Looking After Your Mental Health at University

     Just got your results? Going to university this September? If so, congratulations!

     Going to university can be a big step, you may be leaving home and living independently for the first time in your life. Going to uni opens up a whole new world of exciting opportunities and experiences to you. It's wonderful!

     However, university and student life can come with its own challenges and pressures; e.g. managing your finances, balancing your work load and social life (I hope I'm not putting you uni off here). If you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed or depressed, don't shut yourself away and suffer in silence. Remember, it is OK to feel like this and it is OK to ask for help.

Don't suffer in silence - it's OK to ask for help and support

     Sometimes when people go to university they believe they're going to be thrown in at the deep-end and left to their own devices. Whilst you are the one making the decisions of where you are going to live, how you divide your time to your studies and social life etc., you are not completely left on your own. There is help and support at hand.

      Below I've compiled a list a tips that can help you get the most out of university, as well as how to deal and cope with some of the stresses of student life: 

• Whilst at university, joining a sport or a society of something you love can be great for your mental health! It's time away from your studies and time for you to relax and socialise. It can be a great way of making new friends and can even act as a support network in times of difficulty.
• You can even make use of on-line student forums (such as The Student Room) as a source of support, as well as a place to socialise and relax.
• Personal tutors are also an excellent port of call for any problems you may have. For example, if you are getting stressed about your workload, or worried that you feel disorganised, you can speak with your tutors. They can offer you advice and help you to decide a course of action.
• Additionally, universities offer a wide range of services that can help with any worries you may have; whether you're worried about your finances, living arrangements, finding work etc. It's definitely worth checking out and taking down information of the help services your university offers.
• As well as this, almost all universities offer a counselling service - talking with a counsellor is a good way of letting off steam, as well as having some time and space to breathe and talk through any problems you may be having.
• Talking to a GP can also be beneficial; they can decide what they think will be the best way forward for you - whether it would be medication, talking therapies or both. If you have moved away from home, make sure you register with a local practice so you have someone to talk to whenever you need to.     

     It can be daunting and stressful having to talk to strangers about personal issues; if you're worried about forgetting what you are going to say, or worried that you won't be able to talk, then perhaps write down what you would like to say before go and use this as back-up if you need to. You could also take a close friend or someone that you trust if you don't want to go and handle it alone.

     The mental health charity Mind also offers help and information about coping with student life, which you read more about here.

    To everyone going to university at the end of summer I do hope you enjoy your time at uni and I wish you all the best for the future.

 

BMNM.

Mental Health and Academia

     This week is Mental Health Awareness Week (12th-18th May), and this year there is a particular focus on anxiety. I thought I'd do my part and do a blog post.

You can read the blogs here:
 http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/category/blog/anxiety

     

     Now, it's not long until I finish my first year of university; looking back it's been a wonderful year - I have met some truly amazing people and I have learned so much. Of course, this year has not come without its problems, difficulties and anxieties - balancing a tremendous workload, social life, and not to mention being fully independent for the first time in my life. I've managed to get through my first year of university unscathed; with the help and support of my lecturers, my loved ones and also on-line student forums (speaking of which The Student Room have recently unveiled their brand-spanking new hub for mental health  - especially for Mental Health Awareness Week). Reflecting upon this, it got me thinking and so I thought I would write (as the blog post title obviously tells you) about mental health and the world of academia.

 

     Over the past month or so I've seen evermore news stories popping-up in national newspapers about the pressures of academia and its effects on mental health in both students and university staff alike. And, perhaps more alarmingly, the lack of addressing the issue, and the culture of acceptance that mental health problems are part of the parcel in the world of academia.

    Last week, The Guardian reported that there have been rises in mental health problems in university staff, due to greater pressures of job insecurity, the never-ending demand for results, difficulties in maintaining a good work-life balance, as well as an ever-increasing competitive higher education system and difficulties in finding support. Furthermore, there have been reports that the negative and inflexible attitudes of many within academia prevent individuals from doing their job - intimidating people from disclosing their mental health problems and getting the support they need.  They also state that over the past decade there have been reported increases in individuals seeking help from university counselling and health services. Despite the increases in anecdotal accounts there's been little research into this area.

     These hard to shake negative attitudes are also affecting students, particularly those doing PhD's. Another article from The Guardian details the comments of those who are more or less stating that 'this is the path you've chosen so quit complaining'. As well as this, there are others with opinions that those in academia have it 'easy' compared to others in other occupations etc. These attitudes are not helpful one bit and do nothing but belittle and undermine these struggles.

     It's disheartening to hear that some of the most intelligent people we have in society, who have gained a voice, and have worked so hard for it, appear to have none when it comes to talking about the problems they face and talking about mental health. Additionally, it disappointing to read that some of the most intelligent people we have in society can be so misunderstanding and apathetic. 

     These outdated opinions and beliefs are taking its toll on academics; with many refraining from disclosing their problems with anxiety, depressions, eating disorders etc. Following a mental health survey of over 2000 academics, it was found that anxiety affected 83% of academics, depression 75%, panic attacks 42%, eating disorders 15% and that 11% of academics were self-injuring. The survey also reported that around two thirds of the academics who responded said that they have not told anyone in a senior position (e.g. research supervisor or line manager) about their mental health problems, and that just under two thirds had said that none of their colleagues were aware that they were experiencing mental health problems.

     It's evident that things need to change here, not just the archaic beliefs but also to assure others that it's perfectly fine to seek support.

     If you would like to learn more about Mental Health Awareness Week, anxiety, and ways in which to tackle mental health stigma, take a look at the Mental Health Foundation, Mind or Time to Change.

BMNM.

Time To Talk Day - 6th February

     Tomorrow, 6th February 2014, will be the first ever 'Time To Talk Day' - a whole day dedicated to encourage people to initiate conversation and talk about mental health; raising awareness, breaking down stigma and more. Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, and neither is talking about it.

     

    Time To Change, the creators of this day, are aspiring to get 1,000,000 conversation going on the 6th.

     Up and down the country, in schools, workplaces, libraries etc. there will be thousands of events taking place, all with an aim to talk about mental health.

     Before you go thinking 'It's too late! What can I do?' Don't distress - you can still get involved, all you got to do is start/have a conversation, whether it'd be on-line or over a cup of tea. Easy as pie! You can also check here for any public events near you!

     Time To Change are also holding a 'Conversational Challenge'. On the social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, they will be setting a number of challenges throughout the day - asking people how many conversations they've had; all counting towards their 1,000,000 conversation target.

     That's not all. Time To Change are also holding a competition 'have a conversation to win a conversation' - when you share your conversation and why it has inspired you. By doing this you can be entered into this competition and win a conversation with either Russel Kane,  Beverley Callard or Ashley Roberts.

     So stick on the kettle and let's have a natter. Let's make this day an everlasting legacy.

BMNM. 

 

A 2013 Mental Health Round Up

     I can certainly say that 2013 has been another big year for mental health. the year has seen increases in media coverage on mental health; some good and some bad. The beginning of the year saw Time To Change's advertising campaign come on to our telly boxes, encouraging us to talk about mental health and to break down the wall of stigma that surrounds it, mid-year saw Stephen Fry opening up and talking about his experiences of suicidal feelings and his previous attempt last year, and only a couple of months ago saw the outrage at Tesco, Asda and Amazon and their selling of 'mental patient' Halloween costumes, as well as Thorpe Parks offensive 'Asylum' 'attraction' - just to name a few

     In this blog post I have compiled a list, like I did last year, of this years biggest stories on mental health.

     January saw the TV screenings of Time To Change's advert on mental health stigma, encouraging viewers to start conversations about mental health, with an aim to remove the 'fear and awkwardness that stop people from talking about mental health' [1], this time focusing more on people that do not necessarily have much knowledge about mental health but helping them to feel that they can start a conversation.

     May 16th saw Parliament give another debate on mental health, following the landmark debate that occurred last June; where a number of MPs spoke out about their experiences of mental health problems for the first time. Paul Burstow, Charles Walker and Madeleine Moon initiated the debate, and covered a wide range of subjects including: the addressing of inequalities between physical and mental health services; discussion of improving acute and crises services; tackling the issues of the inequalities experienced by ethnic minority in mental health services; talks over making improvements to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA); as well as talks over providing better support for people with mental health problems wishing to enter the workplace, as well as, working with employers to build better support working environments. If you wish to read more you can read the proceedings in the Hansard here.

     Early June saw Stephen Fry speak out about his experiences of bipolar disorder, suicidal feelings, and his suicide attempt last year. Whilst Fry has been commended for his openness and raising awareness of bipolar depression and suicide, unfortunately there have been one too many insensitive troglodytes making sarky, misinformed comments - highlighting that there is still quite a way to go in tackling mental health stigma.

     July witnessed BBC 3's 'It's A Mad World Season', a week of programmes that covered a wide range of topics surrounding mental health, similar to the project carried out by Channel 4 (Channel 4 Goes Mad) in the previous year. The week saw the broadcasting of a number of documentaries and programmes that explored mental health units, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, suicide, eating disorders, as well as delving into other issues such as the wall of stigma that surrounds mental health, as well as the effects of funding cuts to health services.

     In August Time to Change launched its 'It's time to talk' campaign, with an aim to stamp out the stigma surrounding mental health, as well as encouraging others to talk about mental health. Ambassadors such as Frankie Sandford, Ruby Wax, Rachel Bruno, Russell Kane and many more wore #TimeToTalk temporary tattoos and took to social networking sites to help further the campaign.

My #TimeToTalk tat

     Late September experienced an uproar when supermarkets Asda and Tesco, as well as on-line retailer Amazon, were selling 'mental patient' fancy dress costumes. After many complaints and petitions, the supermarkets, at last, withdrew these 'costumes', apologized and made donations to mental health charities. Whilst such an atrocity should have never happened in the first place, this gave us an opportunity to see the work we have ahead of us, as well as how many people are willing to stand for mental health and challenge the prejudices and stigmas that surround it.

     October saw another uproar, at Thorpe Park's 'The Asylum'. The 'attraction' included walking through a mock psychiatric hospital, whereby 'actors' would pretend to be mental patients; some of which jumping down from fences, jumping out onto visitors and others chasing them with chainsaws. Thousands signed a petition to urge the park to close the 'attraction' and to rename it. A spokeswoman for Thorpe park said that there are going to be meetings at some time after the new year; as of yet, however, we are still unsure as whether such an appalling attraction is yet to see another year.

     2013, in my opinion, has been a notable year for mental health; it has seen quite a few bricks removed from the wall of stigma; however, more still needs to be done - not only to keep breaking down this wall, but also removing those stubborn bricks, as well as preventing these bricks being piled back on. Let us see what 2014 has in store.

Wishing each and every one of you all the best for the new year!

BMNM.

[1]  http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/about-us/about-our-campaign/start-your-conversation-2013

The Big Mad Experience 2013

     Around 2 months ago, Wednesday 30th October (to be precise) saw ‘The Big Mad Experience’ come to Bradford – a jam packed day full of music, dance and more; all in aid of busting the wall of stigma that surrounds mental health.

     Hosted at the Norcroft building at the University of Bradford, the day saw people from all walks of life (in either fancy dress or everyday clothing); whether they were students, doctors, lecturers, mental health professionals, volunteers, mental health service users, or the average person on the street. The day saw us all come together and talk about anything and everything under the sun about mental health.

     The day started at around 9am, but certainly a lot earlier for those putting in the tremendous hard work preparing the centre for the day. After registration there was a brief meet-and-greet before all heading to the auditorium, being greeted again by the Drum Machine; of which I was part of.

Oops - it appears that I've dropped my stick!

     The first talk of the day, led by Justine Raynsford, was on pharmacy – focusing on anti-psychotics; how they work/or don’t work, as well as debating their effectiveness and suitability. Whilst for some people these have been the light at the end of the tunnel, for others they are nothing but a living nightmare. Unfortunately, when it comes to mental health and treatment, one size does not fit all.

     The wonderful Flo Bellamy, dressed as Mary Poppins, delivered the second talk. Here she shared with us her experiences of hallucinations and what it felt like for her to be on medication. Flo spoke about how instead of being treated as a number, or a ‘case’, the importance of just being listened to and being treated with respect and dignity like any other human being; rather than being shifted around from doctor to doctor and given a cocktail of medications.

The wonderful Flo, aka Mary Poppins

      After a short break, the third talk was delivered by Steve Williams (dressed as The Doctor), a professional mental health nurse and a lecturer here at the University of Bradford who teaches in nursing. Steve, in his early 20’s, has lived with experiences of psychosis, anxiety and depression. As a lecturer he teaches his students constructive critical recovery-orientated nursing approaches that are based in cognitive therapies; he believes that a key part of nursing should encompass compassion, warmth, gentleness, kindness and acceptance, and how important these aspects can be to patient’s wellbeing and recovery. Following his talk, he conducted (in what was probably the worlds-largest ever) mindfulness session. Personally, I found the experience very relaxing and releasing – certainly a technique I’ll be adopting in future when it comes to preparing for exams!

My favourite tweet of the day

     After the relaxing mindfulness session, Dr Rufus May, dressed as a tiger on the day, re-awoke us all and got our blood pumping, before settling down again and discussing the effects of support networks. Rufus, who has also had experiences of psychosis and being a psychiatric patient, believes that if someone has the right support behind them they can grow, develop and flourish; rather than just surviving on the over-prescribed use of psychiatric drugs.

Rufus the Tiger gets our blood pumping!

     All that moving around had made us all hungry, so it quite right to call a break for lunch. Lunch was served by the lovely people from Zaara’s, as to which I thoroughly enjoyed their chicken tikka masala, rice, naan bread, and onion bhajis. I should perhaps add that I am not being endorsed in any way whatsoever to write this – however, a few cheeky naans wouldn't go amiss!

     Towards the end of the lunch break there was a jam led by Aid Todd, from Drum Machine, in the Norcroft auditorium. Here everyone experimented with iPads, keyboards, drums, tambourines etc. In what was an exhilarating 20 minutes or so, before progressing on to the second half of the day.

 

 

     Following the jam, United Voice (the staff and patient choir from Lynfield Mount Hospital), gave us a spectacular performance before leading on to the final event of the day. 

     The last event of the day was in our hands, we could talk about anything and everything about mental health – collectively, we came up with around 12 topics with which we could discuss and debate upon. Such topics included: the effects of social isolation on mental health; ways to tackle the stigmas that surround mental health; religion and their effects on mental health, plus many more. We split off into groups for around 45 minutes before all feeding back to the room as a whole. My interest was in tackling mental health stigma – the group collectively agreed that education is an antidote to the poison that is stigma; that we should do more educate others about mental health and mental illness, with suggestions that more should be done in schools to educate its pupils, rather than having the media fill us with (more-often-than-not) prejudicial, stereotypical, insensitive, offensive content that you may typically find in the tabloids (*cough* Daily Mail *cough* The Sun).

     The day ended on a high with one last outstanding performance from the Drum Machine (even if I say so myself)! I can safely say that the day was enjoyed by all, even my balloons! All I can say is: roll on The Big Mad Experience 2014!

Even my balloons enjoy today!

BMNM.

Thorpe Park - The Asylum

   Last month it was Tesco and Asda, this month the culprit is Thorpe Park. This Halloween the troglodytes Thorpe Park and Liongate have teamed up to bring theme-park goers 'terrifyingly entertaining horror attractions', one of them being called 'The Asylum'.

     The 'attraction' includes walking through a mock psychiatric hospital, with 'actors' playing mental patients; some of which are jumping down from fences, jumping out onto visitors and others chasing them with chainsaws. Top marks to Thorpe Park for reinforcing an incorrect negative stereotype of mental illness.

     Discriminating against people with mental illnesses is just utterly unacceptable. This makes me sick to my stomach. Once again, some idiot(s) has thought that doing something like would be acceptable and that nobody would batter an eyelid. No!

     Many people, including myself took to Twitter to complain and show our disgust to Thorpe Park. They had the audacity to tweet this:

     'A fantastical experience'?! What on earth are they thinking? How can they get it so wrong? The only right about that tweet is that it is not 'a realistic portrayal of a mental health institution'. That being the case why are they even hosting such an 'attraction'? Do they not realise how offensive this is to so many people? Whether it is intended or not to be a realistic portrayal it still reinforces the negative stereotype that people with mental health problems are violent and murderous. When in actual fact people with mental health problems are far more likely to be victims of violence - it is things such as these that can evoke such violence and hostility towards people with mental health problems. As well as this, such hostility is what can prevent someone from seeking the help they desperately need.

     I fear that Thorpe Park don't care what we think, or how much they have offended so many people. As long as it makes them money then that is all they care about. I am suggesting a boycott; hit them where it hurts - their wallet. Perhaps that is the only way to get this 'attraction' withdrawn, unless they have any shred of human decency or compassion (which I doubt they do). This is not the end of this.

     Click on the link below to sign the petition to get 'Thorpe Park to close the stigmatising Asylum maze and to donate to Time to Change':
http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/thorpe-park-close-down-the-stigmatising-asylum-maze?share_id=EPOrwMGCZf&utm_campaign=share_button_mobile&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition

BMNM.

OCD Awareness Week - A little bit OCD?

     From the 14th-20th October it is OCD Awareness week; I thought I would do my bit and write a little blog-post.
     I would imagine that almost everyone has heard of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); but unfortunately there is one person too many that trivialises and belittles this debilitating disorder by making offensive, cruel and callous 'jokes' like the ones below, that only add to the stigma.

     Another misfortune is the amount of people who do not really understand what OCD is. OCD-UK say that "as understanding and public awareness about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder has grown, so has the use of the term ‘OCD’ as a description for some kinds of behaviour that are not related in any way to the actual condition". Someone may say, for example, "I'm a little bit OCD" to excuse themselves from any 'quirks' or unusual behaviours they have. This is not OCD. Whilst said person may have a particular way of wanting/having things done this simply doesn't qualify them as having a diagnosis/label of OCD. OCD can be extremely debilitating; affecting peoples education, careers and even relationships. This careless throwing of statements belittles the crippling anxiety and distress that many people who have OCD experience. Having OCD can bad enough in itself without added layer of shame, guilt and ridicule. It is things like these that prevent someone from seeking the help that they need - and all the while their symptoms can become worse.

     The DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders) gives an outline of the symptoms/characteristics of OCD.

     Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves obsessions and/or compulsions. 

     Obsessions:

• are recurrent/persistent thoughts, impulses or images that are experienced and cause anxiety or distress,
• are thoughts/impulses that are not simply excessive worries about real-life problems,
• are perceived as uncontrollable, the person with OCD may fear that they will lose control and act upon these obsessions,
• can be neutralised by thinking of something else, or by carrying out an action,
• obsessions can include: ideas - e.g. there are germs everywhere; doubts - e.g. worried that something important has been overlooked; impulses - e.g. to shout out words; or images - e.g. fleeting sexual images.

     Compulsions:

• are repetitive physical or mental actions that are carried out by an individual in order to reduce the anxiety that comes with the obsession and/or to 'prevent'  something from happening.
• can be hand-washing, but can also be, ordering things, checking things, counting or repeating words silently.

     We all may have minor obsessions or compulsions, e.g. we may say someone is obsessed with work or football and so on. You could say that I am obsessed with Harry Potter (I love Harry Potter!). However, these obsessions are not usually unwanted and do not interfere with daily life. Many people may carry out rituals, like not stepping on pavement cracks, that make them feel safe; but these are not usually considered to be problematic.

     An important part in the diagnosis of OCD is that a person's obsessions and compulsions have caused them great anxiety/distress and significantly interferes with their daily lives.

Raising awareness can be
as simple as wearing a ribbon!

     Now, considering it is OCD Awareness week, it would be a pretty good idea to do some awareness raising. There are loads of ways in which you can raise awareness (don't worry, you don't have to do every single thing - do as much as you want) and break down the wall of stigma. Here are a few suggestions:

• Changing your cover/profile photos on social network sites,
• Distribute leaflets, postcards or posters around your workplace, school, university or local doctors surgery,
• Write a blog (like me!)
• Wear a wonderful blue ribbon (like the one shown on the right),
• Hold a bake sale,
• Deliver a presentation or an assembly if you work in a school,

...anything that will get people talking!

BMNM.

References

     American Psychiatric Association (2000), Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th edition [DSM-IV-TR], Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association

     OCD-UK (2004), What is not OCD!, [online]. Available at: <http://www.ocduk.org/whats-not-OCD> [Accessed 16 October 2013]

'Mental Patient' Costumes - A Blessing In Disguise

     I am pretty sure if you have got your finger on the pulse you probably would have heard about the supermarket chains Asda and Tesco, and online retailer Amazon being caught in a uproar for selling Halloween costumes entitling 'Psycho Ward' outfit and 'Mental Patient' fancy dress costume. These costumes included ragged clothing, fake blood, a mask, and a fake meat cleaver or an orange boiler suit with a plastic jaw restraint as well as machete to "complete the look".
     After a storm of complaints and outrage from customers and people on social networking sites these companies subsequently withdrew these offensive outfits from sale, have made apologies and will be donating to the mental health charity Mind.
     Unfortunately there have been one-too-many troglodytes saying '...if you don't like the outfits then don't buy them....what's all the fuss about?' It's times like these I face-palm myself and try to keep myself calm over the frustration as to how someone could be so callous and ignorant, but if it still needs saying until I'm blue in face then I accept the challenge.

Sometimes I ask myself why I bother...
...but then I remember why.

     It is quite astounding, and worrying, to think that 'intelligent' (seriously considering whether this is the right word to use or not), successful people of these large companies would ever think it would be okay to do something like this - did they consider to sell outfits depicting cancer, diabetes or coronary heart disease as well? When were they born? 1847? The hard work that every single mental health charity, campaigner, activist, or volunteer does to try and break down the wall of stigma and then you have these buffoons pilling on more bricks and cement.
     It is things like this that re-enforce the unfair, incorrect negative stereotypes of mental health and mental illness - that we are blood-thirsty, violent, cannibalistic murderers. When actually people with mental health problems are far more likely to be a victim of violence. It is things like this that make people treat individuals with mental health problems as second-class citizens or as targets of abuse. Having a mental health problem in itself can be a struggle; without the additional layer of guilt or fear of social persecution or abuse making everything worse. There are thousands people with mental health problems who are not receiving the help and support they need - it is not just down to the lack of resources and funding available, but also fear of reaching out for help (from a GP, friend or family member) and receiving nothing in return except contempt, abuse and guilt. 
     Now when I title this blog post '...A Blessing In Disguise' I mean it in the sense that these companies idiotic actions have given a great opportunity for mental health charities, campaigners, activists, people with mental health problems and thousands of others to raise awareness and to help end mental health discrimination - to tell everyone that this kind of behaviour is not okay and that we should be treated with the same amount of care and respect as everybody else. Thousands upon thousands of people took to Twitter and Facebook to show everyone what a real #mentalpatient looks like. Do you know what they look like? Like you and me.
     If you would like to know how you can help end mental health discrimination check out Time To Change.

BMNM.

Southend Mind Jubilee Centre Appeal

     Southend Mind have been putting their heart and soul into its Jubilee Centre; a 'one stop shop' for community resources. The Jubilee Centre, located in Southchurch Road, will be the first of its kind in the UK; offering information, advice and guidance; advocacy; space for activities; and a range of other community based activities. The centre will also be used a number of other wonderful organisations within the area.

     I live relatively close to the Jubilee Centre and I have seen it develop from an old bed shop to this wonderful new centre. Having volunteered and worked with the fantastic people at Southend Mind I was invited to the launch; whilst being there I, and many others, felt great excitement and anticipation to see this centre being completed, up-and-running and ready to help people with mental health problems. 
     Part of the Jubilee Centre is now open, providing access to information and advice to the public.

     However, the centre is not yet finished - there is still some way to go. The next phase will provide the building and furnishing of five counselling rooms. Unfortunately, building work has currently been halted until more money can be raised. 

This is the reason for me writing this blog post. 

     The premise of this blog post is to encourage you to dig deep and give what you can, or perhaps donate some of your time and fund-raise for Southend Mind.
There are many ways in which you can help. You can:

• hold raffles, cake sales or coffee mornings,
• do a sponsored leg waxing or head shaving,
• hold a charity auction or fashion show,

the possibilities are endless!

     For more information about donating to Southend Mind click here.

     You can also volunteer yourself at one of Southend Mind's events; you can check their website here for their latest events. By being a volunteer it can be a win-win situation; not only is your time and effort hugely appreciated, but, you can meet new, amazing people, also, volunteering can make you feel amazing! It's certainly made me feel amazing!

Please give what you can.
Whether it's your time or money, no matter how much, it all adds up!

    1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. With your help and support together we can all help to improve the lives of others. Thank you.

     You can 'follow' Southend Mind on Twitter, and 'like' them on Facebook.

South East and Central Essex Mind: Registered charity number 1148451

BMNM.

Self Injury Awareness Day - The Stigma Of Self-Injury

     Self Injury Awareness Day (or SIAD for short) is a global event that occurs each year on the 1st March. The purpose of SIAD is ultimately to raise awareness, but, more importantly, to stamp out the stigma behind it. 

If you would like to help raise awareness about
self-injury you can wear an orange ribbon.

     Sometimes (unfortunately more often than not) when people first hear about self-injury, they usually fire questions like 'Why would someone do that to themselves?', or say that people who self-injure are 'attention seeking'. Let's get some of these things straight.

     A definition of self-injury is any deliberate, non suicidal behaviour that inflicts physical harm to your body; this can include cutting, burning, hair-pulling, scalding, scratching, biting, and many others.  Self-injury can be a coping mechanism - aimed at relieving emotional distress or pain, or to arouse sensation from feelings of numbness. Sometimes physical pain is often easier to deal with than emotional pain – it can cause 'real' feelings, and sometimes the injuries enable the individual to feel that their emotional pain is real and valid. Self-injury can become part of a natural response to the daily stresses of life, but in can escalate in frequency and severity.

     Self-injury, however, only provides temporary relief; it does not deal with the underlying issues. Additionally, after an individual self-injures sometimes they experiences feelings of guilt or disappointment, something of which is not helped by the stigma and prejudice 
that surrounds it. These feelings can also be a trigger to self-injury and so it can become a viscous circle.

A vicious cycle

     When some people assume that individuals who self-injure are ‘attention-seekers’ they perhaps do not realize that individuals who self-injure often do so in secret, and try their best to hide their injuries. They might feel frightened of talking about their self-injury for fear of being judged, misunderstood or stigmatized  Unfortunately, all too often they are proved right to feel this way. It is stigma like this that prevents someone from seeking help when they urgently need it.

The stigma that surrounds self-injury can prevent someone from seeking help when they urgently need it.

     To change people’s perceptions on self-injury, raising awareness is very important. By talking about it, not only will it help break down the wall of stigma (by educating them about the truths and challenging the myths) but perhaps show people that there is hope and help. Even if some people are unable to fully understand self-injury, at least by raising awareness more and more people with be able to empathize with people who hurt themselves.

     So make the most of Self-Injury Awareness Day. Wear a ribbon. Start of conversation. Anything that raises awareness and breaks down the wall of stigma.

     For further help and advice, whenever you may want or need it, click on 'Help, Support and Advice' on the menu on the right.

BMNM.