Mental Matters It’s time to talk about recovery!
September2013
Editorial Let’s talk recovery!
IT’S great to be back and I first must apologise in the time between the last edition. Life has many ups and downs as we all know and things weren’t going to plan. I relish the challenge of creating this magazine and I hope that it continues to move forward, develop and improve. In order to do that, I need to be consistent, I need feedback and I need to evaluate areas and features to bring forward.
The year ahead is going to be challenging and fitting in the time to work on Mental Matters will need to be planned. I’m always looking for people to contribute, so if you want to write for me then please get in touch. It’s important that we share stories of recovery and anti stigma and get the message out.
Looking ahead to the next month, I will be looking for reviews from the Mental Health Film & Arts festival for the next edition. I’m based centrally and it is impossible to see everything that is going on but I’ll review some of the events happening all throughout October and I really encourage you to go online and maybe check out some shows.
contents
Talking about stigma – social media played a huge role is putting Asda to task about their ‘Mental Patient’ HalIt’s been a busy time in the loween outfit. It beggars belast few months and it seems like so much has happened in lief that in this day in age a corporation like Asda is makthis time. I’ve made it into my ing mistakes like that but honours year at University power to everyone who is that has just got underway fighting the stigma of mental now. illness on a daily basis. We are all making a difference and long may that continue. 4 lewis stevens coMpletes the JoGle challenGe Raising funds for SAMH 6
Jordan phillips looks ahead of the sMhaff What might you go and see in October?
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it’s ok to talk Jamie Milligan urges others to talk about how their feeling
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recovery feature Colin Barass-Brough talks about his experiences
10
still here A look at Schizophrenia based magazine by Katy Gray
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Murray Madness - Enjoy the high moments!
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attitudes Opinion piece by Fiona McBride looking at everyday stigma
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no sub for life Suicide awareness event - followed by Letter to Editor & poetry
Finally, I’ve been shortlisted for a Mind Media award within the Student journalist category. It’s great to be recognized by a charity like Mind and feel that maybe I’m making a bit of a difference by taking this journey. I’ll have more on the awards in the November issue though but suffice to say, that lifted me and I’m really grateful to everyone who nominated me.
I hope that you enjoy this edition and thanks again. Holly McCormack
@Hollz2012
breakinG that cycle: it really is okay to talk... Lewis Stevens opens his heart on the motivations behind his charity bike ride for SAMH mental illness in Scotland and to get more people talking about suicide. Recent campaigns such as ‘Two Too Many’ and ‘Open Up’ have led to increased advertising from the charity and more people are talking about their own mental health.
the suicide of his brother last year. THE JOGLE challenge is tough both physically and mentally on participants who aim to cycle a remarkable 920 miles from John O’Groats at the top of Scotland all the way down to the tip of the United Kingdom in Lands End. Lewis Stevens bravely took up this feat earlier this month whilst raising money for worthwhile charity the Scottish Association of Mental Health (SAMH) with over £3500 donated to the Just Giving page set up before the trip. It was only recently that Lewis took up cycling, initially with the intention of cycling to university but he quickly realised that it was also giving him an outlet to help cope with
Lewis said: “I found cycling to be really enjoyable, and found spending a day on my bike on my own to be the best thing for helping me deal with things. “Very quickly, I caught the bug and starting cycling about 100 miles in a day. “Fundraising seemed like the logical next step, and cycling the length of the country seemed like a big enough challenge and something that would catch people's attention.” CHARITY SAMH seemed the logical choice to donate to and Lewis believes that the work being done is fundamental to smashing the stigma towards
Lewis is full of admiration for what the charity does, he adds: “We collected money at my Brothers funeral and my mum decided to donate to SAMH. “I then started hearing their radio campaigns and seeing their adverts about raising awareness of mental health and suicide and I was really impressed. “Also, as Scotland's main mental health charity, I believed that they would be able to put any money raised to the best use possible.” He continues: “Their work in raising awareness about mental health in brilliant. “Not enough people are willing to speak about their mental health, while being happy to speak about their physical health, and so getting people speaking about it is really important.
“While I've not sought any help from SAMH for myself, I have asked for help on behalf of my Sister who has been struggling since my Brothers death. “They were really helpful and provided me with details of many meetings and organisations my Sister could go to.” AWARENESS Although awareness has increased in Scotland considerably, Lewis believes that this is only the start and much more needs to be done. He said: “I think SAMH are making a good start. “In terms of what more could be done, I think extra effort should be made by schools to educate their students about mental health. “Both my Brother and my friend went to my school and were only three years apart. “I think if we had been given talks about mental health and suicide, just as we had about drugs and sexual health, that it could have been a very different story.” Suicide remains to be a taboo subject but the recent ‘Two Too Many’ campaign really focused that everyone should not feel that it’s a topic not to be discussed and we should all be more open about how we are feeling.
In Scotland, two people die every day from Suicide.
Lewis believes that you need to find someone who you can trust and let them know what you are currently going through – it may just be that by talking about it, your decision may be swayed when you realize that you aren’t on your own and support is out there.
Lewis hopes that the money raised through the Cycle will help to make a difference, he adds: “I hope that more support will be given to those experiencing mental health difficulties. “From what I have seen of the NHS services, I don't believe there is enough money spent in this area and this is why charities like SAMH are so important. “Also, any money spent raising awareness will be money well spent, subjects like suicide need to stop being considered taboo.” With the cycle complete now, Lewis can reflect on what challenges it brought: “The weather. “Cycling 100 miles in calm conditions is a completely different challenge to cycling 100 miles in wind and rain. “On the second day,
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cycling through the highlands, I had the wind in my face for about 70 miles and it was pouring with rain. “I was cycling for nearly 14 hours that day and was completely exhausted by the time I reached my B&B.”
Although for the most part this was an independent challenge and in it’s self that is difficult but at the start Lewis had some moral support on the road: “After asking almost everyone I could, no one was keen to cycle with me (probably quite understandably). “My friend did however agree to cycle the first 3 days with me (John O'Groats to Home). “He didn't train once beforehand, and so had to catch the train after about 45 miles into the first two days. “He did manage the last day however. “The last 7 days of cycling, I was entirely on my own.”
nario for Lewis who trained hard before the rigorous journey began. He adds: “Preparing physically obviously meant many hours on my bike, but I didn't do nearly enough training. “I had only cycled over 100 miles in a day twice in my life before I started JOGLE. “As far as preparing emotionally, I was of course really motivated by all the donations. “Even with that motivation, in the weeks running up to starting I was really, really dreading it, but I didn't really have a choice. “I was constantly receiving donations on my justgiving page while I was on my cycle, and when I checked my phone and seen the messages from those who donated, often people I didn't even know, it really spurred me on. “Once people part with their hard earned cash for you to achieve something, you really don't want to let them down.”
Preparation and training on the otherhand was a different sce-
Lewis had support with donations but also from family and friends who
ON HIS OWN
encouraged the trip – with his parents even travelling down to Lands End to pick him up at the end. All that time on the road helped Lewis to see a different view of the county after ten long days on the road. He continues: “Cycling definitely gives you a different view of things, you have more time to take in the sights and you don't travel on the long and boring motorways. “Cycling through the highlands, aside from the wind and rain, was fantastic. “Cycling over the Forth Road Bridge was also a highlight, along with the Severn Bridge. “Climbing Shap was really cool, I was cycling in the clouds for a good few miles.” It’s back down to earth now though for Lewis hasn’t ruled out challenges in the future, he continues: “You get a real buzz
from doing something like this, but I don't want to even think about getting on a bike for a good few months. Maybe, I'll take up a new sport.”
Holly McCormack
donate here http://www.justgiving.com/LewisJOGLE
scott ish Me ntal h eal ch
anGin th art G perc s eption and pr s, supp oMotin ortinG G cha nGe. art Jo r d a n Phillips l o o ks a head to this ye ars fes tival. THE Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival is an annual Scottish festival which takes place throughout the month of October. The festival takes a positive stance on mental health, celebrating artistic achievements by those who have had experience with mental health issues, showcasing audiences with innovative and creative work. In conjunction with a wide array of mental health organisations, arts bodies, community groups and artists, the festival aims to challenge mental health stigma and endorse social change. This Year’s Festival The theme of this year’s festival is ‘reality’. 2013’s festival will explore the concept of reality and what it means to different people and artists. The festival co-ordinators promise this year to be the biggest and best so far, with almost 300 events all across Scotland. Now one of the biggest social justice festivals in the world, The Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival has an impressive catalogue of artistic events, exhibitions, and performances which promote change and help to de-stigmatise mental health issues. The festival spans all across Scotland, including: Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Lothians, East Dunbartonshire, Inverclyde, Perth and Kinross, Fife, Dundee, Aberdeen, Moray, Highlands and Islands, Ayrshire and Arran, and more.
This Year’s Recommendations ‘Tiger’: Tiger is the story of a family who have ceased to function; a girl who longs for someone to play with, a mother who has forgotten what it’s like to go outside and a father obsessed with success. A family whose everyday world is turned upside down when a tiger comes to stay. Chaotic, dangerous and an awful lot of fun, their guest slowly makes them remember what it is they love about one another. Sometimes everyone needs a tiger in their lives. (Showing at various locations including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverclyde. See brochure for full details. 14+). ‘Silver Linings Playbook’: In this Oscar-winning comedy drama, Pat (Bradley Cooper) is released from a court-ordered stay at a mental health institution and moves back in with his parents (played by Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver). He meets troubled young woman Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) who agrees to help him win back his wife. Mon 14 Oct, 7.30 - 9:40pm The Waterfront Cinema 10 Custom House Way Greenock PA15 1EG £2 (2 for 1 voucher with Greenock Telegraph) Booking: 01475 732 201) ‘The Reflective, the Troubled and the Downright Manic’: A delightfully spiced cocktail of theatre, music and poetry, including excerpts from Neil Simon’s dark comedy ‘The
& filM
Prisoner of Second Avenue’; extracts from ‘The Open Book’ by Jackie Proctor and performances by contemporary poets. Sat 12 Oct 7.30 - 9.30pm Soutar Theatre A K Bell Library, York Place Perth PH2 8EP £7 / £5 Booking: Jackie Proctor 01738 850 888 jackieproctor2@gmail.com) ‘The Whispering Shadows’: Explore the reality of being a young person living with mental health issues, and hear the many fascinating and frightening voices that are a central part of their lives in this engaging one act play. Discussion and light refreshments after the show. Thu 3 - Sat 5 Oct 7 - 9pm Grassmarket Community Project 86 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QA £5 / £3 Booking: 07920111480 ana.cabrera@edinburgh.gov.u k or nerato@hotmail.co.uk).
‘Feelgood Buskfest’: Sometimes all it takes is a good tune! For one afternoon, Elgin will be transformed by the sights and sounds of our buskers and street artists bringing the feelgood factor to Moray and raising awareness of mental health and local mental health charities. If you would like to take part, get in touch with the festival organisers.
festiv al
Sat 5 Oct 11am -4pm Elgin Plainstones Town Centre including surrounding streets and St Giles Shopping Centre High Street, Elgin IV30 1EA Free / No booking required. Information: emmablyth@me.com) ‘Mess’: China Plate’s acclaimed play confronting the big (and the extremely tiny) issues around anorexia. Mess will be accompanied by a multi-arts exhibition of visual art and digital stories created to highlight and increase awareness of the impact of eating disorders on individuals and families. Fri 25 Oct 7.30 - 8.45pm (Performance) 6 - 9:30pm (Exhibition) Motherwell Concert Hall, Civic Centre, Motherwell ML1 1AB Free / Booking required Booking: The Well-informed; Information Service 0800 073 0918; Information: 01236 703 44).
The next edition of Mental Matters will be released in Novemeber.
In the issue, a pick of some of the events across Scotland will be featured from the Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival.
de... i c i u s b ou t a k n i to th e M e ov o c d dr ut it. o b a talk o t t rtan o p M i it’s By Jamie Milligan I’VE not written in a while so forgive me if this article seems a bit rusty and, to an extent, forced. I have a severe mental health problem. I experience one of the most disabling illnesses known to man. Despite this, I'm currently enjoying my life and am hellbent on fulfilling every last one of my dreams and ambitions. However, what I'm about to write is a small insight into what someone with a mental health condition like mine will face on a daily basis. In fact, scratch that. Daily basis doesn't cover it. This is what those with a mental illness battle from minute to minute. I hope this will help more people understand the importance of speaking out and getting help. I've daydreamed about killing myself on multiple occasions. I've had vivid dreams about making a conscious decision of giving up, conceding defeat to this condition and saying goodbye to family and friends. I've woken up in cold sweats thinking: "Did that really happen?" I've left my mum in tears as I confided about my suicidal thoughts. It's utterly heartbreaking, but that's the nature of the
beast. Would I ever seriously plan it? Not in a month of Sundays. I'm too fond of life an far too defiant to give in. But that doesn't mean I haven't, in my darkest moments, thought things wouldn't be easier if I just put a gun in my mouth and pulled the trigger. This condition, my OCD, is the biggest, most prominent aspect in my life. It is a constant threat. It is like a screaming child, constantly nagging me for attention. I haven't switched off completely in about three and half years ever since these symptoms began. I can't given the severity of the threat. No matter what I do, no matter where I go, the most prominent thought in mind is always centered on controlling this illness. It has sapped so much energy and enjoyment out of my life over the years that I genuinely don't know how I am still alive. I don't know where I found the strength to rise day after day under the clutch of this disease. I don't think i’ll ever know how I didn't do something drastic and attempt to take my own life. But, despite my weak moments, the
thought never seriously crossed my mind. Others aren't so lucky. At the start of the month it was National Suicide Prevention Week. Suicide kills more young men than anything else in this country. In a developed country like ours that is frightening and truly shameful. I don't know the horrors of suicide personally, but I do know the devastating effect it can have on a family having watched from afar as my mum's workmate failed to come to terms with the suicide of her young son who was in the grips of depression. Her life is ruined. She will never be the same. It's incomprehensible to us, but this is a theme for families on a daily basis throughout the UK. I'm very fortunate that I'm strong enough to bounce back from the depths of mental illness. Others aren't so lucky. Tonight more young people with their entire lives ahead of them will make a decision to end their lives prematurely. I don't know about you, but that thought will keep me awake tonight. Talk about it. Smash the stigma.
Name:
re
Colin Barras s-Brough
A ge: 5 7
Location: D udley, UK Occupation :
Unemployed
Diagnosis: S chizophren
ia
When did y ou start to experience later result symptoms w ed in your d hich iagnosis? 1 980 (summer )
Everyone may experience an illness differently, what was it like for you? It was not conventional paranoid schizophrenia (although that was the diagnosis) as I was not fearful and did not think anyone was 'out to get me'. The first real difficulty I had was with sleep disturbance: I was not sleeping at night and because I was nodding off in the daytime I had to stop going to work. I used to (almost) have conversations with the radio, that is I thought presenters on the radio were repeating or referring to things I said (given that I used to chatter 'to myself' even though I was alone in my house). I used to enjoy these 'conversations'. I also had a greatly enhanced appreciation of music. Knowing what I now know I'm sure there were (and have been since) elements of mania in my presentation. Stigma towards mental illness has improved but when you were first diagnosed - were you scared or perhaps ashamed to tell people? Or did people find out and have perhaps preconceptions? I had one close friend at the time and he knew all about the diagnosis I was given, and neither of us had a problem with the diagnosis as such. However I was ashamed to tell people at work and all they got to know was that difficulty with sleep was keeping me off work (month after month, in fact). What was the most problematic thing to deal with at that time? Sleep disturbance was the major practical problem I noticed, but looking back I can now see that spending hours (most of my time in fact) lying on a settee 'talking' to the radio was an unproductive use of my time.
even though I never went in). I also lost the single close friend I mentioned, because I was absolutely unable to maintain a conversation, my mind was so empty. Did you spend time in hospital? If so, what was that like and did you think it was helpful? I spent three months in hospital from November 1980 with increasing amounts of weekend leave towards the end (on a Section). I felt at the time and still feel the compulsory treatment, including the hospitalisation, was draconian and made matters worse (contributing to my ceasing to work). How many different treatment plans have you undertook? Have you tried a range of difference medicines/therapy? I have only ever had treatment by medication (plus hospitalisation and attempts to make me more sociable when I was in hospital) but I have been on numerous different drugs. The first summer all manner of different tablets were tried but since then many different long-acting injections have been used. What do you think helps to maintain good mental health for you now? I have to say despite my previous experience I think the drug I am now on is essential in preventing a relapse. I am now on the minimum prescribable dose of Risperdal Consta injection and can see the benefit it does me. Drugs have steadily improved over the years, with many fewer side-effects these days. What have you been able to do with your life now in recovery that you struggled with when at your most ill? I refused medication from late 2003 for a number of years and this meant that I ceased to be unmotivated. Out of being more involved in life and having more to say to people I got married. Following hospitalisation over the winter of 2010-2011 I got onto my present medication and now still have an interest in life but am not foolishly overactive and wasteful. Basically out of events of the past 10 years I now have a family life which either with the illness or with excessive medication I could not have had.
How did it affect work/relationships/education?
The diagnosis you were given has a lot of stigma attached towards it - do you think that has changed for the better within the last 30 years?
I stopped going to work and when I was put (by compulsion) on a rĂŠgime of injections they affected me so powerfully (making me restless and totally zeroing motivation) that I was unable ever to return to work. I resigned from my job a year after being discharged from hospital (and work had been good in paying me half wages in that year
I get the impression there is less stigma in 'Society' than there used to be but I have always found personal friends to be very understanding, from the very start right up to my wife's family now (I have no brothers or sisters myself). I don't know if it would be easier for me now to explain myself to work colleagues (if I were at work) any
re u t a e yf r e v o ec
w o s i in h
. . . s d r n wo
more than in 1980. Possibly it would. Is there anything you would like to add? What more can be done? I think the campaign to get people talking more about mental illness - perhaps I should say mental health - is excellent, and this includes hoping people will talk to people undergoing mental distress - ask them how they are doing, for example - as isolation and low mood can be major problems. At your lowest point, did you ever consider or attempt suicide? Did you feel there is no way out? Medication I was on in the 1980s made me so low and my life was so empty (this combined with anxiety) that I did attempt suicide. But I'm sure it was an effect of the medication which the psychiatrist unsympathetically insisted on. If applicable - what would you say back to that person now having enjoyed recovery now for some time? I would say be stronger in explaining problems with the treatment - the drug treatment in my case - to anyone implicated in taking decisions on the treatment. Having said that, too much antipsychotic medication can itself reduce one's ability to explain oneself or speak convincingly. How long would you advise that you have felt stable and 'in recovery'? I suppose I have been in recovery since leaving hospital in May 2011, or in fact since say a month earlier than that. However when I was first discharged I was on a higher dosage of Risperdal which while nowhere near as bad as medication I have had in the past was not ideal. I think I have been in 'happy recovery' or 'willing recovery' since about the start of 2012. Is there any advice for anyone you have about perhaps being in recovery but being aware of the danger signs towards their own mental health? I would say it is vital to avoid too much isolation and underactivity, while at the same time avoiding too much ac tivity which might cause stress or 'overstimulation'. Personally I think friendships over the internet are a very helpful way of steering a middle course. I think having something practical to do in the daytime some days of the week at least is helpful. Even though some people in mental distress are unable to work and soon relapse if they try, others could benefit by taking on some productive work through which they earn money. Or - and this suits many people who are more thoughtful than the av erage - a course of study is an option.
What I think is that things are gradually getting better in mental healthcare - given that funding is sometimes less than it might be - and patients are certainly much better treated than they were in decades past.
Holly McCormack
tacklinG stiGMa head on... katy Gray opens up about ‘still here’ MaGazine
for some reason, I always seem to get my best ideas when I’m ill. One miserable April evening when I was suffering with a nasty cold, I suddenly had the idea to create a magazine around my diagnosis of Schizophrenia. Despite there being several mental health magazines out there, there were no UK-based ones that centred on schizophrenia. I turned my laptop on immediately, and in four days of almost manic energy, I completed the first issue, created a website and published Issue 1 of Still Here magazine. Since then, I have created two more issues, although both were over a period of a month rather than four days! It’s been both fun and challenging to keep going with the magazine, especially during times when my motivation and concentration levels were very low. There have already been times when I have thought about stopping the magazine, but then I receive lovely comments through Twitter that inspire me to keep going. Still Here is primarily about schizophrenia, but discusses other mental health problems too. I also try to vary the contributors, so that the magazine features a wide variety of work by service-users, carers and professionals alike. In the last issue, I featured work by David Holloway, Georgina Wakefield and Stuart Sorensen. David Holloway has schizophrenia, Georgina Wakefield cares for her son who has schizophrenia, and Stuart Sorensen works in mental health. The support I receive is amazing, especially as I know all too well about the difficulties of reading when struggling with your mental health. Without the support, I don’t think I would have gotten this far. And while it’s never good to hear from someone who has a child suffering with schizophrenia, it’s so inspiring to receive a comment saying that they have been given hope by the stories in the magazine. It sounds cheesy, but it really does make it all worthwhile to help even one person.
Still Here is available to read online for free at www.stillheremagazine.com and the magazine’s Twitter account is @StillHereMag. My personal Twitter account is @SchizophrenicGB. While I write under a pen name, I am hoping the stigma that is so fierce around Schizophrenia will die soon down enough for me to feel safe enough to reveal my identity. I’m not an axe-wielding murderer, nor am I a danger to anyone around me. I just have an illness that separated me from reality. I am in recovery now thankfully, and while I stay well (which will hopefully be permanent!), I try as hard as I can to help others with this awful illness. Time will tell how well I’ll do, but as long as my motivation survives, I know I can keep going!
katy Gray
Murray Ma dness: anot her box tic ked... coMMent on how sportinG achieveMent has benefited My Mental health. i’ve never really wanted this magazine to just be about me but felt the need to share something positive with you all. Sport is a huge passion of mine and no matter how low I’m normally feeling, there always seems to be a little glimmer of hope when it comes to sport. The last year has been such a whirlwind for me in many different ways. The Olympics is the pinnacle of any Sporting calendar. As a child, it was always my ambition to be a successful athlete. My events of choice were the hurdles and 100m sprint. I never quite made the elusive step from amateur athletics to the top of the sport. I accepted that, moved on and decided to work in Sports journalism instead. Football and Tennis dominate my daily talking points, as well as trying to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide. In the past year, I had the absolute pleasure of witnessing my football team win the Scottish League Cup. As a stand alone event it brought me sheer pleasure. I had been inpatient the week before with a bad episode of depression. The event its self wasn’t going to uplift me out of that, at times I thought about not even going. Retrospectively, I’m glad I did go because even though I maybe didn’t appreciate it at the time, I will look back on the memory when I’m in a better place and count my blessings that I was there that day. The same can be said about Andy Murray and I guess, I just wanted to dedicate space in the magazine to thank him also. I’ve supported him from the early days as a Junior when he lifted the US Open. I instantly liked Andy and for the past decade or so have felt a bond with him. I’ve met him whilst covering Tennis events in Scotland and can also say what a nice and down to
earth guy he is. All this aside, it’s been a hat-trick of heart in the mouth moments in the past year. Olympic Gold was the catalyst on what was to be a successful year. Just a month after the disappointment of losing the Wimbledon final to Roger Federer, Andy dug deep and ousted the Swiss maestro in a straight sets victory. Impressive, it may have gone some way also in helping the incredible disappointment felt after the SW19 tournament. In addition, he took Silver in the doubles event with Laura Robson, a boost for her and more silverware for his ever-increasing collection. All the time this was great for the nation and Andy himself, it was also doing me the world of good. Another event that I could tick off my list, another sporting want that I so craved in my lifetime. In the scheme of things his victory was nothing to do with me but his victory was everything with how do with how I felt. Having an ‘idol’ that I could look up to was something to get me going every day. It may not sound much but we all have the little things in life that benefit our mental health. For some, it is music, perhaps computer games but for me it’s Andy. In September last year, I again travelled to the town of Dunblane to watch my second grand slam final in the surrounds of those who truly identify with this man. Every single person in the pub, bursting to the rafters, was there with a common goal, to support a hero. We all wanted to see our man do what a British man hadn’t in over 70 years – win a Grand Slam. It was an exhilarating night packed with lots of Irn Bru, trepidation and bags of emotion. After about five hours though, Andy was victorious in New York and just what it meant to me and everyone else was something else.
My emotion leaked out on to several news wires as I told the world just how proud I was and what it meant to me. At that moment, I felt I had to share my euphoria with everyone and anyone who would listen. Last month, it just epitomised all the constant hope, support and belief that he would surpass the doubters and win Wimbledon. Having won both the Olympic Gold and US Open they acted as a cushion for him to take that one leap further. I was on holiday in Lanzarote and no doubt looked out of place draped in my Saltire. I sat in front of the biggest screen I could find, rounded up a few Tennis fans and really enjoyed a special moment of history. I’d have loved to be in the ground of SW19 for it and had I been at hope perhaps I’d have gone back to Dunblane to enjoy with all my other passionate Murray friends. It doesn’t really matter if you don’t like football or tennis. I don’t like a lot of things. What I think it is important though is that we try to cherish and grab hold to the things that do matter, that increase our sense of enjoyment on a day to day basis. No game of sport or good book is ever going to be a cure for a mental illness, but taking the time to try and enjoy these small snippets of life has huge benefits on our mental health. All I’m trying to say is grab hold of the good times and try not to pass them by, at our worst we may not truly appreciate what has just happened but it is not to say we never will.
holly MccorMack
opinion piece:
“katie hopkins brands kelly brook a 'chubster' I DON’T know if you have noticed the business woman Katie Hopkins' antics in the Media of late - above is her opinion on the actress-model Kelly Brook. - Her notions of class distinction were aired on ‘This Morning’ daytime TV show and have generated over 12 million views on You Tube: (Transcript from the This Morning Interview which was highly contenious) Holly Willoughby: So what is it you can tell from a name Katie? Katie Hopkins: I think you can tell a great deal from a name. You know for me there are certain names that I hear, and I hear them and I think ooohweh! It's associated … ultimately it comes down to the mum or the dad because ultimately they are the ones that gave them, the child, the name. But when I hear screeched across the playground, you know, 'Tyler! Come back here!' You know it's that, it's thats … the Tylers, the Charmaines, the Chantelles, the Chardonnays. Phillip Schofield: And has no-one shouted out 'Esme come back here!'? Katie Hopkins: I don't hear that so much. Nor do I hear 'Iliana trot back here.' You know you don't hear that do you? But you hear 'Tyler come 'ere!' And for me that summarise [sic] everything. A name for me is a shortcut. It's a really efficient way of working out - what class does that child come from? Do I want my children to play with them? Holly Willoughby: And why would you? What say … say if you then, from that do you go 'well they're in a lower class than I am' why do you not want your child to be …? Katie Hopkins: Because associated with that … it isn't just about class Hollz. It's about the fact that they probably haven't done their homework. When my daughter comes home from school she'll say 'Ah Tyler
was a real pain today' - let's say - 'because he threw his books across the class the teacher had to lose her patience'. There's a whole set of things that go with children like that, that are quite a disruptive influence in school, and that's why I don't like those kind of children. Phillip Schofield: But Monty and Iliana can still be nasty, self-centred airheads, can't they? Katie Hopkins: I tend to think that children that have intelligent names tend to have fairly intelligent parents, and they make much better playdates for my children”.
CONTROVERSIAL Another example of Ms Hopkins' controversial views, published in The Sun newspaper, is the statement “I bet I’m also not the only one who thinks that if you are obese, you should eat less, move more and lose weight.” We possibly all know people who make similar strong statements and who would argue that they are entitled to air their opinions; which of course they are - otherwise they would not be able to do so. Society has a history of it; consider this more stylish quote attributed to the author James Joyce: I shall write a book some day about the appropriateness of names. Geoffrey Chaucer has a ribald ring, as is proper and correct, and Alexander Pope was inevitably Alexander Pope. Colley Cibber was a silly little man without much elegance and Shelley was very Percy and very Bysshe.
CELEB CULTURE Evidently many people are entertained or fascinated when 'celebrities' shockingly classify others as other, or are classified themselves. Is there any harm in it? Let's consider a more positive sort of classification, that of poor health by health profes-
sionals. Undoubtedly, there is a need to accurately describe groups of symptoms and diagnose and label them in order to ensure that we receive the correct treatment or medication for any of our health conditions. We need to be sure that throughout the period of those illnesses, regardless of a change in symptoms or health professionals, the ailments and any changes are readily recognised and treated appropriately.
LABELS CAN BE NEEDED To facilitate the best treatment of poor mental health the UK uses The World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases (ICD) Bluebook; the next edition ICD 11- is expected in 2015; and the USA uses the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) the latest issue of which - DSM 5- was released in May, 2013. The information contained in the current issue of each is regularly updated by professionals, as research reveals new insights. While there is always debate around various aspects of the publications, that debate is centred on providing the best service for patients. We all benefit from the provision of those services whether through people we care about or when we ourselves tap into that support at some point in our lives. So no harm intended there. The people are not labelled, just the symptoms. Bruce G. Link of Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute together with Jo C. Plan, also of Columbia University, have produced a research Paper “On Stigma and its Public Health Implications”. They noted that:
A third feature of the stigma process occurs when social labels connote a separation of “us” from “them” ... For
labels & attitudes
'” - we appreciate your honesty katie! example the linking of labels to undesirable attributes — become the rationale for believing that negatively labeled persons are fundamentally different from those who don’t share the label — different types of people. In the extreme, the stigmatised person is thought to be so different from “us” as to be not really human. And again, in the extreme, all manner of horrific treatment of “them” becomes possible. Consider then, what are the effects of widely publicised, shocking statements on people we care about, or us? Do we all feel supported by the statements or feel safer for them? What happened when people called Tyler attended school, went to work, or met their neighbours after that programme was aired in early July? Maybe it made no difference to some, while others dreaded even the thought of it. Maybe some were bullied at school and others were seen to, or did, behave badly because of the negative attention. Some people with the name Tyler may have been stigmatised. How do we feel about the strong potential for people being seen just as they have been labelled, perhaps ostracised and made to feel miserable?
LABELS Is labelling of people an efficient shortcut for decision-making? As each one of us is a unique combination of skills, strengths, talents and personality, and all judgement is subjective, it appears not. It is of course normal to sometimes make snap judgements of people but we are still harnessing the complex psychological processes of our conscious and sub-concious minds when we make decisions in that way. Depending on another's judgements, never mind publicised, controversial judgement (which may just have been promoted to boost viewing figures or create a partisan impression in the public psyche for some selfish benefit) must be fraught with danger. You might agree that the author Philip
Guedalla well emphasised the power of branding people when he wrote “Any stigma, as the old saying is, will serve to beat a dogma.” It could be argued that since the quoted This Morning programme had audience feedback, which indicated that only around 10 percent of viewers agreed with Katie Hopkins, that it had stimulated debate and so put the blemish on people's characters in perspective, with minimal harm to them. Without a survey of the population targeted by extreme statements that would, of course, be guesswork however G. Link and Jo C. Plan noted the following:
WHAT DRIVES STIGMA? Stigma is entirely dependent on social, economic and political power – it takes power to stigmatize. In some instances the role of power is obvious. However, the role of power in stigma is frequently overlooked because in many instances power differences are so taken for granted as to seem unproblematic. When people think of mental illness, obesity, deafness, and having one leg instead of two, there is a tendency to focus on the attributes associated with these conditions rather on power differences between people who have them and people who do not. But power, even in these circumstances, is essential to the social production of stigma.. Interestingly, in 2013 alone, This Morning won both the National Television Awards category of Best Daytime Programme (winners of this award are chosen by the viewing public) and the TRIC (Television and Radio Industries Club) Awards category of Best TV Daytime Programme. The people targeted in the above quoted This Morning interview were children. Do we as Society wish to risk undermining anyone's natural self assurance? How many of us are ready or equipped to resist the power of repe-
tition? Can you imagine how it must feel; all your natural gifts, talents and valuable ideas suddenly becoming invisible and in their stead negative connotations are being reinforced and enforced daily? Can you imagine the tragic spoiling of your identity for the sake of public entertainment?
OWN PERCEPTIONS So what can we do about behaviour which stigmatises people and can strip them of their dignity? I suppose that an effective response might be to not to return like for like. It seems that Katie Hopkins' has (understandably) drawn much vitriolic comment against her personally. Rather than commenting ourselves on her personality we might choose to stigmatise stigmatising behaviour. A person's actions fluctuate over time, just as someone's health status fluctuates over time. We are not our symptoms; we present with symptoms. So stigmatising noone, not even those who for a time choose unhealthy, harmful behaviours, seems a way forward; since in that way rather than fuel the stigmatising process we halt its progress. Naturally, kindness commands that we also do our best to support those who are the victims of stigma, and that we appreciate the dangers inherent in the honesty of Katie Hopkins and others.
Written by Fiona McBride
no substitute for life... A FED up friend decided to turn the constant feeling of loss and sorrow from losing friends to suicide into an annual suicide awareness day. Paul Cardona is the driving force behind the ‘No substitute for life’ event that takes place every June in Ferguslie Park, Paisley. On June 30th 2013, 22 seven a-side football teams came together to take part in the event that aimed to knock down the barriers surrounding talking about suicide. The event was co-ordinated by Choose Life which are Scotland’s anti-suicide charity and they aim to promote awareness and ensuring people talk about their feeling and don’t hold back their emotions. Several other organisations attended
on the day including the Samaritans, First Crisis and Breathing Space. Activities were also on hand for people attending on the day from massages to engaging a little exercise. Suicide still remains a taboo subject to talk about especially amongst men and this event hoped to combine football with the serious message of suicide. The football tournament was eventually contested in the final by teams Lucy’s Angels and Bobby Dazzlers and it was the Bobby Dazzlers who came from behind to take the trophy. Rosemary Mullen who was as a co-coordinator for Choose Life had this to say about the event: “We work to try and reduce suicide in Scotland.
“Today is about aiming to create a suicide safe community and reminding people that there is help out there for them if they are feeling suicidal or to remember someone they have lost to suicide. This year was the second year of the event and those who have lost someone to suicide have led it and they want to make a difference. “Paul Cardona approached us last year when we had a memorial tree ceremony and he said that he wanted to do something was fed up going to friends funerals who had died by suicide – and felt a five a side tournament would be a good thing to start. “Last year, the event was incredibly successful and reached about 500600 people. “It was five a side but this year it’s been seven a side football being played by 22 teams.”
local coMMunity inspires people to Get talkinG about suicide! third year. The main focus behind the event and combining it was football is explained further by Rosemary who said: “We are really keen to engage men as 75% of completed suicides are men and football is a great way of getting men engaged – although it’s been brilliant to see women taking part too. My colleague Lisa Jane Aiken has been involved heavily in this project and this has been a working group initiative. “It has involved many in the community who have lost someone to suicide and together this event has been created.” ‘No substitute for life’ has been a success for those taking part and also the organisations who teamed up to organise and the hope is that next year it will expand and develop into a
However, Choose Life are also involved in other projects throughout the year which aim to raise understanding in society about suicide and the awareness that this is a subject that is okay to talk about, Rosemary continues: “In January each year we have a memorial tree service in Renfrewshire which takes place outside the council offices and throughout the year we provide free training. “The training available is ASSIST and that’s available for anyone to engage with – please just phone us and get in touch. “Many events take place throughout suicide prevention week in September each year.” Lisa Jane Aiken commented: “Would like people to leave this event
and be more able to talk about suicide and also find more resources to help them.”
Holly McCormack
watch video roundup of the day here:
http://www.youtube.coM/w atch?v=fyroQzbwxiG
#twotoomany
scottish Mental health news OCTOBER is a big month for Mental Health in Scotland and as we have already previewed in this edition of the magazine there is of course, the Scottish Mental Health Film & Arts Festival. A huge variety of events will look at film, interpret art, look at dance or challenge stigma on a grand scale. One of the interesting events which has been listed is imagery that will challenge perceptions about mental health at train stations including Paisley Gilmour Street. If you are about and about and take part in the festival, we would love to receive pictures or a brief summary on the event you attended for next month. Let’s get Scotland talking about mental health.
OCTOBER 10TH Is world mental health day. A day celebrated across the world that aims to raise awareness of mental health to all. Many different organizations will be doing something on this day. I’ll certainly be active on twitter talking about mental health and hoping others will join in. One of the main themes for world mental health day this year is ‘Tea and Talk.” In simple terms, stick on the kettle and get talking to family and friends about important things. Remember, it’s good to talk and it doesn’t always need to be serious but nobody is going to judge you or think badly if you need to get things off your chest – we all do. I take two sugars and lots of milk…
SAMH have launched their ‘Open Up’ campaign which continues on the themes of talking to others about your mental health. It really is ok to start a conversation about it. Further details about the campaign are available on their website www.samh.org.uk Mental Matters also has a website - www.mentalmatters.co.uk - all editions of the magazine are available to download and from early October interactive features such as video will be added too. Have a look - especially as Jamie Milligan explores OCD with a personal video diary!
letter to the editor Follow us on Twitter: @Mental_Matters THREE years ago I was diagnosed as having “Dysthymia” which is a mild but long-term form of depression. I was diagnosed this by a psychiatrist after I’d seen my GP, put on my first “happy pills” and had six weeks of primary care counselling, all because a few months earlier all I could see was “black”, the end, not worth carrying on etc etc. Apparently I had suffered a “double-dip” depression which Dysthymia sufferers can have and I needed help. Subsequently, I was offered various mood-management courses until I went on a 26 week counselling session with MIND, which was excellent. The counselling helped me understand the Dysthymia started when I was around 5/6 so I’ve had it for over 40 years, but didn’t uncover why I had the double-dip and wanted to die so I’ll just have to live with the fact that bad things do happen and get on with it.
My “Black Angel” still walks with me and to be honest, I’m ok with that after all it’s all I’ve ever known – you get used to being called Victor Meldrew and Mr. Grumpy – I just keep taking the meds to hopefully keep ahead of the utter despair I felt a few years ago. I am aware that my recovery is ongoing and will always be the case, after all it took 40+ plus years to finally wear me down so it’s not going to go overnight.
I must admit I find all this a little ironic, as I used to be a Samaritan so I have seen the problem from different angles and it is because of this I chose not to hide my problem from anyone. I’ve lost a few “friends” because of it and I have gained a few, but my main aim was to give other people who may feel the same way, somebody to talk to about it, I like to think I’ve helped a few out along the way and hopefully will continue to do so.
Wayne McFadden, North Wales.
************** Please send any emails to holly@mentalmatters.co.uk - talk about issues affecting you, stories of recovery or anything you find relevant to Mental Matters.
If you would like to contribute to the next issue then please get in touch. Also, if you wish to be involved in writing for the magazine regularly then equally I’d love to hear from you.
poetry
Reflection By Y. Docherty Another day for you to wonder, another day for you to mourn It wasn't my intention to go before the coming dawn My pain was deep within my heart and troubled head It wasn't my intention to go without words said.
My fame of mind seemed normal, or so I heard them say It wasn't my intention not to see another day I did not mean to make you suffer or cause you so much pain It wasn't my intention to never see you again.
Despair and confusion left my aching mind unsure It wasn't my intention to suddenly close life's door If only I could give you reasons and brush the tears away It wasn't my intention to leave and not stay.
I did not mean for you to grieve, now left alone to cry It wasn't my intention to leave you, forever asking why As the burdens of life's worries slowly ebb from my heart It wasn't my intention to tear your soul apart **This is the poem cited in in the No Sub for Life YouTube video - read on the day and provoking thought about sucide**