MENTAL HEALTH

DRUG MONOLOGUE

WRITTEN BY KYLE OVENS I’m sorry. I’m so-so sorry. I should have seen the signs right from the start, but I didn’t. I was too angry, too hateful, and now you lay 6-feet under the earth with only a stone slab as your last mark in history. We used to be so close. What happened? I guess it all changed once mum died. You couldn’t cope and you needed something to keep you afloat in life. I thought that role was mine… not the substance that you injected into your arm. Your eyes used to be a source of light and warmth during winter nights – so how come I didn’t question when they began radiating despair. We used to be so close like Han Solo and Chewbacca – so how come I didn’t question when you began splinting away. I should have seen the signs right from the start. What happened to the nights we spent lying underneath the stars? When the only thing that mattered was each other. You closed yourself off and the person who was once my friend – became another face in the crowd. With every puncture of your skin, you felt guilt – I know that now, I just wish I knew it sooner. You needed love and compassion, but I didn’t give. I was too angry, too afraid that I’ll lose you… just like we lost mum. If I could go back – I’ll tell you that it’s ok. I’ll grab your hand, just like I used to and while staring into the eyes of the person that I love… I’ll say that I don’t blame you. You were my light, my guardian, my hero – and I should have been yours. I tried to, but all I did was enable you. When you were financially broke – I had the cash. When you were starving – I had the meal. I thought I was your protector, not the wall between you and the consequences. Helping you felt like an impossible task on my own and I hated you for it. To help you, I needed to help myself and be a positive light in your darkness. But I didn’t do that, instead I focused on you and now I lost you. I guess what I’m saying is… I failed you and I’m sorry.

MENTAL HEALTH

in Fiction

WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH TURNER

How modern media’s attempts to combat the taboo surrounding mental health may be more damaging than it seems.

In recent years mental health has become a largely discussed topic throughout all forms of media, especially in film and television. As we are seeing a rise in representation of characters struggling with these issues, it leads many of us to question both the motives and impacts of these stories being told.

There is no doubt that as a society we have adapted hugely in comparison to decades ago in terms of attitudes to mental health, with there being so many positive changes including more open discussions, support groups, and charities to combat these issues that everybody faces. However it is just as important that we pay attention to not only the amount of coverage that is being given to mental health, but also the ways that it is portrayed through the storylines and characters seen. This explains how disorders such as depression and anxiety can be glamorized and made to seem nicer than they are in order to fit the storyline of the film. This can mean that the characters in these fictional pieces who are struggling with disorders tend to find them being resolved by the end of the narrative, creating a false idea that mental health issues are easily dealt with and things can become normal straight after. This can be harmful as it makes viewers feel as if they are weak because they are constantly seeing stories of others handling the same issues as them in a healthier manner. When in reality that is not the case; mental health

Most would agree that it is important for films and shows to be entertaining for the viewers but this raises issues with mental health issues being depicted in the ‘Good Story Problem’.

is much more complex than that, as dealing with and recovering from mental health issues can be messy and complicated. It is never as easy as when we see the television characters realise they are struggling with poor mental health, seek help, and resolve it within the same time period of their life. Mental health doesn’t commedate to a ninety minute feature film.

There is also a huge issue with the way the character is presented and as a result of that how their mental health is portrayed. For example a protagonist will be placed in the position of a hero and survivor because of their mental health issue whereas the antagonist of a story will be villainized for the struggles caused by their mental health. The approach to somebody with mental health issues should never be determined by their likeability as a person and this is a stigma perpetuated by modern media. It creates a myth that you have to act a certain way to be able to receive any help for the struggles you face which is not true. Despite what is being shown to us through our television screens, there is no correct way to act as a person with mental health issues. The only priority is attempting to work through it and learn how to take care of yourself, which projects itself in many ways for different people.

So, it is important for people to remember that the way mental health is illustrated in modern media is in no way an accurate representation of reality. To conclude there is no correct way to portray mental health in fiction as it manifests itself in so many different ways for different people. The key thing to remember is to not rely too much on film and television for information on mental health. If you are looking to find out information about mental health issues there are many other outlets for facts and support.

LOVE YOUR Summer Self

WRITTEN BY GLORIA DARGATZ

It is getting hotter outside, the sun lights up your room longer at night, and your friends keep asking you to go out for ice cream. Summer is here and it is here to stay. But with the weather getting warmer and the clothes getting thinner and shorter, often times our personal insecurities rise. Especially when it gets to our body and the way we look.

Some of us might regret to not have been on a diet or to not have been working out those last months. Usually summer hits us faster, than eating up a cup of ice cream, doesn't it?

The things we feel insecure about often fade away in winter, when we hide them under big jumpers and baggy trousers. We cover our pimples in makeup and go home early at night. There is no time to think about the things we do not like about ourselves, there is no space to feel self-conscious.

But as soon as we get to the (in my eyes) best time of the year, summer, the time where we are free to go out, when time feels endless, that seems to be the time, we remember our insecurities and with that, most of us, lose the love for enjoyment. We center everything about the way we appear to be. About the pimple that gets washed off from your sweat, about the skirt, that only in your eyes makes you look bad or the thought of having to hang out with people, you do not feel good around.

Why is it, that in summer, the brightest time of the year, a lot of us, tear ourselves down? We should not be worrying about the things that we think make us look bad, that we might or might not be able to change. It is not worth it, if only you see it.

You are you, you are perfect the way you are.

And the pimple on your forehead or The only thing that you should do, is start enjoying your summer! Start enjoying being and feeling free. Go out with people you want to be with, wear the outfit you like, embrace yourself, love yourself.

Because nothing can take the beauty away from you that comes within you, nobody and nothing (not a single thing) can take you away from you!

Life is too short to worry about the workout you have missed. It is too short to feel self-conscious about what you wear.

And let me tell you, it is okay to feel insecure about something, to not feel comfortable in everything. But it is your responsibility to not let the thing you feel self-conscious about take over the love of your (summer) self!

Supporting families through change

0300 772 7715

www.familyfirst-uk.org

NATIONAL In a Crisis? Anxious? Worried? Stressed? Shout for 24/7 help Text 85258

giveusashout.org

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. 116 123

samaritans.org

NATIONAL

Campaign against living miserably

0800 58 58 58

thecalmzone.net

NATIONAL Providing a wide range of health and wellbeing services

turning-point.co.uk

A national self-help organisation helping people cope with their depression. depressionuk.org

Supporting women who have suffered or are at risk of domestic abuse 01473 228270

lighthousewa.org.uk

SUFFOLK

Run by people with experience of living with anxiety and stress 03444 775 774

anxietyuk.org.uk

Support for survivors of childhood sexual abuse

07765 052282

survivorsintransition.co.uk

SUFFOLK We’ve got lots of advice about looking after yourself 0800 1111

childline.org.uk

Arts in mental health and wellbeing

insideout community.com

SUFFOLK

For confidential suicide prevention advice contact

0800 068 4141

papyrus-uk.org

NATIONAL

Advice, guidance and practical support

01473 252607

4yp.org.uk

The mental health charity offering support and guidance 0300 111 6000

SUFFOLK

NATIONAL Improving teenage mental health by stemming commonly occurring MH issues at an early stage www.stem4.org.uk

Whether you’re stressed, anxious, low or depressed, we can help 0300 123 1503

wellbeingnands.co.uk

Advice for those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking. studentsagainst depression.org

Support people over 18 who have been bereaved by suicide 0300 111 5065

PHYSICAL HEALTH & SPORT

CO-EDITOR VACANCY

JAB, TEST, PROTECT THE REST

Everyone in Suffolk is being asked to test twice a week and to take their vaccine as soon as it is offered to them.

Of the Suffolk population of 761,350, a total of 629,889 are eligible to receive the vaccine.

NHS vaccination figures show that of those eligible, many have had two doses, but almost 40% have only had one dose - or no vaccine at all. That figure does not even include children who are not eligible for a vaccine but can - and do - get infected. This means that almost four in ten people in Suffolk have had either one or no jabs at all and therefore risk catching the virus or passing it on to other people. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself, your friends and your family from catching and spreading COVID-19.

GET YOUR VACCINE

Everyone over the age of 18 in the UK can now book their COVID-19 vaccination.

You do not need to wait to be contacted by the NHS. Vaccines help: • reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19 • reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19 • protect against COVID-19 variants Book your vaccine at nhs.uk/ coronavirusvaccine