HeadSpace no 4 summer 2014 by HeadSpace Magazine

HEADS PAC E

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Moving Forward with Powys Mental Health Alliance

THE VOICE OF MENTAL HEALTH IN POWYS

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Summer 2014

Find out about mental health issues inside

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Ed Space 2 Making Brecon A Dementia Friendly Community

Old Hands Need Specialist Care

An Apple A Day 9 Addiction 10 - 11 Depression 12 Bob The Dog 13 Head Meds 14 - 15

HeadSpace Summer 2014 HeadSpace is the magazine for anyone in Powys but particularly for those who have had experience of mental health issues, either personally or professionally.

PMHA Open Day 16 - 17

HeadSpace believes that the stigma surrounding mental health needs to be broken down and that positive change can come about if individuals are well informed, especially from the viewpoint of people who have suffered from mental distress.

Letters and Emails 18

HeadSpace is currently published twice a year and is available throughout Powys and online at www.powysmha.org.uk

Debate With Doug 19

Editor, administrator and production: Carla Rosenthal Printed by Imprint, Newtown Advertising: If your organisation is interested in advertising in HeadSpace, please email info@powysmha.org.uk or ring 07926 862 414 News: If you have an idea for a feature or an article for future issues, please contact the editor at headspace@powysmha.org.uk HeadSpace welcomes letters and emails and would like to hear from all people, particularly those who have experience of mental health issues, who can write articles, provide interviews about their experiences, provide photographs or illustrations and can help to contribute towards features and news for further issues. Deadline for next issue: 31st October 2014 Email: headspace@powysmha.org.uk or pmhamag@gmail.com or write to the address below. Powys Mental Health Alliance, PO Box 146 WELSHPOOL SY21 1AZ

Reports and Updates 20 - 21 Directory 22 - 23 Join PMHA Back Cover

Supporting people to find their route to recovery from depression

HeadSpace and PMHA do not accept any responsibility for any unsolicited material including photographs or artwork. HeadSpace would like to thank the following for the advice and funding they have provided for this project.

Nothing in this magazine can be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publishers. Opinions expressed by individuals in this magazine are not necessarily those of the PMHA. We reserve the right to edit the material to suit the presentation and available space. Online versions of the magazine can be found at: www.powysmha.org.uk

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Eating Disorders 8

Be kind to yourself Carla Rosenthal

Dementia Facts 5

front cover image © Andreykuzmin | Dreamstime.com

From the Editor

elcome to the ‘new look’ HeadSpace. Having finally mastered the complexities of my software programmes, I felt it was time to bring this magazine up-to-date in terms of layout. Inside this issue, we have organised the magazine into sections covering different aspects of mental health. The health of elderly members of society has been particularly relevant in Powys as the care service providers underwent a massive change earlier this year. The two stories on pg 7 highlight the good and bad care that can be experienced. Young people also suffer from mental health problems which may go onto have a devastating effect on their adult lives. The account on pg 9 from a young woman who was undiagnosed with anorexia for 13 years shows how important it is for health professionals to recognise and treat eating disorders early. Mental health and addiction go hand-in-hand and this is featured on pages 10 and 11 with the following pages listing types of diagnosable mental health disorders and giving advice on types of prescribed medication. Throughout the magazine you will find organisations, local and national, that are there to help and assist if any of these issues affect you or you know someone who is suffering. The directory at the back provides further sources of information. Please continue to send in your emails and letters and look out for the next Powys Mental Health Open Day to be held in November at Llandrindod Wells (details on pg 21). On a final note, this issue is particularly personal for me. Five years ago, I was held under Section in a mental health unit in a hospital in Surrey following a manic episode; this lead to a diagnosis of bi-polar disorder. I hope the production of this magazine shows that just because someone is affected by a mental health issue, it does not mean that they have to be marginalised or discriminated against. Back in those dark days in hospital, if someone had said the future would see me working as a magazine editor, I wouldn’t have believed them. There is life after mental ill health and diagnosis sometimes beyond our wildest dreams; don’t despair.

Contents

Ed Space

HeadSpace

38a Albany Road Roath Cardiff CF24 3RQ

HeadSpace

Phone: 029 2069 2891 Web: www.journeysonline.org.uk Email: info@journeysonline.org.uk 3

Reports and Updates

Alzheimer’s disease costs the UK economy £23 billion per annum

Alzheimer's Society is the UK 's leading support and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers. We provide information and support to people with any form of dementia and their carers through our publications, National Dementia Helpline, website, and more than 2,000 local services.

It is known to affect women marginally more than men With a progressive loss of brain cells, this is the most common form of dementia Women in their 60s are twice as likely to get the disease (Alzheimer’s) than develop breast cancer

For more information, please visit:

alzheimers.org.uk

At present the diagnosis rate in the UK is only 45% - lower than in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Helpline number

0300 222 1122

The UK Government wants to increase diagnosis rates to make them among the best in Europe

Brecon shines a beacon for all of Wales in working towards becoming a Dementia Friendly Community Exactly a year to the day since a representative from the Alzheimer’s society came to Brecon to talk about how they set up a dementia friendly community in Plymouth, a communityled group has launched the Making Brecon a Dementia Friendly Community initiative. In the past 12 months, members of the community, supported by Brecon Town Council, have linked with carers, individuals with dementia, statutory and voluntary organizations, shops and businesses to create a not-for-profit group who have laid the foundations for making Brecon a dementia friendly community. On Friday 20th June, Brecon Guildhall opened its doors to everyone, inviting them to hear what progress has been made. Over 60 people attended, from a wide range of organizations. Representatives from Dyfed-Powys Police Force, Mid and West Wales Fire service, Brecon Medical Practice and Lloyds Bank shared how they became involved, highlighting the impact and benefits to their organization and encouraging others to join them in committing to a Dementia Action Alliance. Russell StaffordTolley, the group’s secretary, spoke about the Dementia Friends scheme, explaining its importance in raising awareness and understanding. Two members of Llanfaes Girl Guides then engagingly informed everyone how becoming Dementia Friends had motivated them in to taking action.

“It was a very exciting day”, said Rhiannon Davies, chair of the umbrella group, Brecon and Hay Dementia Supportive community. “There was a huge amount of local interest and enthusiasm in the initiative and Amy Kitcher, a representative from the Alzheimer’s Society, made the unexpected announcement that Brecon is to take the lead on piloting their Recognition process for creating dementia-friendly communities in Wales. And there’s been more encouraging developments since then! At the recent Brecon Beacon National Park Authority AGM, the outgoing Chair, Julie James, put forward the pledge to make Brecon Beacons the first Dementia Friendly national park in the UK. This was unanimously agreed by all the Members and an action plan is currently being drawn up by Huw Price, their Community Volunteer officer”. “The number of people with dementia is increasing within Powys” Rhiannon emphasized, “Our mission is to create a social movement that mobilizes all sections of the community. We want to challenge the myths and stigmas, increase awareness and understanding, support and promote social inclusion, and most importantly, give a voice to people with dementia and their carers so their needs can be fully recognized and the appropriate support offered.” “The interest and support has been fantastic, and has highlighted just how caring a community Brecon is. We would love to hear from any individuals, community groups, organizations, shops and businesses that would like to get involved.”

Email; info@dementiafriendlybrecon.org.uk Tel: 07946 445234 HeadSpace

Understanding and respecting the person with dementia

Making £1million available for innovative NHS projects such as the above Launching a new toolkit to help GPs provide better support

It’s very important that people with dementia are treated with respect and also to remember that a person with dementia is still a unique and valuable human being, despite their illness. The Alzheimer’s Society provides an excellent factsheet which looks at ways that you can help a person to feel valued and good about themselves.

Making sure that doctors give 65-74yr olds information about memory services as part of the NHS health check programme, referring them for assessment if they need it A quarter of hospital beds are occupied by people with dementia Linking £54 million in funding for hospital dementia risk assessments to the quality of dementia care £50million funding to adapt wards and care homes for dementia sufferers Providing dementia training resources for health and care workers Helping to fund a £300million programme to build or renovate housing for people with l ong-term conditions, including dementia Providing £400million to help fund breaks for carers

To get across the message that people with dementia can be helped, the Government is raising awareness and working with lots of different organisations to create ‘dementia-friendly communities’. Source: various, from Christine Field

HeadSpace

Dementia

What is the UK Government doing to help dementia sufferers?

Tips for maintaining respect •

Avoid situations in which the person is bound to fail, as this can be humiliating. Look for tasks that they can still manage and activities they enjoy.

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Give plenty of encouragement. Let them do things at their own pace and in their own way.

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Do things with the person, rather than for them, to help them retain their independence.

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Break activities down into small steps so that they feel a sense of achievement, even if they can only manage part of a task.

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Our self-respect is often bound up with the way we look. Encourage the person to take pride in their appearance and compliment them on how they look.

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Try not to correct what the person says to you, the accuracy of the information is not as important as what the person is trying to express.

Visit: www.alzheimers.org.uk for more information

A person’s mental health can directly affect their physical well being and this can be seen very clearly in the elderly. These two contrasting stories detail why care for the elderly is so important.

Elderly care

COMPLETE CARE

“My 94 year old father had lived independently in his own home ever since Mum died a couple of years ago. Whilst I could come and visit daily, his regular carers had been visiting him twice a week for several years to help him in light duties. His mental state was that of a 60 year old, he regularly drove into town and we went out to Church and lunch every Sunday. In the spring, the care contract was handed over to a new company at the same time that my father contracted an infection and I had to be away from home for 6 weeks. I left him in the care of his friends and the service providers he was paying.

“Mum was diagnosed as having dementia a while ago and early last year my family had to make the difficult decision of putting her into a specialist care home. It took a while for us to find the right one which was affordable but finally we found one where she settled.

On my return, I was shocked to see Dad had turned into a frail ‘old man’. I discovered that the new carers had sometimes missed their appointments, had not engaged with him as the previous people had done and needed to be shown what to do each time they arrived. The familiar faces of his ‘girls’ and the tight routine he had been used to, were gone, leaving Dad to fend for himself. In the time I’d been away, he had been tired out and was too exhausted to fight the infection that was still present. Sadly, following a fall, he was admitted to our local hospital where he slept peacefully, dying 10 days later. I am convinced that the loss of his routine, the loss of his regular carers and the subsequent stress and anxiety he was put through, contributed to his weakened physical state leaving him unable to muster the energy to carry on with life.”

Elderly care

‘Old hands’ need specialist care

A SAD LOSS

At 98, she is still receiving her regular visitors, gets taken out every month and has her daily bottle of stout. She’s a great cricket fan and despite not recognising any of us now, she still listens to the test matches on the radio. We suspect that with this standard of care, she’ll see out the ‘century’ before ‘retiring for tea’ and we, as a family, know she is safe and being properly looked after.”

From a carer: “Looking after an elderly person is more than doing the basics. You have to have a genuine concern for the person you visit and there will be several calls throughout the day. Before any trip to someone’s house, it’s important to remember they are not just a ‘patient’ but an individual; they have lived a life we can’t imagine yet and they have their story to tell. You need to take time to get to know your client - even if you are running late!”

We work to sustain and improve the quality of life of vulnerable older people in Powys. We believe that older people should be respected and valued as individuals in terms of their dignity, status, personal autonomy, diversity of needs, aspirations and expectations. Age Cymru Powys is a registered charity offering support and services for people aged 60+ living in Powys. We currently provide the following: • A free, confidential Advocacy service for people aged 60+ who need help or assistance. We provide this one to one through home and hospital visits. • A toe nail cutting service for people aged 60+. • A Community EngAGE project providing opportunities for older people to engage with and influence service providers in Powys • A free, confidential Information and Advice Service for people aged 60+. We offer general information and advice on a wide range of issues including welfare benefits, housing options, community care, consumer issues and local services and support. • We also have a number of volunteering opportunities available.

www.ageuk.org.uk Call our advice line 08000223444

Please contact your nearest office or drop in to our information centre at 11/12 Severn Street, Newtown, tel: 01686 623 707 Builth Wells Tel: 01982 553436

HeadSpace

Anorexia

Campaign in Wales for Treatment Centre at Home for Eating Disorders Wales has no inpatient treatment centre for people with Eating Disorders. Those serious enough to have to be hospitalised are either sent to a local psychiatric ward who know nothing about eating disorders and have nothing really to offer, or are sent to a specialist centre hundreds of miles away in England. Eating Disorders are the biggest mental health killer. Too many people are dying, too many sufferers being abandoned and too many families having to let their loved ones go away for months at a time, too far away to give proper loving care.

To find out how to get involved in the CWTCHED campaign, go to: www.cwtched.org

Helpline 0845 634 1414

Youthline 0845 634 7650

www.b-eat.co.uk Food For Thought

If you are worried about a child or young person’s behaviour or mental health, you’re not alone.

Call the YoungMinds Parents’ Helpline free on 0808 802 5544 (Mon to Fri, 9.30am to 4pm) or email parents@youngminds.org.uk. 8

It took 13 years before Alexa Ashley was diagnosed as suffering from Anorexia Nervosa. By the time she was admitted to hospital at the age of 28, her weight had dropped to 5st 6lbs and she was in danger of losing her life as her vital organs began to fail. Red Apple © Abhijit Tembhekar

If you know someone who you think has an eating disorder: Set a time to talk to them in private. Tell them about your concerns, being honest about your worries about them not eating or over exercising. Tell them that you think these things may be a sign of a problem that needs professional help. Ask them to talk to a professional such as a counsellor or doctor who knows about eating disorders. Offer to help them find someone and make an appointment, and offer to go with them to the appointment. Avoid conflicts and if they won’t admit that they have a problem, don’t argue. Tell them you are always there to listen if they want to talk.

YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.

An apple a day . . .

Don’t make them feel guilty or ashamed by saying, “You just need to eat.” Instead, say things like, “I’m concerned about you because you won’t eat breakfast or lunch.” Or, “It makes me afraid to hear you throwing up.” Don’t give simple solutions such as, “If you’d just eat you would be OK!”

Let them know that you will always be there, no matter what.

Here she tells her story.

“I

I don’t like they way I look even though everyone says that I’m pretty. I don’t like looking thin either though and wish I could just eat and put weight on normally but my mind won’t let me. I am getting better about eating regularly but it’s a slow process.

Over the years, my mum got more and more worried about me and kept taking me to the doctors but they never said there was anything wrong. By this time, I was keeping my weight down just by not eating. Some days, I’d only eat an apple and drink loads of water. If I did have to eat, I would use laxatives to get rid of the food. I never made myself sick though but laxative abuse is just as dangerous. If I felt faint, I’d just go to bed and think, ‘I’ll have alittle sleep and then I’ll feel better’. I didn’t realise how ill I was.

When I was in the hospital, I was made to eat three meals every day with snacks in between and an hours rest after each time we ate. It was pretty difficult sitting down to a table of food and being made to eat, especially as I hate eating in front of people - I’ve missed loads of family parties because of this fear. In hospital, it’s just about putting the weight on, it doesn’t look at what’s happening in the mind. It was only when I was sent to Savernake Hospital in Marlborough (it has a specialist eating disorder unit for people over 18) that they really understood and I started having therapy. These days, I have regular counselling sessions and get weighed weekly. I’m putting weight on slowly which is how I want it to be.

Some people I’ve met have ‘body dismorphia’ which is when they think they’re fat when they’re really thin. I don’t have this but I was afraid of putting on weight. I didn’t want to get fat.

My mum has been really understanding. She suffered from Anorexia when she was younger and so she knows what I’m going through. They think there might be a genetic link. Not everyone who goes on a diet gets anorexia.”

was overweight as a teenager and decided to diet using a brand of slimming milkshakes. I lost loads of weight really quickly and everyone started to say how good I looked. It encouraged me to take it further but when I stopped having my periods at 15, I did go to the doctor about it. He said they’d stopped coz I’d lost weight quickly and not to worry about it. I was about 7st then and at 5’ 6”, I was skinny but they said I wasn’t underweight.

• Almost 50% of people with eating disorders meet the criteria for depression. • Only 1 in 10 people with eating disorders receive treatment. • Only 35% of people that receive treatment for eating disorders get treatment at a specialized facility for eating disorders. • Up to 24 million people of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder (anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating disorder) in the U.S. • Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/

HeadSpace

(Junky, Prologue, p. xxxviii) ― William S. Burroughs, Junky 10

There's no single reason why addictions develop. Regularly drinking alcohol or using other substances, spending time gambling or on the internet, may be pleasurable or relaxing. Some people experience these feelings particularly intensely and have a strong desire to repeat them more often.

From enjoyment to addiction Many people regularly use addictive substances or engage in potentially addictive activities, such as gambling or sex, without having major problems.

Addiction

“The question is frequently asked: Why does a man become a drug addict? The answer is that he usually does not intend to become an addict. You don’t wake up one morning and decide to be a drug addict. It takes at least three months’ shooting twice a day to get any habit at all. And you don’t really know what junk sickness is until you have had several habits. It took me almost six months to get my first habit, and then the withdrawal symptoms were mild. I think it no exaggeration to say it takes about a year and several hundred injections to make an addict. The questions, of course, could be asked: Why did you ever try narcotics? Why did you continue using it long enough to become an addict? You become a narcotics addict because you do not have strong motivations in the other direction. Junk wins by default. I tried it as a matter of curiosity. I drifted along taking shots when I could score. I ended up hooked. Most addicts I have talked to report a similar experience. They did not start using drugs for any reason they can remember. They just drifted along until they got hooked. If you have never been addicted, you can have no clear idea what it means to need junk with the addict’s special need. You don’t decide to be an addict. One morning you wake up sick and you’re an addict.”

Addiction is a strong, uncontrollable need to take drugs, drink alcohol or carry out a particular activity such as gambling. It becomes the most important thing in your life and leads to problems at home, work and school.

However, in some people it can cause damaging physical and psychological effects, as their behaviour becomes more frequent and intense and turns into an addiction. This occurs as a result of chemical changes in the brain. If you carry on using the substance or engaging in the behaviour, your brain and body become tolerant and you need more drugs or to spend more time on the behaviour to get the same effect. What started out as something you can control develops into an uncontrollable need or addiction. If you try to stop, you'll experience physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms (or both). Withdrawal symptoms are wideranging and vary depending on the substance involved but generally you'll experience feelings of discomfort, distress and an intense craving for the substance. Withdrawal from alcohol is often particularly difficult because it can be complicated by seizures (fits) and hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that don't exist outside the mind).

Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline

You're more at risk of developing an addiction if:

Freephone: 0808 808 2234

• other members of your family have addiction problems

Or text DAN to: 81066

• you experienced stress or abuse while growing up

Point of contact for anyone in Wales wanting further information or help relating to drugs and or alcohol

• you have mental health problems

HeadSpace

www.dan247.org.uk

“I have absolutely no pleasure in the stimulants in which I sometimes so madly indulge. It has not been in the pursuit of pleasure that I have periled life and reputation and reason. It has been the desperate attempt to escape from torturing memories, from a sense of insupportable loneliness and a dread of some strange impending doom.”

Edgar Allan Poe

This information has been gathered from www.nhs. uk/conditions/Addictions/Pages/Introduction.aspx

HeadSpace

Depression

The symptoms of depression can be complex and vary widely between people. But as a general rule, if you are depressed, you feel sad, hopeless and lose interest in things you used to enjoy. The symptoms persist for weeks or months and are bad enough to interfere with your work, social life and family life. There are many other symptoms of depression and you're unlikely to have every one listed. If you experience some of these symptoms for most of the day, or every day for more than two weeks, you should seek help from your GP.

Psychological symptoms include: • • • • • • • • • • •

continuous low mood or sadness feeling hopeless and helpless having low self-esteem feeling tearful feeling guilt-ridden feeling irritable and intolerant of others having no motivation or interest in things finding it difficult to make decisions not getting any enjoyment out of life feeling anxious or worried having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself

Postnatal depression

Some women develop depression after having a baby. Postnatal depression is treated in similar ways to other forms of depression, with talking therapies and antidepressant medicines.

Physical symptoms include: • moving or speaking more slowly than usual • change in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased) • constipation • unexplained aches and pains • lack of energy or lack of interest in sex (loss of libido) • changes to your menstrual cycle • disturbed sleep (for example, finding it hard to fall asleep at night or waking up very early in the morning)

Depression can come on gradually, so it can be difficult to notice something is wrong. Many people continue to try to cope with their symptoms without realising they are ill. It can take a friend or family member to suggest something is wrong. Doctors describe depression by how serious it is: Mild depression has some impact on your daily life. Moderate depression has a significant impact on your daily life. Severe depression makes it almost impossible to get through daily life – a few people with severe depression may have psychotic symptoms.

Social symptoms include: • not doing well at work • taking part in fewer social activities and avoiding contact with friends • neglecting your hobbies and interests • having difficulties in your home and family life

Bipolar disorder, also known as “manic depression”

Bob The Dog A Rescue Tail How a rescue dog rescued one woman from the darkness of depression.

he ‘Black Dog’ has stalked me over my seven decades, sometimes no more than an inconvenience, and sometimes a disabling presence. This is not the tale of a lifetime of exploration, but a short account of my last depression, one that hit me in November and lasted until March this year. And then Bob found me.

Last November I was due to travel to a conflict zone to teach English. On my first day, I had my passport stolen; I decided to return home. I felt totally foolish for being so careless. Returning to the UK, I got down to life back in Mid Wales. But then the weather got bad. I felt no need to go outside. As someone who had an out-door life, I need daylight to keep me functioning, to keep the Black Dog down. So began the recognisable journey downhill, not getting up in the mornings until very late, not bothering to get dressed if I had nowhere to go, not bothering to shower or wash, and eating all the wrong sort of food. My weight began to increase, my hair was uncut and I felt no pride in my appearance.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Also known as “winter depression”, SAD is a type of depression that has a seasonal pattern usually related to winter.

It’s where there are spells of depression and excessively high mood (mania). The depression symptoms are similar to clinical depression, but the bouts of mania can include harmful behaviour such as gambling, going on spending sprees and having unsafe sex.

This information is taken from www.nhs.uk/ Conditions/Depression/ Pages/Symptoms.aspx

HeadSpace

February came and I was reaching a low ebb. One Wednesday at the end of February I picked up the phone and rang Glennis, the Rescue Lady in Llandrindod Wells. I told her that I wanted a ‘rescue dog’. She told me to meet her one Saturday morning. We met and I saw this mangy black and white collie with his ears back and his tail between his legs called ‘Bob’. I thought to myself that this was not going to work but I wanted to give Bob a chance.

“Keep the Black Dog down”

HeadSpace

The last four months have changed my life. I now walk for two hours a day. Of course, there are days when there is less time for walking, but I try not to cheat Bob too much. I now arrange to meet friends for walks and I love meeting other dog-owners by chance. But I also love walking alone and find myself living in the moment, enjoying times of wonderful calm. Thanks to Bob the Dog I have lost over two stone in weight and . . . my Black Dog of winter. Submitted by P. Nicholson

Reports and Updates

Anxiety and panic attacks Bipolar disorder Body dysmorphic disorder Depression Dissociative disorder

Head Meds

For some people, drugs are a short-term solution used to get them over an immediate crisis. For other people, drugs are an ongoing, long-term treatment that enables them to live with severe and enduring mental health problems.

Drugs Eating problems Hearing voices Hypomania and mania Loneliness Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Panic attack Paranoia Personality disorders Phobia Postnatal depression Psychotic experiences Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Schizoaffective disorder Schizophrenia Seasonal affective disorder Self-esteem Self-harm Sleep problems Stress Suicidal feelings 14

Prescribing medication

Questions to ask

Your doctor will consider a number of things when deciding which drug to prescribe;

You may find it helpful to ask the following questions if your doctor has prescribed you any form of medication.

Some people are reluctant to take medication at all and doctors also vary in how often they prescribe it and in what doses. All kinds of treatment have some placebo effect and some drug trials have found only slight differences between the effects of placebos and active drugs. Although medication is easier to administer than talking therapies or exercise programmes (which are also effective for many mental health problems), most have side effects and people may have problems when they stop taking the medication. Abuse of prescribed medication to treat a mental health problem can cause additional problems.

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Your symptoms. Most drugs are designed to treat particular problems or symptoms, for example anxiety or depression.

What is this drug designed to do? Some drugs may be given to counteract the side effects of other drugs.

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Your reaction to and sensitivity to a particular drug or class of drugs. Some drugs work better for some people than others and it may take some time to find the right medication and the right dose for you. Your doctor should monitor and review the drugs s/he prescribes for you to check their usefulness in controlling symptoms and their side-effects.

How long will it be before it takes effect? Some drugs take several weeks to have any effect.

Drug categories

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Many people do not want to stay on medication for years, but it can help some people to lead the kind of lives they want to lead, without relapses and re-admissions to hospital.

It is easy to get confused about mental health medication, partly because there are so many different drugs, partly because new drugs are being introduced all the time and partly because the same drug may be known by several different names; the trade name, the generic name or the chemical group name. The trade name of a drug is the brand name given to it by the manufacturer e.g. Mogadon is the trade name of a drug for insomnia. If more than one company manufacturers the same drug, each will have a different name. The generic name of a drug describes the particular chemical family to which the drug belongs. Nitrazepam is the generic name for Mogadon and other such drugs to treat insomnia. The chemical group name of a drug describes the larger chemical family to which the drug belongs e.g. nitrazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine family. Other drugs in the benzodiazepine family include diazepam (trade name Valium) and temazepam (trade name Planpak). Most drugs used in the treatment of mental health problems fall into four main categories: anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, anti-psychotics and mood stabilisers

HeadSpace

•

Reports and Updates

Anger

The side effects or risks associated with a particular drug. All drugs have side effects, some of them unpleasant. Some drugs may also carry an associated risk. For example Lithium (used to treat bi-polar disorder) can be toxic. It is important that you know about any side effects and risks associated with a particular drug and that you tell your doctor if you detect any changes or difficulties in your tolerance of your prescribed medicine. His or her familiarity with or preference for the drug. Some doctors prefer some drugs to others, based on their experience of what works with other patients, or what new research tells them. The cost-effectiveness of the drug. Doctors follow the guidance of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), which also provides information for the general public on its website.

What are the side effects? Some drugs can have unpleasant and worrying side effects. How long do I have to take the drug? Some drugs should not be taken for more than a few weeks; some may need to be taken for months or years. Do I need to take any precautions? Some drugs should not be taken if you plan to drive and some should not be taken in combination with other drugs. Are there any other ways to treat my condition? How effective are they? Alternatives include talking therapies, complementary therapies and exercise on prescription.

You can find out more about individual drugs, correct dosages and side effects from your GP, local hospital pharmacy department or chemist. You can also ask your psychiatrist or mental health team. There is more information on medication on the website of the Royal College of Psychiatrists

Thanks to: The

Mental Health Foundation for this article.

More information about all types of mental health issues can be found on the website

www.mentalhealth.or g.uk HeadSpace

PMHA Open Day

Photographs and review by Jackie Newey

In May, my colleague Freda and I went along to the latest Powys Mental Health Alliance Open Day at The Commodore Hotel in Llandrindod Wells. These days are a great opportunity to find out more about what is happening in the county around mental health and to meet up with other members and people representing organisations to chat, catch up and have fun! The big yellow inflatable football in the photograph below is a bit of a clue . . .

How to follow that? Well, what better choice than Chris Coe of the Farming Community Network (FCN previously Farming Crisis Network). Chris had been a Rural Officer with the United Reform Church when an opportunity arose for an additional part-time post - this time as Regional Director for FCN based in Llandrindod Wells. Chris explained that the charity's main role was to "walk with people" - to be there, to listen, to respond - as a friend. He can go with farmers to court, to the bank, to a doctor, shopping . . . even organise to have a field ploughed if that is what is needed when someone is too distressed to do the work themselves. The service is free and confidential. The hardest part is encouraging people to ask for help in the first place.

L - R, top row: Debra Douglas-Matthews (PMHA trustee), Philip Bowen (High Sheriff of Powys), Bryan Douglas-Matthews (PMHA chair) middle row: Christine Field (PMHA trustee), Kelvin Mills (PMHA trustee), Carla Rosenthal (PMHA magazine editor) bottom row: Bill Fawcett (PMHA Vice Chair), Michelle Hart (Stretch & Smile)

Surprise guest this time round was Philip Bowen, the High Sheriff of Powys. “The Office of High Sheriff is an independent, non-political Royal appointment for a single year”. Philip has many hats it seems, as he is also Artistic Director of The Willow Globe - a scaled down, living willow theatre, based on The Globe Theatre in London. Philip enthusiastically opened the day with, appropriately enough, a reference to some of the distressed heroes of Shakespeare’s plays, including Prospero and Pericles. By the end of the drama they are able to say - “this is who I am . . . this is my story.” Through the storytelling process they are healed.

Chris works with a large team of volunteers covering Powys and SW Wales and if the two case studies he gave us are anything to go by, the work is very much needed in the county. He said "45% of the people helped suffer some form of mental illness caused through the stress and hardship of producing the food we all depend on." The farming community is currently bracing itself for changes in the Single Farm Payment from the government which so many depend on to stay afloat.

Eddie Evans, the Regional Welfare Officer for Combat Stress, the veterans' mental health charity, kicked off as first speaker of the day. He had served in the army for 26 years, and now works with Community Psychiatric Nurses and Mental Health Practitioners to provide support to ex-servicemen and women in the community.

After a delicious lunch Inspector Brian Jones of Dyfed-Powys Police stepped up to take the microphone. He is stationed in Brecon and works as a Partnership Inspector - one of his key responsibilities being mental health. The two main areas of discussion which developed around this session focused on the Section 136 detentions (when people are taken to a place of safety and possibly assessed by mental health professionals before a decision is made about next steps) and police training. Many of those in the audience were keen to relate their own experiences of contact with police officers whilst distressed, some of them quite negative, and Brian listened carefully to them all. (see page for more details on Inspector Jones’ talk)

Eddie spoke about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) "A normal reaction to an abnormal situation". Personnel often go back to their families after being in a war zone and try and start up again as if nothing has happened but problems can quickly escalate if people need help. "It is as if the wheels fall off before some people seek help . . . there are failed marriages, lost jobs." Eddie is the first point of contact for people as there "is a bond of history". Some veterans can receive support in the community, including practical support if there are money issues; others, who may be more severely distressed, enter one of three Combat Stress treatment centres - the one serving Wales is in Newport, Shropshire. "Some veterans smile for the first time as they are amongst other veterans."

Other mental health organisations were present on the day and Freda and I enjoyed meeting up with colleagues at The Alzheimer's Society: Kate Llewellyn (Advocate) and Pat Griffiths (Dementia Support Worker) reminded me about the Memory Cafe which runs every second Friday of the month at the Methodist Church in Newtown. Here at Powys Mental Health Information Service we often signpost people to ‘Journeys’ and the ‘C.A.L.L. Helpline,’ so it was great to meet everyone at their stands.

Eddie's obvious understanding and empathy for struggling veterans was picked up by several people in the audience who responded by describing moving experiences relating to themselves and family members. "You could not believe some of the sights that they see." "My son went away for a week (with Combat Stress) and the difference was so remarkable that you wouldn't think it was the same person!" "People don't realise that veterans suffer from mental health problems in a big way."

Finally, I'll sign off with this photo of Freda joining Pat and Kate of The Alzheimer's Society for the Stretch & Smile session. The smiles on their faces say it all!

The coffee break was followed by a brilliant session of seated exercises with Michelle Hart from Stretch & Smile. Nearly everyone joined in, including the High Sheriff of Powys and Freda!

We look forward to the next PMHA Open Day. If you were there, tell us what you thought. Do you have suggestions about speakers or activities for future open days? Did you try out the Listening Table? Or listen to Diane Milberry's talk? We'd love to know, as we had to shoot off back to the office at that point.

These were just the warm-up exercises . . . but then the large inflatable balls were rolled out and the real fun began . . .

This article can be found on Jackie’s Blogspot at http://powysmentalhealth. blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/powys-mental-health-alliance-open-day.html

HeadSpace

PMHA Open Day

email: info@powysmha.org.uk or headspace@powysmha.org.uk telephone: 07926 862414 SECRETARY NEEDED Can you volunteer your skills to be secretary for PMHA?

This Poetry Lark Now this poetry lark . . . I’ve done piddlin’ piddlin’ and blinkin’ blinkin’ I was going to try stinkin’ stinkin’ but I don’t think so Although the stink would go with the baby’s poo But there again, that’s a No! No! No!

Views on modern society.

There must be some kind of poetry, let’s say, In a beautiful rose Those lovely colours And the scent to behold. Then there’s poetry in that beautiful woman, The way she walks, The way she talks. Surely, there’s poetry in that certain smile. If you do see it, I think I’d advise you to run a mile. But whatever you do Don’t get on the wrong side of her Or you’ll be sorry you’ve ever been born. Just like that beautiful rose Her tongue is as sharp as its thorns.

Volunteer wanted for minute taking/ secretarial work within PMHA. We can make a small hourly payment and pay travel allowances. Meetings held once a month in Llandrindod Wells taking from 2 to 6 hours. There is a free lunch if the meeting is over two hours. Please apply via email: info@powysmha.org.uk or ring PMHA 07926 862 414

Douglas Jones 1925 - 2014 Fondly Remembered

Last issue we featured his poem ‘Piddlin’, Piddlin’ and for this edition, Stan has kindly sent in his latest composition.

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Post: Powys Mental Health Alliance (PMHA) PO Box 146 WELSHPOOL SY21 1AZ

Ever since attending a Powys Mental Health Alliance Open Day and participating in a poetry workshop, Stan Wilson has discovered his ‘inner poet’.

Letters and Emails

Please note the new contact details for Powys Mental Health Alliance

Debate with Doug

Letters and emails

In the last issue, we promised you the second part of the interview with Doug Jones. Sadly, Doug died in April. This column is dedicated to his memory.

“Many people hear voices when no one is there. Some of them are called mad and are shut up in rooms where they stare at the walls all day. Others are called writers and they do pretty much the same thing.” Margaret Chittenden Writer

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Doug felt concerned that there was not enough religious teaching in schools these days. He argued that the 10 Commandments should be taught as rules of a school and these should be recited every Friday afternoon as had been done when he was a child. He was worried that members of society were losing respect for each other and hoped to promote a modern discussion around this topic.

How has entertainment changed over the years?

Doug remembered that years ago, there was a BBC show called ‘The Lady With The Golden Voice’ and stated that in Wales, “we have some of the most beautiful voices in creation. Why do we have to put with the atrocious nonsense that is on the television these days?”

Quotes from Doug “The brighter the light of success, the darker the shadows of envy.” “Jealousy is Satan’s most powerful secret weapon.” “To say ‘thank you’ for an apple, you could inherit the orchard.” 19

Reports and Updates

T’S COUN IEN C

t’s been exciting times recently with Powys AT Patients’ Council as we saw the “Grand Opening” of the Wellness and Recovery Learning Centre (Room) on Felindre Ward, Bronllys Hospital, with the High Sheriff of Powys, Philip Bowen Esq, cutting the ribbon and Mel Evans, Chair of Powys Teaching Health Board giving opening remarks. Over 40 people attended. Patients had been raising the need for being able to access a “quiet room” to be able to read in quiet, listen to music, a place for quiet times, whilst being able to access information on various topics of interest such as medication and advocacy. This issue had been on our patients’ register of issues for almost a year. Resolving issues that patients raise, in general, is not a simple process. There are various challenges to work with, such as Powys Teaching Health Board owning the facilities, i.e., the hospital grounds and buildings, but the service (staffing, policies etc) is provided via Aneurin Bevan Health Board. So, progressing a request for this quiet space required working with a number of different people, with different priorities, to make it happen. The room is a wonderful expression of joint collaboration and co-production. Patients were involved all the way along in terms of what they wanted. Ward management and staff helped fit out the room and gain additional funding from charitable funds. PAVO provided project leadership and additional funding was provided through the DIY Futures Project. PMHA was the lead agency. Patients are really delighted with the room and are making full use of it. Our next key area to focus on is around “Activities” as this is a constant area of concern/interest for patients. Accessing the gym, being able to go out in the grounds to exercise, what’s feasible given time and staff constraints, are all key areas of interest. We’ll be picking “Activities” up as part of our ongoing meetings with senior management, from both

During May 2014 I was fortunate to be asked to attend the Powys Mental Health Alliance Open Day at Llandrindod Wells and was asked to provide an input on how the Dyfed Powys Police are trying to improve the services and understanding of mental health. It was welcoming to hear the praise many of the audience wished to express for the occasions they had been involved with fellow police colleagues. It was also pleasing to hear some honest feedback from when things had not gone so well. It is only through such opportunities as this and through having the confidence with people to be honest, that we can effectively change the way mental health is dealt with. The priority will always be to treat people with dignity, respect and understanding. We will achieve this through training new police staff in mental health awareness and they will spend two days in a mental health unit. We will raise the awareness of all police staff through a series of awareness sessions. We are working with partner agencies and we will increase engagement with groups of people from within our communities. It is through this work that we will be able to reduce the stigma faced by those living with mental health.

health boards in the next few months. John Lilley, our newest volunteer, is settling well into his role and has been outstanding in terms of his contribution during our meetings with patients. He has a good deal of experience as a previous patient and his fresh perspective and knowledge are really valuable. Along with Rhydian and Kelvin, they each bring unique skills and experiences to our monthly patients’ council meetings and it is remarkable to see the immediate sense of being understood and trust that is evident when we meet with patients. Rhydian is currently attending training on Mental Health First Aid and this helps with his other work as a National and Local Mental Health Partnership Representative. We recently heard a person speak about the various levels of “Sectioning” they were under and it became apparent that not only was the patient not clear on what this meant (in terms of enforced time in hospital) but we realised that we weren’t as up on all the different “Sections” as we possibly needed to be. As a result of this, I have asked some colleagues in Advocacy services in Powys to help share information with us and they have suggested also bringing us up to speed on the news relating to Deprivation of Liberty and the changes happening there. We are hoping to widen out this update to other people who may be interested and are meeting shortly with Lynda Evans of Community Health Council, Montgomeryshire and Lisa Johnston of Advocacy Support Cymrum to progress this.

Please contact Freda Lacy on 01597 822 191 or email freda.lacy@pavo.org.uk if you have any questions about Patients’ Council or are interested in volunteering with the project. HeadSpace

Join the thousands in Wales working towards better mental health More than 3000 people from all over Wales have been helping the National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH) to learn more about the causes of mental health problems.

NCMH

works with people with experience of mental illness to help develop better diagnosis and treatments. Scientists working at the NCMH believe that the key to a better future for people affected by mental health problems is gaining a better understanding of what causes conditions such as depression, Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, and schizophrenia. Taking part is quick and easy. It involves a short interview with a trained researcher in a clinic or your own home. During this our researcher will take a small blood or saliva sample, and leave you with some brief questionnaires to complete and return in your own time. The process normally takes well under an hour, and all information provided is stored securely and anonymously to protect volunteers’ privacy. “By giving under an hour of your time, you will be helping to make life better for people with mental health conditions in the years to come” said NCMH Director Professor Ian Jones. “As well as being quick, taking part is confidential and painless, and it can even be done in your own home.” Anyone in Wales with experience of a mental health condition can take part, with previous NCMH volunteers ranging in age from 4 to 96.People who have never had a mental health condition can also help as their information can be used for making important comparisons in research. This allows the loved ones of people with mental health problems to help, such as parents, partners, children or friends.

You can volunteer through the centre’s website www.ncmh.info, or by texting TIME to 60777 You can also call NCMH on 029 2068 8401 for more details. HeadSpace

Reports and Updates

y name is Brian Jones and I am the Police Partnership Inspector for Powys. It is my responsibility to work along with partner agencies to improve the multi-agency service we all provide to the County. One of my responsibilities is to be the liaison between the Police and Partner Agencies for mental health. This is a demanding and varied role, but very rewarding when I see the efforts each agency is making to improve the mental health services within Powys. Mental health forms a significant proportion of the Dyfed Powys Police Strategic Equality Plan 2013/2016. This impacts on how Mental Health is managed and supported internally with Police staff and externally within the community. On a quarterly basis, I organise a multi-agency Confidence & Equality group meeting. The objective of the meeting is to raise awareness around equalities and mental health plays a large role with this. The type of themes have been mental health, Dementia, Ageing Population, Support Services for Veterans, Autism and Hate Crime. During each event we are fortunate to have effective and knowledgeable guest speakers, but the best learning always comes from those who live with the particular theme.

Come to the next PMHA Open Day Wednesday 26th November Royal British Legion Hall Tremont Road Llandrindod Wells LD1 5ED 10.30am-4pm GUESTS to include: Jenna Markham NCMH High Sheriff Phil Bowen Diane Hart Art/Craft demos Michelle Hart Stretch & Smile Exercises Liz Gannon of LG Therapies Reiki Hand and Neck Massage throughout day Coaches from : Spar Car Park in Welshpool @ 9.00am Back Lane Car Park in Newtown @ 9.30 am Or claim own travel

FREE LUNCH Raffle

BOOK YOUR PLACE info@powysmha.org.uk

POWYS Powys Independent Mental Heath Advocacy Service. Provide a free, confidential and independent advocacy service for people with mental health difficulties. Tel: Brecon & Radnorshire 01874 624 206 Montgomery 01686 627 632 www.advocacy-in-powys.org.uk Powys Carers Service Provides services to carers of all ages throughout the County. Tel 01597 823800 www.powyscarers.org.uk. email: info@powyscarers.org.uk. Hafal Powys Seibiant Family Support Service Supporting carers of people with a mental illness diagnosis in Powys. http://powysmentalhealth.blogspot. co.uk/ Tel: 07875 373525. Email: powys@hafal.org. Hafal website at http://www.hafal. org/hafal/index.php and their Powys page at http://www.hafal.org/hafal/ powys.php BEAT Cymru Supports people from all walks of life to beat eating disorders. Tel: 07581208935 www.b-eat.co.uk/beat-cymru/. E-mail: s.llewellyn@b-eat.co.uk. Powys Mental Health Alliance PMHA aim to ensure that individuals across Powys who have experienced mental distress, and those around them, have the opportunity for their voice to be heard. www.powysmha.org.uk Tel: 07926 862 414 email: info@powysmha.org.uk headspace@powysmha.org.uk pmhamag@gmail.com

MONTGOMERYSHIRE Healthy Friendships Aim to support people who experience mental health distress live happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives. Tel: 01686 626221 www.healthyfriendships.org. e-mail: info@healthyfriendships.org Kooth Online and face-to-face support and counselling to people under 25 across Powys. www.kooth.com TOWIP An interactive website that aims to help young people get all the things they are entitled to as a young person in Powys. www.towip.co.uk Powys Agency for Mental Health Information Line Offers information on local mental health services and mental health issues. Selfhelp booklets on anxiety, depression, etc. Tel: 01597 822191 e-mail: pamhinfo@pavo.org.uk www.powysmentalhealth.org.uk Powys Against Workplace Bullying 01597 825020 vbxllandrindod@tiscali.co.uk Mid Powys Mind Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells, Knighton, Rhayader,and Presteigne. A local charity running services in Radnorshire and North Brecknock that offers advice and support to those who may have mental distress. Tel: 01597 824 411. www.midpowysmind.org.uk e-mail: info@midpowysmind.org.uk.

Ponthafren Association Newtown, Welshpool and Llanidloes. A member-led mental health charity for people who experience mental health issues, those who are socially isolated or excluded, or those who may just wish to make new friends or gain new skills. Tel: 01686 621 586 www.ponthafren.org.uk email: admin@ponthafren.org.uk. Mind Aberystwyth Machynlleth. Working to improve the life of people affected by mental distress. They are an independent charity in their own right, run by local people, for local people. www.mind.org.uk/help/mind_in_ your_area/279 Email: info@mindaberystwyth.org. Tel: 01970 626225 RADNORSHIRE AND BRECKNOCKSHIRE Brecon Contact and District Association Brecon, Talgarth, Hay-on-Wye, Crickhowell. Brecon & District Contact Association ia a local charity that supports people in the community affected by mental illness diagnosis and mental distress. Tel: 01874 611529. www.breconmentalhealth.org.uk. E-Mail: brecondistrict@btconnect. com Ystradgynlais Mind Works to improve the life of people affected by mental distress - this includes the people themselves, as well as carers, family, friends and supporters - based on the ‘Wellbeing’ framework. Tel: 01639 841 345 www.minditv.org.uk. E-mail: info@minditv.org.uk

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Cruse in Powys Bereavement counselling 01686 610220 Cruse.powys@btinternet.com www.cruse.org.uk National Helpline: 0844 477 9400 Mind Infoline The leading mental health charity for England & Wales and works for a better life for all who experience mental distress. Tel: 0845 766 016 www.mind.org.uk Young Minds Help and advice for young people who are worried about the mental health of a parent, carer, or other family members. Tel: 020 7336 8445 e-mail: enquiries@youngminds.org. uk www.youngminds.org.uk Bi Polar Organisation Cymru A user-led mental health charity providing help and support to all affected, whether sufferers, family or friends, with bi-polar disorder. Tel: 01633 244 244 www.mdfwales.org.uk Association for Post Natal Illness Can put you in touch with other mothers who have come through Post Natal Depression Tel: 0207 3860868 e-mail: info@apni.org www.apni.org Journeys National organisation for people affected by depression. Provides symptoms and treatments for depression and details of local groups Tel: 0292 069 2891 www.depressionalliance.org information@depressionalliance.org

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No Panic Helpline A charity that specialises in helping people suffering from anxiety, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders and tranquilliser withdrawal. Tel: 0808 8080545 (Available 10am – 10pm daily) www.nopanic.org.uk ceo@nopanic.org.uk CALL Helpline (Community Advice and Listening Line) A confidential listening and support service. Tel: 0800 132 737 (open 24/7 365 days a year) e-mail: callhelpline@dialpipex.com www.callhelpline.org.uk

There are many organisations providing services around mental health and the few featured here are just an example. Please let us know if you would like to see your organisation added to this directory.