Mental
Matters
overy c e r t u o b alk a t o t e m i t It’s
ts n e t n o C
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4 Mind Media Awards
rial o t i d E WHO would have thought that November would creep up so quickly on us all? It’s a stressful time of year for many especially those with mental illness - a time for sticking by each other! It’s been an exciting time for the magazine as we continue to develop. I can’t thank everyone enough who has contributed to Mental Matters and urge anyone who would like to,
please get in touch. This issue will focus primarily on themes of student mental health and also review some performanc es from the Scottish Mental Health & Arts festival.
1.Nulla vestibulum 6 cycling for charity eleifend nulla. 10 recovery feature Suspendisse potenti. 14 student mh 2.Aliquam turpis nisi, venenatis 15 battling ocd non,
The magazine has also set up AudioBoo and YouTube accounts and we will be producing videos and audio to supplement the mag.
November awas lso is the month for the Mind Media Unfortunate Awards. It’s ly - I couldn’t great to have make it all won and I round wish all the Scotland on nominees the my own but very best in all I did see future and projects participate in . Mental made me health proud to be matters. Scottish and also part of Holly the mental McCormack health community.
15 smhaff festival pullout 28 editors opinion 29 ruminations in mh 30 mh in the media 32 mind media WINNERS 33 letter to editor
This edition of mental matters
was
first
published on November 15th. It was edited and updated and released on December 3rd.
THANKS FOR READING
I can’t believe it…..Mind Media Award winner 2013
IT WAS a real honour to attend the Mind Media Awards in London last month. Having come down specifically for the event, I attended knowing that I was in good company with many journalists, programme makers and actors doing their best to smash the stigma involved in mental health and promote recovery throughout their programmes.
nuity, articles and quality but that will only come with continuing to work hard and make mental health a topical issue in Scotland. The struggle I face with realising the success I've had lately is partly due to my own illness.
I remain very critical of myself and find hard to take positives but with therapy I continue to work on myself but I'm Nominated in the Student Journalist happy that I have achieved something category, I faced competition from can- by winning the award. For once, I'm didates across the United Kingdom. The proud of myself and that's ok. awards were presented by Scott Mills this years and like everyone else nomiThe most rewarding part for me was nated in the many categories, I sat sharing the award with my mental there nervous. health team who have never wavered in their belief in my abilities. I owe everyNever before have I attended an event one who has been involved in my care like the Mind Media Awards and an im- as a 'service user' a great deal, I continpressive array of stars littered the seats. ue to as my journey in recovery is still I'm proud of how far everyone has come ongoing but the important thing is it recently in doing their bit to promote moves in the right direction. awareness. Shows like Casualty, Homeland, The Village were all nominated as Also – the joy and congratulations from well as inspirational individuals like lecturers in the Journalism department Jon Richardson, Stephen Fry and Cath- at the University of the West of Scoterine Nye. land. George Adam MSP also placed a parliamentary motion to congratulate Winning the award was beyond my exthe award – another great honour. I pectations and although many people thank you all for supporting me and tell me that I'm a worthy winner, believing me. Finally, this journey is not they've been blown away by this maga- finished and thanks to my friends and zine before or whatever superlative gofamily for supporting me (and SAMH) – ing – it still takes a lot for me to take it it means more than you know. in and embrace the achievement. Holly McCormack Mental Matters is still improving and with every edition we seek more conti-
THE LAST edition of Mental Matters gave focus to Lewis Stevens and his JOGLE charity for the Scottish Association of Mental Health (SAMH). It seems that the popularity of Cycling is on the up and joining Lewis in the ranks for raising money for the Scottish Charity is Peter Harrison. Sir Chris Hoy is proving to be a profitable role model both in increasing the participation of Cycling across Scotland but also as ambassador for SAMH – that can only be a good thing.
self. Passionate about supporting a mental health charity the decision was made and the training schedule moved up a few gears Away from the typical JOGLE rote, Peter aims to target an old route which will take him all across Scotland. The money being raised is for a Scottish Charity after all – so why not cover the beauty of our beautiful nation from Loch Lomond to Loch Ness. The journey starts also at the tip of the country in John O'Groats but finishes in Kirkmaiden just south of Stranraer.
More people are talking about mental health and as a student Peter appreciates the impact it can have on everyone. Backing a charity such as SAMH and raising awareness of mental-ill health is a positive and Peter explains his reasons at choosing the charity he did for the venture.
He said: “Many of my friends and colleagues suffer from various mental health illnesses. “Some quite mild, some very severe - I've always supported them and any charities that help those suffering or Mental health and exercise tackle the stigma. have their links and whilst “I recently had my first ever getting on a bike is not gopanic attack and it was terriing to cure a mental illness, fying. it will benefit your mental “I'm not generally anxious health and that's crucial. It and I feel my attack was is important to remember A journey talked about brought on by a specific that everyone has mental by Scottish poets exevent (scared myself into a health – just like they have plains Peter yet no high- panic attack) but it was a physical health and taking profile charity drives real eye opener to experience small steps like going for a have been known to my own brain screwing up run or saddling up can have take this route. The pic- I struggled for a few weeks a positive impact on your turesque route will take after that then recovered. mental health. in the subtle scenery “But I have friends who have Scotland has to offer to live with panic attacks on Peter originates from Perthand avoid the drab pick- a regular basis, or they're shire and is currently studings the A9 typically depressed, or they've been ying evolutionary biology at offers those cycling suicidal. “When a friend was St Andrews University. The down the country. suicidal, I was looking online student was inspired by . for advice. both the trek of his girl“SAMH was the best website friend who is cycling from I found and I liked that tackLondon to Paris but also felt ling the stigma was as imit was time to crank his own portant an issue as cycling ambitions up a supporting those suffering notch and challenge him-
because of their mental health. “ I'm fortunate enough to have a fairly healthy brain, but I want others suffering with mental health to be taken as seriously as someone with a virus or an injury to a limb.”
– Peter hopes that through local publicity and many people supporting his aims that he'll raise more than that for the worthwhile charity.
Money raised will be put to good use by SAMH. Peter adds: Cycling has been a relatively “I trust SAMH to put the new challenge for Peter but money to good use. “I don't mind if it gets used one he is relishing as the training schedule increases. for a specific campaign or if it simply helps them keep Although physically fit, it'll doing what they're doing. be a while until the chal“I'm a strong supporter and lenge can go ahead. It will I just want to do my little be a solo trip with no supbit for SAMH. port and Peter hopes to “I'd be equally happy if the complete within three days money to went a stigma– taking in around 160 tackling campaign or miles a day. helped an individual in a local community. It's all Peter states that this may progress.” not be much for a professional cyclist but it's a terrific feat for anyone working individually and without a team carrying around the supplies throughout the journey. Peter is prepared and will have cycled over 4000 miles before the challenge ensuring he is ready to complete the challenge when the times comes. The campaign now to raise money for the trip starts although it'll be next summer before Peter gets going on the bike. Although initial expectation is to raise £500
Through social media the impact of how many people are experiencing mental-ill health is becoming increasingly evident. The advent of Twitter allows people to connect and discuss openly their mental health and treatment plans. Peter has highlighted that at times, it can be seen that awareness has a long way to go and that's another reason he is backing SAMH on his cycle next summer. Next Summer, Mental Matters will catch up with Peter and his cycle but if you would like to show your support than visit his Just Giving page and pledge what you can – available at http://www.justgivin g.com/Scotland-endto-end
onald D c M Lara 1 Age: 2 n Fife essio ty r p e D Anxie osis: Diagn neralised e and G er d Disor
Recover y Feature
Everyone may experience an illness differently, what was it like for you? It was hard. Getting out of bed was a task. I went days, sometimes over a week without washing, getting changed or interacting with people. I spent weeks and weeks inside, scared to leave the house. Even thinking about going outside or doing something with a friend/family member was impossible. It brought on a fear, a fear of everything. What could happen, what someone could say, what I would say, what they would think of me, what I would do wrong. In a sense, it was easier to stay indoors and ignore the "real world" as much as possible. I've spent many days sleeping till 5pm and only getting up to self harm before going back to sleep again. Stigma towards mental illness has improved but when you were first diagnosed - were you scared or perhaps ashamed to tell people? I was very wary to tell people. I kept it from my family and friends for a good while. Eventually, my depression became worse and my close family noticed something was wrong, which was when I informed them of my diagnosis. My mother is very supportive. She's suffered from depression in the past, so she could relate a little to what I was feeling. My 18 year old sister wasn't so understanding, often calling me lazy and shouting at me for "doing nothing all day". I don't live with my father so it was easier for me to hide it from him. He only found out once I had to stay in hospital after self harming. It came as quite a shock to him because he wasn't aware of anything being wrong or me being unwell. What was the most problematic thing to deal with at that time? I guess for me it was very hard for me to continue studying and working. Depression takes your life from you, and I couldn't see the point in going to work or college because I honestly didn't believe I would be alive long enough to use what I was learning later in life. It felt like a waste of time and the very little energy I had.
How did it affect work/relationships/education? It affected my work greatly as I worked as a waitress in a very busy restaurant. When i first began to experience the anxiety I used to hide in the toilets and do breathing exercises to calm myself down, and when the depression hit I would cry before leaving and often self harm too. I eventually quit and took a more relaxed job as an au pair, but after four months I left as my depression was at its worst and I couldn't cope with it at all. I was also struggling being away from home as I au-paired in a different country. I would say it affected relationships in different way. It affected my relationship with friends greatly as I isolated myself and in return lost a number of friends. But, as they say, if they don't stick around when you're at your worst, they don't deserve to be there when you're at your best. My relationships with family members wasn't greatly affected once they were aware of what I was experiencing. They did their best to let me know they were there for me. I would say it had a slight effect on relationships of the romantic type. I was in a relationship when I was diagnosed, and I told my partner. They were very understanding and a fantastic support to me. The only way it was greatly affected was by the fact I was self harming very frequently and therefore I wouldn't even like to get changed in front of them, never mind anything else. It had a great effect on my education too. I quit college around the same time as my job as a waitress, because it was all too much for me. I really struggled with the fact that I was experiencing the things we discussed in class, as I was studying psychology. Although I know it to be untrue now, I felt like the whole class knew I had all of these issues and were secretly laughing at me. I returned to college this year for 2 mornings a week, and it felt good to get some routine back into my life. I hope to go to a full time college course this time next year. 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 last year and have been in recently. I have found it to be helpful as well as unhelpful. It's not a generally nice place to be; there are lots of people who are very unwell and sometimes this had an effect on me. For example, to see people walking around having self harmed would trigger me, or to overhear people taking about suicide would increase my own urges. I see the hospital as a place I'm safe. I don't want a lot from it other than that. I feel like the three months I was in last year wasn't helpful because I didn't want to get better. I was so stuck in the dark and I could see no way out at all. This time, I'm more positive and I'm accepting the help offered and trying my best. If you don't want to get better, you're not going to, whether you're in hospital or not. I'm working with the Doctors this time, rather than just taking what they gave me like last time. The main thing I took out of my time in hospital was my Occupational Therapist as I worked with her right up until my admission.
What do you think helps to maintain good mental health for you now? I have a list of things on my wall - "things that keep me well" and on the list is walking the dog, taking my medication, getting showered every day, having a routine, eating three meals a day, spending time with family, going to appointments, and seeing my OT. I know some of them sound really simple, but for me it's when the little things like not getting up at the same time every day, or not washing, when they start it tends to get worse and worse. Not showering turns into not getting changed, which turns into not leaving the house, which turns into staying inside, which leads to not leaving bed and then not eating and then sleeping all day as I'm exhausted. My appointments keep me well too. I see a CPN and OT weekly, GP monthly, psychiatrist 3 monthly. I'm also about to start working with a self harm recovery project. What have you been able to do with your life whilst now in recovery that you struggled with when at your most ill? The things I enjoy most is just the little things. Going to the shop without having a panic attack, being able to take my sister swimming, going to the cinema with friends, taking my Gran to a cafe for lunch. I also went on holiday this year to Turkey with my sister and I was able to fully relax, which wouldn't have been possible before. The diagnosis you were given has a lot of stigma attached towards it - do you think that has changed for the better recently? To be honest, I haven't personally seen a change in the stigma towards mental health. I'm aware that there was more stigma in the past just by hearing the views of my grandparents/elder relatives, but the only change I have seen is the difference between their views and younger people's views. What more can be done? I believe the main thing that can be done is raising awareness of mental ill health, the signs and symptoms and what to do when you or someone you know experiences them. It would be good to see schools and colleges educate more on the subject, and even workplaces too.
At your lowest point, did you ever consider or attempt suicide? Did you feel there is no way out? I did attempt suicide last November, not long before my first admission to the acute ward. That was my only overdose that required a stay in a general hospital. I often took more medication that prescribed just to block things out for a while. Although I wouldn't consider these an attempt to end my life, at the time I wouldn't have cared if it did. I considered suicide on a daily basis during that time, and I still consider it now, even though I would class myself as in recovery. I realise that although I'm recovering, it's okay to have these thoughts, so long as I don't let them win. Thoughts are just thoughts, it's up to us whether we turn them into actions. What would you say back to that person now having enjoyed recovery now for some time? "I know it's hard, and I know you can't see a way out, but there is hope. You will get through this. You are going to overcome your illnesses and live a good life. Stay strong. Keep going. Believe in yourself. All this pain will be worth it. You'll come out of this a stronger person. It's going to be okay" How long would you advise that you have felt stable and 'in recovery'. Not long, a few months but I had a relapse last month. It's still a struggle for me, but I have regained hope and that has made a massive difference for me. 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? My main advice would be to keep doing the things that keep you well. For example, if you go to therapy once a week, you might feel like you don't need to go anymore as you're feeling better. But it's important to remember that going to therapy is what made you feel better. Be aware of your thoughts, feelings and actions and try to notice when things start to deteriorate. Recovery is a long process that most of us will go through for the rest of our lives. I don't see such a thing as waking up one day and "being recovered". It doesn't work that way. Recovery is something you have to work at day in day out. It doesn't have a day off.
Siobhan Fordyve tells her story by Holly McCormack
alth e H l a t n i & Me n U g n i g Mana IT TAKES a lot of courage to battle mental illness and university but that's exactly what Siobhan Fordyce has done. The student studied BioSciences and Zoology at the University of the West of Scotland and proudly graduated with a 2:1 honours degree earlier this year.
going on although I think some had an incline. “I think that if you can find your trigger points or notice that there is going to be trigger points somewhere down the line or trying to find your coping strategy. You should go and find someone to talk to and talk about it as soon as possible. “As soon as I handed in my dissertation, I went on a downward spiral.”
Buoyed with the confidence the degree has earned her – Siobhan has picked up the pens again to further challenge herself and embark on a part time masters degree at the Paisley campus.
It was a battle for Siobhan to hand things in and the onset of Bipolar disorder during this stressful period made the practical aspects of university work more difficult.
Siobhan knew that their was an issue with her mental health before starting her course. She said: “ I knew I had anxiety but I buried myself within my uni work. I used that as focus strategy but when I was in fourth year it manifested with a number of different things. “I managed things on my own as I've always had to.” Fourth year is the most stressful for students facing the prospect of a dissertation at Universities all across Scotland. Siobhan continues: “ Everything manifested towards the end of my dissertation and I felt that as soon as that was away – I fell apart. “None of my lecturers really knew what was
The Think Positive Campaign led by the NUS in Scotland allows a forum for students who are experiencing poor mental health to talk. Laura Caven runs the project and also organises free mental health first aid courses for staff and students but more can always be done. Laura states: “We offer mental health first aid training throughout the year for students. “If your interested in taking part then drop me an email or visit the website where you will also find details of recent campaigns. “Last month, we ran a competition in conjuction with the Scottish Mental Health and Arts festival asking students to produce a video within 48 hours incorporating the themes of the festival. “The event was a success and was won by a group of students from Moray – all videos can be found on the website.” Whilst a lot continues to be done in raising awareness it still seems to be a drop in the ocean.
Siobhan adds: “I think that universities could be doing more to raise awareness of mental ill health and for everyone to be seen as equal. “Definitely more needs to be done to raise more awareness for students who need to talk and to know that talking is good and beneficial. “Go for your dream if you want to do it. “Don't let your anxiety or other issues stop you - just go for your dream. “Even if you need to use it as a coping strategy – sometimes that's the best way. “Think positively.” The key as a student to overcome difficulties with your mental health is to keep talking and try not to isolate yourself with other students and lecturers. Most staff are understanding and it could help to ease some of the stress you may be under with coursework. It can be tough but students can and do get through it as Siobhan's experience shows. She adds: “I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at University and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. “Actually I am, as I'm studying Waste Management and Clean Technologies as a Masters part-time. “Further down the line, I'd like to go into the environmental sector to work.” Vistit the NUS Think Positive Campaign online and browse through all the films created in just 48 hours http://www.nus.org.uk/en/nusscotland/student-mental-health/
My OCD BATTLE: Jamie Milligan "RISE and rise again till lambs become lions.” I can remember without hesitation where I was when I first heard that phrase coined. I was sat in the cinema watching a fairly dire attempt by Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe at recreating the legend of Robin Hood.
Regardless of all the good progress I’ve made over the years since this all began, part of me died that day and I’ve had to reinvent myself really to stay alive. Remembering that motto in my bleakest moments when this nasty little parasite has kicked the shit out of me has been all I have had to keep going at times.
If I took nothing else positive from an otherwise very mundane movie, I attached myself to that motto almost instantly.
I’m not a religious man by any stretch of the imagination, but to me, it almost feels like those eight little words were a message from above It was, to me, the perfect for me to draw upon when I mantra for living a positive, needed them most. successful life. Never quit. That was what was conveyed It sounds daft, but I reached to me by the film’s message. out in the dark and found that phrase and found Despite developing a liking for strength and determination I the phrase and quoting it on had no idea I possessed. more than one occasion, never in a million years did I That is the one positive to think it would become a sav- come from this illness. ing grace that would drag me out of some of the darkest No matter what happens durmoments of my life. ing the rest of my life, no matter how many potentially Before the rapid and relent- devastating setbacks I face, less onslaught of OCD, I nothing can possibly compare didn’t need any special to the internal battle I’ve phrases or mottos to help me faced in squaring up to this get through my days. condition. I was happy and I was comfortable with where my life was heading. But then mental illness hit me like a train and everything I knew and had planned disappeared in a flash.
I’m not going to say every day issues that drag people down are water off a duck’s back to me, but I can dismiss disappointment and rejection fairly comfortably given what I’ve been through.
When you pray for recovery and are willing to give up everything you own just for a bit of happiness, you find that there’s not a lot than can drag you down anymore. Despite all this morbid talk, I am recovering as well as I have ever been. I’m in a position where I can now help others thanks to the challenges I’ve faced. I’m a stronger, more determined and less judgemental person due to my trials and tribulations. That’s not to say there aren’t days where I’d walk through hell fire to reclaim my old life, but you can’t focus on the past. Life changes and you have to adapt. As I said, part of me did die when this onslaught began. I have to live with that. But I’ve found another part of my character that I didn’t realise existed. For the rest of my life I will use what I’ve learned and found within myself to promote and campaign for mental health awareness. That silly little mantra helped give me a second chance when everything appeared to be lost. I won’t waste it.
Telephone: 0141 384 3809 Website: www.hlhealthandfitness.com
Review
THE Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film festival is over for another year. Mental Matters has a look back at a few events which formed part of the festival in October this year. Theatre shows like Mess, Mental and Angus Weaver and reviewed by editor Holly McCormack as well as look back at events that hit the Renfrewshire area of the festival. Next year we will be looking to review more events from all across Scotland, but well done to everyone involved with the festival and keep up the good work.
Ceilidh Renfrewshire is Rockin’... THE FESTIVAL kicked off for me with the now annual Ceilidh held at St Mary's church hall in Paisley. The event allowed everyone to mix old and young and enjoy a little bit of culture on a Friday night. Not many events you go to have the buzz this Ceilidh did – partially because it was about local Buddies joining together on a night out and doing it to support their own mental health and that of others. Having a dance to the traditional Scottish tunes proved to be a great way to blast the cobwebs of worry and just enjoy the moment. The family festival Ceilidh took part on the first Friday night in October towards the start of the festival and is now a regular feature in Renfrewshire. The popular evening of music and dance was hosted by Celine & friends playing songs to dance from a Gay Gordons to a strip the Willow. The festive atmosphere was buoyed with a performance from the 'Rockus' community choir who performed their reality themed song penned especially for this years festival, written by Charlene Gordon.
Angus Weaver experience THE STORY of Angus Weaver was engrained in the festival this October with many events encompassing the month. Joanne Karr, from Caithness, was asked to reproduce clothes for the Theatre production of Angus Weaver of Grass. Joyce Laing had met Angus in 1977 and was intrigued by the ex-soldiers unique talent at weaving grass into clothing products. He was detained for over 40 years at a hospital in Inverness with only recent insight realising that he was experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The show toured the country but ths unique technique could also be practicsed with several workplaces taking part in paisley. Theatre proudiction is reviewed also in Mental Matters.
BUDDY BEAT Renfrewshire drumming project continues to grow
THE BUDDY beat is a Renfrewshire led project which encourages rythmic participation in supporting patients experiencing mental ill health. It was launched in September 2007 by both Dr Jane Bentley and lead occupational therapist at Dykebar Hospital, Jeanette Allan. The initial aims were to promote drumming as musical therapy but the group has continued to evolve over the years and now meets weekly in Paisley. It provides clients with the chance to discover new skills, build new friendships and gain confidence. Many members involved discovered the project whilst receiving inpatient care in hospital but others have been encourage to participate by local Community Mental Health teams. As part of this years Scottish Mental Health Film & Arts festival - the group performed their original African drumming beat with Dr Bentley encouraging audience members to realise the therepeutic benefits of rythmn in promoting positive mental health. For more information about the project - visit the website www.buddybeat.com Listen to the Buddy Beat Mash here http://youtu.be/6IBJKUdWM0c
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY Sandy Smith is Jack Flash
IT WAS the second year that Sandy Smith held his ‘The Gambler and Jack Flash’ night in Paisley - forming part of the Mental Health Film & Arts festival. The night merged song, dance and African drumming to ensure that all revellers had a good time. It was a night about promoting friendship, encouraging participation and some time-out for everyone taking in the festival. The event had a drumming experience featuring the Buddy Beat who dished out musical sticks and had the whole room making music and joining in the rythmn. Tribute acts also took to the stage with Cher singing all her classics to the keep the audience entertained. Sandy Smith, who organised the event, also took to the stage to don a few numbers in his cowboy hat. Mic in hand he sang a few American Classics to keep the festive audience on their toes. The main message the night portrayed was how the Buddy Beat had helped many experiencing mental health difficulties and spreading the word of the valuable work they do.
MESS: AN HONEST PLAY TACKLING THE TABOO OF ANOREXIA MESS is a ground-breaking play which tackles the stigma of anorexia and forces those in the audience to challenge their own thoughts about this illness. The theatre production aptly doesn't have a definitive beginning, middle or end to mirror the real life effect of living with this mental illness. The play was performed in both Paisley and Motherwell as part of the Scottish Mental Health Film & Arts festival in October and took the taboo to a captive audience. It was devised and written by Olivier nominated actress, Caroline Horton, who wanted to use her own real life experience, transforming them into a play and spreading the recovery message to others.
journey of realising that she has a serious mental illness but also sticking by their friend when times are tough, reaping the benefits of support when Josephine recovers and manages to get her life back on track. It shows how having being supported by friends to speak to a Doctor, it proved to be a frustrating process with generic advice and come back in a few weeks and we'll review things again. In the end, the central character of Josephine had to go and stay in an inpatient ward and face her demons on a daily basis.
The play has a subtle humour throughout with the inclusion of Sistahl, played by Seiriol Davies, sitting in the corner and representing a nagging Horton put a team tovoice. At inappropriate gether back in 2010 to times he buts in to say pull the play together his piece which disrupts and was involved in most the natural pace of the aspects except the songs play but as intended it which feature throughhighlights the role anoout. It tells the story of rexia can have to those Josephine – the central experiencing the illness, character who has put on it will make it's self this play and looks to known when the time engage with the audience isn't right and it isn't allistening to the story. The ways going to have someother main characters in thing good to see. It's a this production are Boris clever portrayal of how and Sistahl who help and the voice manifests in support her through the
people who experience anorexia. Support is also a crucial part to recovery and whilst you are at your lowest point, it is all too easy to push away supports. It's also difficult to support friends and family through difficult times but through the friendship of Boris – Mess shows that although you may not understand what your friend is going through, the fact you care is pivotal in showing support through the tough times. To prevent this play turning into a love affair, Boris was played by a female, Emily Goddard. The Australian actress encapsulates support and solidarity for her friend Josephine through turbulent times. It is uncomfortable to see anyone going through the torments anorexia can bring. The play demonstrates that it isn't also just about the food and there is always a reason to trigger the offset of the illness. Use of humour throughout always showcases Horton's inner strength and represents hope throughout. Horton explains that it was her own experience
ate Mess, I assembled a team including director and performers and included medical director. “The thing that made me “Before we tend to make want to make a show about my experiences was it, I would talk a bit. “We would then improvise when I went back to my old school after I had fin- around it – home I'd head ished university and dra- home and draft more scenes. ma school in 2007. It is clear that although “The headmistress has asked people back to talk many in recovery can become comfortable in talkabout their experiences ing about their own for prizegiving. experiences, it can be a “I talked about a lot of reality check at times stuff, how I changed my mind about what I wanted when speaking to a group who are not familiar on to do, how I had found the topic of mental illness university and drama and to many it still feels school, and struggling to like a taboo. pay rent in London. Horton took inspiration from the hope and willing“I also mentioned that I ness to talk of others and struggled with anorexia turned the relief someone and was trying to work was talking about an illout what recovery meant ness not many know a lot to me and was then stunned by the amount of about and transformed into this hit play. As reppeople who wanted to chat to me after the pres- resented in the play, it isn't clear or defined why entation. “I think they were relieved anyone starts to become that someone had spoken unwell. Horton further explains: out loud about it. They felt relieved. I forgot how “My take on this is that I it felt and how difficult it am not clear why I bewas to talk about it, how came anorexic. confusing and difficult it “Nothing horrendous hapcan be. “It inspired me to try and pened to me, I had great friends. make something out of “It was just the way my experiences. things went for me. “It was some years later but always in the back of “The play is deliberately saying that there is no my head to produce this beginning when it comes play. to mental illness. “Others who have seen “It turned into a long development process to cre- the show and can relate of anorexia that inspired her to produce this play:
to the notion that there is no beginning.” Laura Hughes works in Renfrewshire as a dietician and helps who have an eating disorder. She said: “I was sitting there watching the play and I was shocked at the attitude of the GP in the play. “I hope to goodness that things have moved on. “You do have the right to see a specialist. “It is a terrible time to say you need to help when you are at your worst. “I hope dieticians can be part of the solution, and people need different help at different times. “One thing you say may have an impact on someone and in them wanting to turn their life around. “My role in the local team is to be there when someone needs me, at the pace they are ready, and supporting people to take control back.” The overriding message of 'Mess' is that recovery is possible. Seek out the right supports, don't be fobbed off by medical professionals as everyone has a right to be heard. If you would like more information on eating disorders then please visit www.b-eat.co.uk.
REVIEW
and police surveillance reports which had been MENTAL by the Vacuum obtained through the Data Protection Act. An intiCleaner! mate setting, James lay on a bed and told his stoIT was with great anticiry through a series of docpation that I boarded a uments projected onto a train and embarked to an screen with music adding unknown location (to me) to the narrative and drain Glasgow to watch 'Men- matic setting. The chaos, tal.' The mere notion of confused emotions, black coming out my own comand white thinking and fort zone to watch a play impulsive behaviours were which took a look at Borechoed throughout the derline Personality Disor- play, mirroring the impact der (BPD) kept me BPD has on those diagengaged with what was to nosed. The reality of self come. harm is also portrayed throughout showing the Having this illness myself, desperation people can I didn't quite know what feel the next hour of performance would bring, except It was written and prothe warning that it would duced by the 'vacuum be potentially triggering cleaner' who took the origand warnings heeded inal concept from Tania El first and foremost look Khoury. The concept after your own mental forced viewers to watch health, avoid triggers, and outside their comfort zone keep yourself safe. and embrace an intimate environment with shoes The Metropolitan Police off, cups of tea and carrot called him a domestic ex- cake. tremist. The 'NHS' have described him as highly The cake represented the disturbed and labelled last meal he wanted to him with Borderline Persaviour before an attempt sonality Disorder. Alon his life. It's a reminder though – he – prefers the of the torments mental term 'Mental.' illness can take you and also a celebration that the The play portrays over ten artist and audience can years of battling with this all enjoy the cake and tea illness where James, the and be thankful for the solo performer in the play, support services out there accounts a biographic tale and the ability to recover of his experiences. The from mental illness, instory was told through his cluding BPD. own psychiatric records
“Mental is my first autobiographical show. It contrasts official languages against poignant and darkly humorous personal recollections,” explained James, the man behind ‘the vacuum cleaner’. “Spanning 13 years of my adult life, the show describes my experiences of severe and debilitating mental illness, suicide, social isolation, stigma, police and corporate surveillance because of my activism and art.” Held in the intimate setting of a bedroom, a limited audience of fifteen people per show are invited to join him under an oversized duvet. Accompanied by an OHP and vinyl records, the artist provides a welcoming environment for you to explore his pertinent experiences of the dynamics of power. “Although the show is intense, many of the taboos within the show need to be talked about,” said James. “For example, the high rates of suicide in men under 35, current undercover police operations and the length that big business will go to silence its critics.” Mental was performed in Glasgow as part of the Mental Health Film & Arts Festival at the Tramway theatre in October.
ANGUS WEAVER OF GRASS: THEATRE REVIEW ANGUS MacPhee would sit in the grass fields outside the hospital he was institutionalised in, in Inverness, repeating hand motions with grass and subtly creating clothes and other inspirational designs from grass. The story has repeated several times in this edition of the magazine but it formed a key part of the Scottish Mental Health Film & Arts Festival in October this year. The story has been turned into a book, created weaving workshops, a song by Donnie Munro and also this smash hit play: Angus Weaver of Grass.
Uist in 1915, Angus spent his early life in a remote environment, putting his hand to the skill of weaving in what was a solitary existence. This was an era when typically grass was woven into ropes and with Angus being born into a crofting family, his skills were invaluable at a time when grass was still plentiful and weaving skills valuable.
During the Second World War, he took to the battlefield in Faroe and like many soldiers was deeply affected by the pearls of War and was transferred to Craig Dunain psychiatric hospital in InverPerformed in Paisley as ness having been sent part of the festival, the home from the battlefield. established play has per- At this time, nobody formed all across around quite knew how to react Scotland. It tells the story or understand Angus. He of a life dominated by was feared by individuals illness. Born in South on the island who at that
time, thought anything that wasn't the norm was something to be feared. Diagnosed with Schizophrenia whilst institutionalised, it is now thought that in actual fact he was experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) but little was known about this illness at the time. It seems almost unbelievable but Angus MacPhee spent over 50 years in that hospital – talking to no-one. The Horse and Bamboo theatre group were inspired by the story and sought to transform this into a play. The group utilised many different techniques including puppetry, masks and encompassed Gaelic song and narrative. It started with a showing of the film Hidden Gifts, directed by Scottish BAFTA nominat-
ed and UWS Creative lead, Nick Higgins. The theatre show was then performed using the range of techniques to showcase the story of Angus who lived a life full of tradition, mental illness and creativity through his woven garments made of grass. It was moving to see puppets used to tell this story and apt as Angus never spoke during his time in hospital and the power of the silence is clear throughout the play.
ago, he came across the story on the islands before meeting Joyce Laing and she sent him the book, so the story had been bubbling away for about 20 years.” Although Johnny is a performer for the theatre group, he finds the tale of Angus Weaver an inspiration. He continues:
“It's really interesting that the style of theatre we use, visual theatre, often uses no words at all and Johnny Quick forms part masks means it is quite of the horse and bamboo appropriate to tell the stotheatre group: ry of a man who chose not to speak. “All four of the performers “There is a lot of mystery in the play are just inand magic about Angus volved in performing the the man as he never told show – it was created by his side of the story. our Director, Bob Frith. “The way we tell stories “We are involved in perwork so well with this parforming with the masks, ticular story. puppets and also the “People come to watch the technical roles of the play story of Angus from diffibackstage like sound and cult points of view. May be video. interested by the weaving, “This is our second year of the mental health side, touring this play, it start- the islands or the Gaelic. ed in the Edinburgh Festi- “It touches people in difval last year before headed ferent ways which is out on the road. amazing for a man who “Bob Firth heard of Ansaid so little.” gus's story about 20 years
George McBride from Glasgow gave his thoughts on the performance. He said: “I enjoyed parts of the performance, it was good to see the film to set the background and the use of masks was well done. “Although, I also found the fact the puppets were there, slightly awkward, and would've preferred it all to be done with masks.” Jacqueline from Forres also enjoyed the performance. She remarked: “I liked everything about it, the film gave the basic background and how it had been interpreted was phenomenal. “There was no way you weren't going to recognise the characters from the masks having seen the film at the start. “It was so emotional but had lighter moments and it should be seen. “It's good to see events like this raising awareness about mental illness.”
Opinion: Are we all in so much of a rush that we’ve forgotten to care?
I'VE been concerned at some articles hitting newspapers in the last couple of months. As part of my University Dissertation, I'll be taking a look at how certain newspapers in Scotland are reporting Suicide and analysing if they do so responsibly. At the moment – nothing much has caught my eye to cause concern but the recent trend of live bogging crisis situations has set alarm bells ringing. This isn't about naming and shaming the papers responsible but asking both Journalists and sub-editors to consider carefully the content they promote. The guidelines which direct Journalists reporting on suicide were drafted up for a reason. In Bridgend, many copycat suicides were reported and this was mainly blamed by the sensationalist reporting in the press. Why now then are papers still thinking that this is acceptable? Irresponsible journalism may trigger another individual into a similar situation – we need to show responsibility. Words within articles have improved and we don't often see the stigmatising headlines of old yet it still happens. The main issue I've noticed recently is the content being posted on online blogs by news organisations who have seem to have forgotten the directives of avoiding sensationalism. So what is the story? A police incident has led to a road or bridge to close and many commuters have been disrupted as a result. Of
course – that's fine to report as you need to keep the public informed about events which affect them locally. What you don't need to also include is the name of a vulnerable person involved in an incident, live commentary on twitter on whether the said person has jumped and certainly don't need to include pictures or video of the incident. Simply: it's sensationalism and how would you feel if the person involved in any of these incidents was someone close to you. It struck me by reading comments on Twitter after a recent incident – how uncompassionate as a nation many have become. I fully appreciate that being stuck in a car for hours is not going to be how you intended to spend your day but it happened. You just need to deal with it. The comments being aired on social media were nothing less than disgraceful from some. The lack of understanding about a vulnerable individual and how the Police should just act so the traffic gets moving again – rather than what is in their best interests. Stories like this are public interest as they generally result in causing some disruption to traffic. Many organisations are crossing the line though and assuming it is fair go to post pictures and videos of distressing situations to fuel the desire of the public who are interested – and there is a key difference there. Has society just forgotten to care and show compassion. Are our lives all
now too busy that we can't take a step back and see a situation from the viewpoint of the person involved. Attitudes have a long way to go as recent incidents have shown. Together we need to continue to challenge people on their stigmatising views and many forget that one in four will experience a mental-ill health at some points in their lives. Nobody knows what is round the corner for them. If any other journalists are reading this and have seen their organisations live-blog in these situations and discuss details that shouldn't be out in the public domain – then I encourage you to challenge the editors. I'm happy to speak to anyone about reporting suicide and mental health properly. We all need to be more vigilant, take time out, appreciate that whilst we may live in a bubble at times – there are lots of us out there. Respect each other and take time to show some compassion. It won't harm you and you might just feel all the better for it.
end comm e r y l sonal erested in d per Woul anyone int guidelinesUJ that ng up the oth the N es . looki hes out b a guidelin searc de & Medi ies charitfor Suici H M l s d u a m i r i ta n a i n d i vi Also IND or S tion! M a like er inform furth
Ruminations on Austerity and Mental Health ACCORDING to recent research from the BBC and the University of Liverpool ruminating on problems is a major vulnerability factor for mental health problems.
Constantly returning to worrying thoughts or ideas of self reproach (what psychologists call 'automatic negative thinking') has long been identified as damaging to mental life. It's the basic thought process that leads to anxiety and depression. People who spend their days worrying about the future tend to create anxiety. People who spend their days thinking about loss or self-blame tend to create depression. Both anxiety and depression have been described as 'gateway disorders'. These are the relatively common forms of mental health problems that can lead to much more serious issues later on. People who ruminate don't just risk feeling a little sad or worrying a bit. Left unchecked anxiety and depression can lead to compulsions, obsessions, suicidality and psychosis. These are difficult times. Society is becoming increasingly divided. Those who have wealth seem separated from those who have little not so much by figures on a bank manager's balance sheet as by a battle line. It seems the rich get tax breaks whilst the poorest get evicted and those in the middle are encouraged to blame those who suffer most for everything. It's small wonder then that rumination is a topical media issue. I remember when, as a student nurse in the early 1990s I helped run a support group for redundant miners in the English Midlands. These once proud family men hadn't just lost their jobs, they'd lost their identities and they'd lost their future. They'd lost hope. And many of them blamed themselves.
How much more likely are today's newly impoverished citizens to blame themselves when the rest of society from politicians to newscasters, from neighbours to strangers seem determined to hold the victims of austerity to account? How stressful will it be for the starving food bank recipient to hear senior conservatives like Edwina Currie describe them as 'opportunist' and know that many of th heir fellow citizens agree? The stress created by all this self-blame, fears for the future and societal condemnation can be overwhelming. Of course that's hardly surprising. What is surprising is the amount of people living in poverty, employed or not who seem able to cope with all this vitriol and uncertainty. Many, of course will only appear to manage on the outside. Inside, like many of those miners from twenty years ago they're quietly falling apart .
Mental health promotion involves helping people to develop coping skills but it should never be directed at prolonging the untenable or the immoral. So at the societal level we need to give people a chance. Help them to reduce stress by providing opportunities for work with a living wage. The current spate of 'zerohours' contracts may reduce unemployment figures on paper but the unprecedented rise in UK foodbanks demonstrates a different reality. Prosecutions and evictions because of the hated bedroom tax are rife as the most desperate in our society discover how far below 'rock-bottom' it is possible to fall.
This in a nutshell encapsulates the two elements of stress and vulnerability. Austerity measures aimed at the poorest citizens, combined with increasingly vicious social stigma provides the stress. Lack of coping skills and community resources supplies the vulnerability in a double-whammy of generalised scapegoating and The solution to this impending punishment. epidemic of austerity driven mental disorder isn't going to If you care about fairness; if you be easy. It will involve change care about human rights; if you at both an individual and soci- care about mental health; if you etal level. care about the direction our society is taking I urge you to wake Individuals really can change up. Don't believe the scapegoatthe way they think. People can ing rhetoric about 'benefits learn not to ruminate, however scroungers' or the myth that bleak their immediate future starving people are just opportunappears. It is possible to pro- ists who prefer food banks. tect ourselves from reactive depression and anxiety by Please challenge those around you adopting healthy thinking hab- who perpetuate these damaging its. But that's only part of the generalisations. These people are solution. your neighbours. Who knows tomorrow it could be you. There is nothing particularly noble or positive about helping people to deal with their situa- Stuart Sorensen Follow tions if those situations are @Stu Stuart on themselves unfair. Neither inartSo rense Twitter out n or c dividuals nor society at large heck C a r e toSha can benefit if all we do is make reMag Caret oshar at people content to be poor. em dp ress.c o
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What is the media doing to mental health? Its' image? Its' connotations? Is the media educating or misleading? Are the intentions good but misunderstood? Are the detrimental effects outweighing the positives? It is well documented and often reported that the negatives are always perceived more prominently than the positives. IS MEDIA MEDDLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH?! By Stephanie Wetherhill
So my question is this; what benefit is the media for mental health?
Stigma is a huge barrier concerning mental health and its acceptance within society. It would seem that a team effort between charities, national papers and the general public is necessary to reduce the effect of stigma and prevent the marginalisation of people with mental health. After all, who is to say that society doesn't contribute to the mental health issue in the first place? In my opinion, if society is part of the cause of the illness, the least we can do is help reduce it. The hard work done by charities, campaigns and research (which brings about alarming yet refreshing statistics) which might help to reduce stigma is extremely vulnerable and increasingly susceptible to careless actions within the media. On the other hand, with carefully done and person centred themes the media can not only educate but also inspire by telling the stories that need to be told. I was encouraged and inspired, gained a greater understanding and knowledge surrounding mental health and its therapies. I was driven by success and I know I was not alone in feeling this positive wave of emotion. Plenty of people on twitter poured out their feelings and attitudes towards the various programmes aired by the BBC especially.
I have written many a blog about the effect that media has upon myself and most recently the effects upon society. I feel it is imperative that more emphasis is placed upon the effect upon society.
We actually need the media. How else do we spread the awareness? How else do we reach difficult audiences? How else do we educate? The media has a habit of picking out research which may be com
Recently various mediums of media have paid quite a lot of attention to various branches of mental health. It hasn't always been well received. Television programmes have focused on awareness in the form of BBC Three's 'It's a mad world' series where various conditions were introduced and explained to the masses. And other programmes concentrated on the history of mental health and the institutions that are in place to help those who need such help (Channel 5's 'Inside Broadmoor'). The difference between these, were the attitudes portrayed. The BBC programmes were very much centred on therapy and progress, individual goals and the qualitative perspective of the life of someone with a condition. On the other hand the channel 5 programme included the historical language linked with mental health, it told only the stories of the most extreme cases of mental health which were inextricably linked with serious crime.
pelling and revolutionary. Using this research as a lever, we can start to target problem areas within society which may help to tackle the problem of stigma. Due to the media we all know that one in four people have mental health issues at some point in their lives- Meaning it is 'normal' to feel the common symptoms of mental health, you are not alone if you do suffer debilitating symptoms and not only this, if you reach out to someone- chances are, they will understand because they will know someone with mental health issues, or indeed they themselves are within mental health's grip. Chances are there will be some compassion amongst your network of people. In my opinion media is a blessing however, one that we should treat with caution. I propose that we encourage the media to pick up on statistics but also to think about how they portray them. I shall use a quote from my own blog on media which particularly relates to newspapers, but is transferable to television: 'The only thing I would suggest is that newspapers look at their language. Let's be a little more dignified. Let's think of the person(s) and families involved. Let's think of those who may not want to stigmatised. Let's think of the consequences. And above all let's create a balanced account of mental health so we can create awareness of the DIVERSITY within mental health'
If we can do this, I honestly feel that life is worth living for all of us regardless of our mental health status. This quote is one of my favourites because it demonstrates everything I believe in and everything we can achieve with the media.
Written by Stephanie Wetherhill BSc, MSc, MBPsS
Blog: stephaniewetherhill.wordpress.com Twitter: @stephwetherhill Pictures courtesy of Google Images
MIND MEDIA AWARDS 2013 Full list of the Mind Media Award winners 2013: Documentary: Jon Richardson: A little bit OCD (Open Mike productions for C4)
Drama: The Village (Company Pictures for BBC One)
Iain Wilkinson News and Current Affairs Award: Newsnight (Postpartum Physchosis (BBC Two)
Print Campaign: Hotel and Caterers Magazine: Open Minds Campaign
Radio: Scorzayzee & the S Word
Soaps or continual series - Casualty (BBC One)
Entertainment: Fixers talk about mental health (ITV & UTV Regional News)
The Mark Hanson Digital Award: Purple Persuasion View at: www.purplepersusaion.wordpress.com
Journalist of the year, sponsored by Bupa: Catherine Nye Newsnight and BBC Asian Network
Anna Sargent Student Journalist Award - Holly McCormack Mental Matters Magazine
Speaking Out Award, sponsored by Comic Relief: Joyce Salter (A little bit OCD) - Channel 4 Making a difference award , sponsored by Havas Wordlwide London: Tim Samuels
Letter to the Editor There has been a lot of mental health in the media lately with the most recent show being Bedlam on Channel Four. I think that it’s great television companies are taking on the challenge to try and educate viewers on mental illness and should be applauded.
I do wonder how w ethical the consents are though. If patients are THAT distressed whilst filming then should they be showing it? I guess that’s a fine line and one for the viewers to decide. I think it’s brave but difficult to watch at times with so many people clearly in distress. Recently, BBC Three also ran a series of programmes which were insightful . Keep it coming.
Ann Dawson Edinburgh
Do you:
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Have a friend in crisis and wonder how to respond effectively?
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Want to be supportive and helpful, but just don’t have the answers?
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Knowing someone who is talking of suicide, but just don’t know how to help them?
A Mental Health First Aid course can help!
Many people, just like you, have families and friends with a variety of challenges, but don’t know how to respond. If you can relate, and would like to learn the skills to help someone with a mental health problem, why not consider a Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid course.
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NHS Health Scotland certified course
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12 hour course
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Similar approach to general ‘first aid’
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A participation based course full of activities, film clips, case studies and discussions
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Now being offered at a variety of locations around Scotland by Minds Matter Training
To find out more or to register for a course visit www.mindsmattertraining.co.uk