the
should be flexibility – if it does not work out
mental heath system do not come back to
they should not be penalised for trying.
the centres, so you do not get to find out
Otherwise it can not only be a huge knock
how they did it. You do not get to find out if
to their self esteem, but also mean they
they had to tell the employer that they had
lose their benefits and face poverty. I have
mental health issues, and ask questions cont.
www.haringey.gov.uk/equilibrium
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 15
like: How did they deal with gaps in their CV?
Rejection by Olympics
When they were not well, what do they do
The Paralympics started in 1948 by British
if medication has to be changed? How do
World War II veterans. I see this as very posi-
they get to their appointments?
tive for representations of disability. However, in the 2012 Olympics in London there was
Part time work
a disappointing story about Miss Wilkinson
I did get some reception work at the Claren-
Burnett, a paralympian canoeist who was
don Day Centre. I got £10 for 3 and a half
axed because her condition was in the mind.
hours a week, and this got me a reference.
One of Britain’s best hopes for a medal in
The ‘permitted work lower limit’ allows
next year’s Paralympics has also been told
people with disabilities to earn £20 a week
that she can no longer compete because
for an unlimited period. The ‘permitted work
her disability is psychological rather than
higher limit’ allows you to earn up to £104
physical (Daily Mail, 08/09/15). I feel that
a week (after tax and national insurance).
Miss Wilkinson Burnett who has ‘conversion
In the 2015 Budget by the Department of
disorder’, has been discriminated against for
Work and Pensions, MP Ian Duncan Smith
having mental health issues. I see this as a
said people on Employment and Support
significant rejection.
Allowance (ESA) who are deemed fit for work related activities will have their benefits
Well done, Reed Agency!
stripped back. They could find their £102.15
I think the Work Programme by Reed is very
a week payments have dropped even if they
good. This organisation finds vacancies for
have serious medical conditions.
people looking for work. They teach good interview techniques, tell you how to dress,
The Institute for Fiscal Studies said low paid workers will ‘unequivocally’ be worse off than better earners after George Osborne took a ‘sledgehammer’ to the welfare bill (The
show you how to do a professional CV and prepare you for the interview. They also do training on a variety of vocational subjects, such as ‘Food and Hygiene’ for catering.
Mirror, 09/07/15).
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Summer/ Issue 38
Self Employment
others to be open about their condition
At 25 Carlos D’Souza was diagnosed with
(Tottenham Independent 28/8/15)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a group of behavioural
Conclusion
symptoms that include inattentiveness,
Anita Hudson, the chief executive of Mind
hyperactivity and impulsiveness. ADHD
in Haringey has made a comment on this
can occur in people of any intellectual
subject: “I would like to see more help
ability, although it is more common in
for people with mental health problems
people with learning difficulties. People
in not just getting employment but to stay
with ADHD may also have additional prob-
in employment.” Mayor of London, Boris
lems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders’.
Johnson, said: “There is a lack of under-
Medication is often the first treatment
standing and support from employers in
offered to adults with ADHD, although
London for those who suffer mental health
psychological therapies such as cognitive
problems”
behavioural therapy (CBT) may also help’
09/10/15).
(The Tottenham Independent,
(NHS Choices). I think that people with mental health Carlos D’Souza had difficulty at school at school because teachers thought his disruptive behaviour was because of laziness. He is now 32 and graduated in Sports Medication and Injury prevention. Today he manages the condition using therapy and by following a strict diet. He now has
issues should be given the opportunity to do a work placement where necessary. My problem was that employers kept complaining that I was too slow. I think the employment advisors at Job Centre Plus should be better at getting people with
his own personal training company called
mental health issues into work, and organi-
‘The Carlos Method’. D’Souza is trying
sations to help people with mental health
to help shift the stigma of mental issues
issues back into work should be supervised
through work by telling his story to help
to make sure they deliver on their promises.
www.haringey.gov.uk/equilibrium
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 17
Another miracle cure? Cancer Bush (Sutherlandia Frutescens)
I recently had a discussion about the
thorough, it’s latin name is Sutherlan-
benefits of St John’s Wort, and in that
dia Frutescens.
conversation was mentioned a plant
A little research reveals it has been
with medicinal properties which I’d
used for centuries to treat cancer and
never come across. The plant had
a variety of other ailments by Southern
the slightly dubious title of ‘Cancer-
Africans. It contains a powerful immune
Bush’. Its original Southern Africa
boosting property which has been clas-
name is ‘Kankerbos’, and to be totally sified as an adaptogen (an adaptogen
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 18
Summer/ Issue 38
Nigel Prestayn
is a herbal substance or “tonic” that
wall about ‘Cancer Bush’, with a list of its
helps the body to adapt to environmen-
many benefits, which instantly impressed
tal and internal stress by changing body
me.
metabolism.) Q. How long have you been taking So what it is? Cancer bush is a flowering
Cancer Bush and why did you start taking
shrub of the pea family which grows up
it?
to 1.2m high and is found in its natural state only in the drier areas of the West-
A. I’ve been taking cancer bush for over
ern and Northern Cape provinces of
a year now. I began taking it because I
Southern Africa.
was looking for something homeopathic, with no known side effects, and in partic-
I interviewed a colleague, Richard, who
ular I was looking for something which
has been taking this product regularly for
would reduce my stress levels.
over a year: Q. Richard, where did you here about cancerbush? A. The first time I heard about cancer bush I was on my way to Woodgreen looking for homeopathic remedies for depression and anxiety. I’d been recommended a shop there and when I arrived the first thing I saw was a poster on the
cont.
www.haringey.gov.uk/equilibrium
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 19
Q. What benefits have you found since
Cancer bush is known among the Sotho
you began taking cancer bush?
culture as ‘motlepelo’, meaning ‘bringing back the heart’ - a traditional treat-
A. My nightmares have completely slowed down. Prior to taking it I would have dozens of nightmares. Then I found the more I took the Cancer Bush, the less I had these nightmares. I took beyond the recommended dosage and found I would have just the single odd dream in
ment used by the Sotho for emotional shock and stress. Apparently an ‘infusion of cancer bush was given to Zulu warriors returning from battle “to take the war out” - as a calming tea’ (www.cancerbush. com).
the night. And in the daytime everything seemed a lot easier. I found I was actu-
It is also believed that this medicinal plant
ally looking forward to living life.
may hold the key to the treatment of
The list of benefits from this plant is
millions of poor people living with HIV and
extensive. It is claimed to help cancer,
Aids, helping to relieve the symptoms.
anxiety,arthritis, asthma, backache,
For the first time in South Africa’s medi-
chronic fatigue syndrome and Depression, to mention a few! Of course when we’re met with such claims, we naturally feel a degree of scepticism. Each day there seems to be a new product on the market which proclaims a miracle cure for this or that ailment.
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 20
cal history, the plant is to undergo clinical trials to assess its immune-boosting properties. Anecdotal evidence is already mounting, suggesting that this plant can improve the quality of life for thousands of people both with HIV and full-blown Aids.
Summer/ Issue 38
PHOTOGRAPHY: SARA MCCALLUM
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Body image, mental health and the fashion industry
As the New Year approaches the annual
held responsible for body image obsessions
assault of advice for slimming and trim-
and its devastating effects, it is a complex
ming begins again, inaugurating the season
issue that needs to be examined in its social
of faddy dieting and gruelling exercise
and historical context.
regimes. Women today are bombarded by a cascade of literature and images
Although I will focus on issues of female
prescribing the physiognomy of the ‘ideal’
body image, this is not to diminish similar
female. Slender models leering down from
pressures on men. From protein powders to
billboards, magazines bursting with chis-
gym memberships, there is an entire indus-
elled cheekbones, stick thin mannequins
try devoted to preying on male anatomical
posing in shop windows; it is impossible to
insecurities. We have created a culture and
escape the onslaught of this prescription of
economy in which we identify one another’s
beauty. While the fashion industry is often
imperfections and prescribe endless reme-
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 22
Summer/ Issue 38
Isobel Duxfield
dies for our apparent ’defects’.
ing flawless perfection. Instead of idolising figures like Angela Merkel and Michele
One of the most interesting features of our
Obama, celebrities like Cara Delavigne and
image obsessed culture is the way it mate-
Angelina Jolie become heroes of worship.
rialises not from birth but later in life. We
This is not say these two women do not
encourage our offspring to treasure their
deserve acclaim, but for their professional
distinctiveness, yet later in life this philoso-
achievements rather than their sculpted hips
phy evaporates. The child who was once
and breasts. If we are going to teach our
inspired to cherish her lumps and bumps
children to accept all shapes and sizes this
is now offered diets, exercise regimes and
philosophy must be continued later in life.
even drastic surgeries to help shed the ‘flab’. At the dawn of adolescence, girls are
The fashion industry has a lot to answer for.
suddenly confronted by a world command-
Skeletal models parade across catwalks and cont.
www.haringey.gov.uk/equilibrium
EQUILIBRIUM 23
tiny girls are draped across glossy maga-
ably this size zero ethos merely satisfies
zine pages. This industry has propelled a
existing social attitudes. This is a position
perverted perception of the female form
supported by editor of British Vogue, Alex-
in which protruding bones are considered
andra Shulman, who recently claimed
‘chic’, gaunt faces ‘elegant’ and bowed
that catwalk culture cannot be consid-
legs ‘graceful’. Indeed fashion guru, Karl
ered the tipping point from dissatisfaction
Lagerfeld’s declaration that ‘nobody
with body image into something more
wants to see a curvy figure on the
harmful. To an extent Shulman is right.
runway’ exposes the vehemence of this
Demand for excessively thin models is
culture. It appears that today the route to
not the sole source of negative percep-
happiness is through a size 4 dress. The
tions of oneself, leading to damaging
devastating effect on women, particularly
emotional and psychological problems
young females, is profound. Unable to
(such as self-harm or eating disorders).
achieve a size zero frame we are left feel-
Mental illness is a lethal concoction of
ing unattractive, even ugly, relentlessly
deeper unhappiness and insecurity. While
comparing thighs and buttocks with these
the fashion industry’s promotion of a slim
airbrushed seraphs.
frame is clearly an aggressive force body for dysphoria, it must be recognised as
However the fashion industry’s size zero
a cog in a wheel, not the source of the
culture is not directly and exclusively
problem.
culpable for insecurities with our physical appearance. The relationship between
Nonetheless the fashion industry is still in
this multibillion pound sector and female
need of reform. Following recent pressure
body image multifaceted. Indeed argu-
from lobby groups steps are now being
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 24
Summer/ Issue 38
taken to reduce the use of malnour-
suit. However, while the prohibition of
ished models. In September it was
underweight models and other reforms
announced an all-party parliamen-
may signal progress they merely
tary group, led by Conservative politi-
scratch the surface of our deep rooted
cian Caroline Noakes, will investigate
obsession with body image.
the option of laws prohibiting underweight models on UK catwalks.
The media also shoulders a significant proportion of the blame for propel-
This echoes similar movement across
ling idealisation and objectification
the channel where French authorities
of the female form. Popular maga-
have barred the employment of ultra
zines exuberantly make a spectacle
thin models, with fines of up to £55,000
of celebrity physiques, pointing out
for agencies found contravening the
excess flesh and lambasting style
new conventions. We are already
faux pas. We revel in this cruel sport;
witnessing changes. In June Yves Saint Laurent’s advertisement featuring underweight models was banned by the Advertising Standards Authority. This is part of wide ranging regulatory reform in France aimed at tackling the worrying glorification of unhealthily slim physiques. If the world’s fashion capital is reforming their practices, surely it is time we followed
mocking Madonna’s love handles, sneering at Angelina Jolie’s stretch marks and derisively noting Beyonce’s double chin. Disturbingly, even Serena Williams, arguably the greatest female athlete on the planet, whose muscles have helped her secure countless championship titles, is regularly denounced for her larger figure. cont.
www.haringey.gov.uk/equilibrium
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 25
The media has even instilled body image
Body image is an increasingly perturbing
as a prevailing feature in today’s poli-
issue. This objectification of our anatomy
tics. We have come to define the profes-
has become ingrained in our society with
sional capability of female politicians
women encouraged to pursue physical
by their physical appearance. Although
perfection. It permeates all levels of 21st
the accessibility of politics for women
century society with devastating effects
has improved dramatically over the last
for sexual equality and even mental
century, media representation of female
health. Women are instructed consciously
politicians is perpetuating an archaic
and subconsciously in the importance
attitude to women’s professionalism,
of their appearance. So maybe this New
where they are deemed inferior to their
Year requires a focus on a more holistic
male counterparts. When David Cameron
wellbeing, not merely chasing physiques
speaks at prime minister’s questions, the
like our airbrushed idols. While there is no
colour of his tie is not deemed newswor-
problem in trying to get outside more, or
thy; yet Tessa Jowell and Harriet Harman’s
cut back on sugar this January, we must
outfit disasters dominate media coverage
remind ourselves we are not defined by
of their appearance in the Commons.
our externalities.
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 26
Summer/ Issue 38
PHOTOGRAPHY: TARAN PARKE-ANTONIS
Neil Walton Book Release: “Recovery began when I could laugh at my disorder” A Section for Laughing has been released into the wild. This kindle book celebrates the author’s recovery and Neil Walton encourages you to pick up the pen. “I was fortunate to have held onto my ‘humour marbles’ - now it’s time to play with them.” Check www.bipolar-expedition.co.uk for more info
www.haringey.gov.uk/equilibrium
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 27
Christmas, comparisons, the media and mental health Thoughts on having a more realistic Christmas this year
Do you have a mental picture of how
Thoughts like…
your life ‘should’ be? Do you ever find
“Things should be different”, “I should
yourself judging your experience as
be doing this”, “I shouldn’t be feeling
‘not right’ and comparing it to how
this way”, “It’s nearly Christmas, why
you feel you ‘should’ be feeling or
don’t I feel excited?”, “I’m on holiday,
what ‘should’ be happening?
I should be happy”.
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 28
Summer/ Issue 38
Clare Rose Foster
Internal comparisons
from or how to get rid of it.
I have a tendency to make
“I feel low this morning” leads to…
comparisons and judgements about
“This is a really rubbish thing to be
how I feel my experience ‘should’
feeling” and on to…
be. This doesn’t usually happen
“I shouldn’t be feeling low, everyone
consciously. Instead it takes place
else is happy” …
in the flow of automatic thoughts
“What’s wrong with me that makes
that runs like a tape through my
me feel this way?” …
mind when I’m not really paying
“Why can’t I ever just be happy?”….
attention.
“Nothing is ever going to change”. What if you were able to catch your-
Anyone who has experienced it
self and stop making those initial
will know that these comparisons
automatic comparisons?
are not very pleasant experiences.
Instead of this downwards spiral
It’s made worse by the fact that
making your negative mood more
thoughts like this can (often without
deeply entrenched, what if you
us really noticing) lead to further
could be more accepting towards
negative thoughts and judgements
your initial low mood?
about ourselves, the world and the
Instead of making things much
future. This can lead to a downwards
worse by judging, comparing
spiral into a low mood – one that
and trying to intellectualise your
you can’t work out where it came
emotions what if you could just try
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EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 29
taking a positive action to help your-
has ever been before. Now we also
self feel better - or just wait for the
have the projected experience of
experience to pass?
others to contend with. Social media,
Learning to recognise and catch your-
particularly Facebook, gives people
self when you start to feel this way
an opportunity to project the version
can help you to prevent things getting
of their life that most closely fits their
worse. You can do this by accept-
‘ideal’ to their friends, family and
ing the initial feeling and giving it an
acquaintances.
opportunity to pass without trying to
We don’t just have that internal
‘solve’ it through thinking. Have a look
image of how our lives ‘should’ be
at my Mindfulness Based Cognitive
that we constantly and automatically
Therapy (MBCT) series for more detail,
compare to our actual experiences.
particularly blog 2.
Now we’ve got an external (although probably equally unrealistic) image
External comparisons
of how everyone else’s lives are. And
This automatic comparison is some-
from this point, the negative spiral of
thing that I do all by myself without
judgement to internal recrimination to
any external pressure – people who
anger, frustration and misery can be
have or have had depression have a
the same.
tendency for it. It’s also something it is really easy to do without thinking and
Christmas and comparisons
without recognising you’re doing it.
Christmas is a time when even people
Before you know it you’re feeling low
who don’t usually suffer from depres-
and you don’t even know exactly how
sion are much more at risk of the
you got there.
negative spiral that can be triggered
But there’s more fuel for making
by making comparisons.
comparisons these days than there
Just look at the way the media, the
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 30
Summer/ Issue 38
shops and the advertising compa-
ence now. Look, it matches!
nies celebrate. For well over a month,
This in turn just feeds the external pres-
we are bombarded with images and
sure that others are feeling. As a soci-
ideas about what the perfect Christ-
ety, we’ve created a monster. A story of
mas should be. As far at the media is
Christmas grown through our television
concerned no one is lonely, no families
screens, shop windows and advertising
fight and everyone is cosily wrapped
and kept fed through our own attempts
up in warm woollen knits. The trickiest
to recreate it on social media.
thing that might happen is a teenager
But it’s a lie. Experiences in those
won’t wear his Christmas hat or a mother
few weeks are as varied as there
gets slightly flustered over the turkey.
are people. No one experiences the
Never mind though, everything is almost
‘media’ Christmas. Things always fall
instantly resolved with a hug and a
short of that because that version of the
rueful look.
world doesn’t exist. We are being forced
Day in day out over the Christmas
to measure our experiences against
period we are almost forced to make
something fake. And when they fall short
that comparison between our actual
we make ourselves feel worse by allow-
lives and feelings and what we’re being
ing that negative spiral of thoughts and
told they ‘should’ be.
judgements to get in.
Look, my experience matches!
This year, don’t let comparisons make
Many of us respond by trying to recre-
you feel worse
ate this ideal and sharing our crea-
This year, have a real Christmas. It might
tions on social media. This picture of
not be great, it might be mainly a lot
me in a woolly scarf drinking a mulled
of fun, it might be totally rubbish – but
wine matches how things ‘should be’ at
however it goes don’t make it worse by
Christmas. I feel better about my experi-
letting yourself get sucked in to comparisons.
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EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 31
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
tells us the story of how we should be
taught me techniques to deal with
experiencing the season.
some of these automatic comparisons
Adverts in particular are very insidi-
and judgements.
ous and a sense of how things ‘should’ be at Christmas can sneak its way
So what can you do?
into your brain however hard you are trying. Next time you see a Christmas
Recognise it’s happening
advert, imagine them all made of Lego
One of the most important things seems
or painted in watercolours. This way it’s
to be catching yourself making these
easier to recognise that they’re telling a
automatic comparisons in the first
lovely story. That’s all it is - a story.
place. Writing them down can help you to view them as intrusive thoughts
Taking action
rather than reality. This can help you
Recognising that you have started
next time they start to take hold in your
making comparisons and if you don’t
mind.
stop they are going to make you feel
Recognise that it’s a fantasy world
low is a big step in itself.
being created and identify everything
If you notice them taking hold, chal-
that is feeding into it.
lenge them. Create yourself a mantra –
If you find yourself scanning Facebook
“I’m not going to let myself get sucked
and feeling jealous or inadequate then
into this comparison game again, I’m
you’re making comparisons and are at
comparing my experience to some-
risk of that negative spiral. Remember
thing that doesn’t exist”. Instead, be
that those people are representing their
gentle with yourself. Make yourself a
lives in the same way that the media
list of things that give you pleasure,
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Summer/ Issue 38
however small, and do one of those if
sleep – but at least recognising their
you find yourself feeling low. Distract-
influence can help you regain control
ing your mind can prevent it from
of that mind spiral.
spiralling down. Take a ‘breathing space’ to stop that thinking and refo-
The Mindfulness series I linked to
cus your awareness on the here and
earlier can give you some tools to
now.
help become more aware of both how your mind is acting and what
Be real. Talk to your friends and family
actions you can take. Take a look at
about what’s actually going on. Enjoy
weeks 7 & 8 in particular.
the good but don’t feel you need to pretend things are perfect.
Have a real Christmas and an authentic New Year!
Prevention
Enjoy all the good moments this
This isn’t always easy, but there are
Christmas. When you find things
things that can help you to keep a
difficult move away from making
clearer head. For me, alcohol makes
comparisons and be gentle with your-
a massive difference. If I drink more
self. Try not to make it worse by letting
than a glass of wine on a night, I really
yourself get sucked into comparing it
notice its impact on my mood and
with a fantasy.
ability to manage it a couple of days
Good luck - and don’t beat yourself
later. If I drink more than one night in
up if you do find yourself making those
a row it’s even more apparent. Every-
comparisons more than you want to -
one has to manage their own relation-
we all do it and it is not an easy thing
ship with alcohol, hormones, food and
to stop!
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EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 33
What if there was no NHS... ... to support our mental health?
In the UK, we have the NHS to turn to
need ongoing support (i.e. counselling,
when we need it. It is a free service for
seeing the psychologist or psychia-
resident in the UK, paid for by taxes. So
trist, going into hospital). This is usually
in other words you would not have to
not a quick fix thing. According to the
pay anything for the services when you
Guardian, it costs £70 billion a year to
need to use them. If you are working
maintain the country’s mental health
you have to pay for your prescriptions,
services. An OECD (the Organisation for
otherwise you do not need to. I often
Economic Co-operation and Develop-
wonder what would happen if you had
ment) study shows 40% of the 370,000
mental health problems but no NHS? It
new claims for disability benefit each
wasn’t until I visited India that I realised
year are caused by mental health
how fortunate we really are to have this
issues.
service, especially when it comes to mental health conditions. We are very
What would happen if we had no
lucky to have to have the NHS.
NHS? Basically we would have to pay for everything at the point when we
Maybe I should explain: when you have
needed it. The economic and social
a mental health condition you often
cost of mental health problems in
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 34
Summer/ Issue 38
Dev
England was ÂŁ105 billion in 2009-10, taking
There was once case I know of in India
into account costs for health and social
where a family of eight were living in a
care, loss of output and human costs.
small, unfit place, and had to look after a
If, for some reason, the NHS never had
mentally unwell family member. This led to
happened then everyone would have to
two of the older children giving up educa-
pay for the entire service. A person with
tion in order to look after the family and
a mental health condition would have to
the remaining siblings. You can imagine
try and work no matter what the sever-
the living conditions of the family would
ity of his or her condition, or might end
be below standard living conditions, possi-
up homeless. These services cost a lot of
bly leading to them begging for money.
money. If a person who has no control over
The key reason for this is that there is NO
their mental health condition would have
support system for mentally ill people. This
to be supported by their family, and this
sounds very severe and shocking to be
could mean a great deal of the household
the case in the 21st century, but it does
income would go into looking after that
happen. It’s something that I have seen
family member, even before living and
on my trips to India. Luckily this would not
travel expenses and other requirements.
happen here. But if the NHS was not here this is what we could expect (although
In developing countries and countries with
probably not as severe, as there is not such
very expensive medical costs, people
extreme poverty in this country). If you look
and their families can be in grave difficulty
at life before July 5, 1948 and especially
trying to pay for mental health services.
during and before the Edwardian periods
Sometimes they are even abandoned
you will see what life was like before the
at hospitals, or they experience severe
NHS. If you look further back, during the
malnutrition or physical abuse. This unfor-
Industrial Revolutions, you will see some
tunately quite common in parts of India,
evidence of situations that resemble what I
where my family are from. If that does
have written about in this article.
not happen they are often left to fend for themselves on the street, where people ridicule them in any manner possible.
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EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 35
Poetry Corner
I live here so I don’t have to live here I want to live in a place Where sections are pieces And unit means number. Doors unlock, windows open, taps run and Showers flow. Lunch time is fun time and I can pour my own tea. Where shaving my legs and Going to the toilet Is seen as person hygiene. Not viewed with suspicion. Walking is a way to get from A to B Rather than 90 to 80. CPA, TTA and OT are just letters and Ensure means to make sure. Fish is served in a fillet, Not perfectly round measures, And dropping a chip in the floor is an accident, Not a triumph. No ringing bell wakes me up And no torch shines in my eyes. Where I’m not a patient, But a person.
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 36
Summer/ Issue 38
Francesca Baker
When pathetic fallacy gets it wrong
The
sun quivered down upon us A loosely weaved blanket of golden light. It grazed my shoulders with warmth And licked his knees. The sweet scent of honeysuckle Mixed with fresh grass and burnt hay Bewitched me in with its charm. A giddy blend of bliss. I saw cauliflower clouds up In the streak blues of sky And smiled as the leaves ruffled As the breeze tried to settle. Our breath was balanced. As he breathed in I breathed out. ‘Teamwork.’ I thought. I was happy. He rolled onto his side And broke the rhythm. ‘It’s over’ he said.
No thunder clapped. No lightening streaked. The sun blazed on. But his heart had gone cold. Her toe nails are painted blue like a deep night sky With little specks of glitter Like stars. Her heels are cracked, like shattering skin A splitting mud surface in the heat Dried up. A crooked little toe looks rubbed and knocked Just there, on the side Like a pebble. She flexes her ankle up, skin creasing Points her toes out as if to say ‘That way!’ For her feet will carry her on Far away and to her future Far from me.
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EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 37
YOUNG PEOPLE WITH AND WITHOUT DISABILITIES CREATE FEATHERED FRIENDS FOR MILTON KEYNES’ REDWAY
Throughout September and October,
emy to enhance the Milton Keynes
award-winning charity Create has been
redway system by designing a series of
bringing together disabled and non-
artworks. The redway system is a set of
disabled students in Milton Keynes to
shared paths for cyclists and pedestri-
develop inspiring new artwork to encour-
ans spanning 270km. The project has
age increased use of the redways.
been designed by Create in consultation with intu Milton Keynes to enable
The health and social benefits of access
local young people with and without
to green space has been well-publi-
disabilities to collaborate creatively
cised over recent years with Natural
and, in the process, feel welcomed into
Health England reporting that if every-
these green spaces by involving them
one was given equal access to green
in the decision-making around their
space, the estimated saving to the NHS
improvement.
would be £2.1 billion. Access to these green spaces is not equal, however.
Guided by Create’s professional visual
The Diversity Review published by the
artist Daniel Lehan, the young people
Department for Environment, Food and
have started by building and decorat-
Rural Affairs found that those with learn-
ing clay birds, constructing a ‘bird hotel’
ing disabilities and young people are
and producing models of other wildlife,
much less likely to access the natural
which they will paint and collage. These
environment despite health and social
designs will be used as inspiration by a
benefits being particularly advanta-
professional artist, being commissioned
geous to these groups.
by intu Milton Keynes, for a new artwork to be included in the redways. The
To increase accessibility for local young
young people’s original artwork will be
people, award-winning arts char-
displayed at intu Milton Keynes during
ity Create is enabling students from
January 2016 after being included in a
White Spire School and mainstream
two month exhibition at KPMG in Canary
students from Milton Keynes Acad-
Wharf London.
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 38
Summer/ Issue 38
This project is part of Create’s crea-
without disabilities. Not only that but
tive: connection programme which
we’re seeing how the creative arts can
brings together young people with
be used to get young people engag-
and without disabilities in creative arts
ing with their local natural environment
workshops led by professional artists.
and experiencing the benefits. We
The programme encourages friend-
hope that their artwork will inspire the
ships between young people who may
artist who is creating the final piece
not normally have the opportunity to
and strengthen the sense of commu-
socialise, tackling disability prejudice
nity within the Milton Keynes redway
and helping students to build confi-
system for everyone to enjoy.”
dence in their communications skills. These collaborative creative experi-
Shelley Peppard, general manager
ences enable young people to see
at intu Milton Keynes, added: “We are
past the stereotypes and assump-
delighted to be involved in this project;
tions that can break down community
it’s lovely to see these young people
cohesion.
working together to create something so positive for the local community.
Co-Founder and Chief Executive of
This artwork will vastly improve areas of
Create, Nicky Goulder, commented,
Milton Keynes’ redways; we want these
“It’s fantastic to see this project bring-
green areas to be somewhere that we
ing together young people from
can all be proud of and that will attract
different backgrounds and fostering
more people to enjoy being outdoors,
relationships between those with and
and the benefits that come with that.”
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EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM 39