Daniel's story provides a fascinating, first-person account of a young man's psychotic breakdown, & his positive road of recovery. Not everyone has such an encapsulated experience, but this guy presents great insights & advice. I strongly urge you to read this excellent narrative.
16 October 2014
14 October 2014
Premier League take a shot at Young Person mental health support
Check out this BBC article on getting to grips with Young People's issues; but also click on the link to If U Care Share Foundation … Daniel O'Hare was 19 when, without warning, he took his own life. No history of mental health problems, no sense of intent. A popular, well known, social young fellow: football, work, friends, socialising, close family relationships… a devastated family, no closer to understanding Daniel's actions.
Brother's Matthew & Ben, cousin Sarah (then, 10, 5, & 13 years), wanting to do something positive to prevent similar events & help bereaved families, started 'If U Care Share' as a lasting memory of Daniel. They designed a wristband to encourage young people to SHARE problems instead of burying them within.
Raising almost £50,000, the kids donated the money to north east Young Person's projects via The Samaritans. Now the If U Care Share Foundation is a registered charity with 3 clear aims… Prevention, Intervention, & Support of those bereaved by suicide.
Suicide is the second most common cause of death of young men, after accident; it claims more young lives than cancer.
Brother's Matthew & Ben, cousin Sarah (then, 10, 5, & 13 years), wanting to do something positive to prevent similar events & help bereaved families, started 'If U Care Share' as a lasting memory of Daniel. They designed a wristband to encourage young people to SHARE problems instead of burying them within.
Raising almost £50,000, the kids donated the money to north east Young Person's projects via The Samaritans. Now the If U Care Share Foundation is a registered charity with 3 clear aims… Prevention, Intervention, & Support of those bereaved by suicide.
Suicide is the second most common cause of death of young men, after accident; it claims more young lives than cancer.
08 October 2014
Still a national scandal?
The personal tales of 15 Guardian readers give an insight into the sorry state of formal mental health care in modern Britain.
On a more upbeat note, have you heard of the Men's Shed movement? No? Me neither.
Started in Australia 8 years ago, & now over here, it's a communal woodworking project aiming to support older guys who have experienced difficulties with mental health, loss of employment, retirement, & social isolation… There are now over 100 Sheds in the UK, with a project opening each week. So, check out a very interesting article & take a peek at UK Men's Sheds Association website . I'd love to see something like that somewhere like this!
On a more upbeat note, have you heard of the Men's Shed movement? No? Me neither.
Started in Australia 8 years ago, & now over here, it's a communal woodworking project aiming to support older guys who have experienced difficulties with mental health, loss of employment, retirement, & social isolation… There are now over 100 Sheds in the UK, with a project opening each week. So, check out a very interesting article & take a peek at UK Men's Sheds Association website . I'd love to see something like that somewhere like this!
03 October 2014
MSM Rural Peer Support Group
We are very pleased to announce MSM is opening a peer support group at Colwich & Little Haywood Village Hall starting Thursday 23rd October. Initially, the group will run from 11am until 2.00pm, offering support, information, & signposting both to those experiencing mental health difficulties & to carers.
Rural living can generate additional challenges to those already having to contend with psychological & emotional distress - social isolation, reduced opportunity, shame & stigma - & we aim to reflect this as the group develops. As a peer support group, development & ownership rests in the hands of those who attend, so who is to know where they will take this project? But, to get going we intend to have a fun, inclusive range of activities underpinning each week's get together; from create & bake, through relaxation & mindfulness training, to BiteSize Wellbeing Workshops.
For further information or to express interest in attending, the group has an active email address midstaffsmind.ruralgroup@gmail.com or contact MSM on 01543 896876
Colwich & Little Haywood Village Hall
Chilwell Avenue
Little Haywood
Staffs
ST18 0QZ
Bus: Arriva 825 (Stafford - Rugeley - Lichfield & return), every half hour, bus stop opposite Hall at St Michaels & All Angels Church.
Car parking is plentiful.
Rural living can generate additional challenges to those already having to contend with psychological & emotional distress - social isolation, reduced opportunity, shame & stigma - & we aim to reflect this as the group develops. As a peer support group, development & ownership rests in the hands of those who attend, so who is to know where they will take this project? But, to get going we intend to have a fun, inclusive range of activities underpinning each week's get together; from create & bake, through relaxation & mindfulness training, to BiteSize Wellbeing Workshops.
For further information or to express interest in attending, the group has an active email address midstaffsmind.ruralgroup@gmail.com or contact MSM on 01543 896876
Colwich & Little Haywood Village Hall
Chilwell Avenue
Little Haywood
Staffs
ST18 0QZ
Bus: Arriva 825 (Stafford - Rugeley - Lichfield & return), every half hour, bus stop opposite Hall at St Michaels & All Angels Church.
Car parking is plentiful.
27 September 2014
MSM World Mental Health Day: October Events
In supporting & engaging with World Mental Health Day & it's theme of 'Living with Schizophrenia', MSM are delivering public presentations across our localities...
Wednesday 8th: Bipolar Disorder: exploring the ins & outs of the ups & downs
- presented by Rachel Butler: to raise awareness of symptoms, treatments, the science & lived experience of bipolar disorder… to promote MSM's Peer Support in Wombourne
PLEASE NOTE: this presentation is cancelled but will be rescheduled asap, it will still take place at the Fire Station, Giggety Lane, Wombourne, WV5 0AX.
PLEASE WATCH THIS SPACE!
Friday 10th: MSM Sponsored Walks in & around Stafford
- 10am starting from Quest, Tipping St, Stafford, ST16 2LL
- 3 walks (short, for everyone; medium, for some scenery; long, for the serious), all finish at Quest. Each walker is sponsored for the Peer Support Group / Activity of their choice
Saturday 11th: Stand in Cannock Library
- 10am - 2.00pm information on Schizophrenia & severe mental illness; signposting
Saturday 11th: Schizophrenia Awareness
- 1.00pm - 2.30pm Quest, Stafford
- presented by Leasa Hatherly; learning through fun & interaction; refreshments
Volunteer appreciation events will also take place in each locality
for details of presentations, contact:
Gemma Hobday (Operations Co-ordinator)
0787 5402 471
for details of sponsored walks, contact:
Linda Newton (Partnerships Co-ordinator)
0797 1050 881
Wednesday 8th: Bipolar Disorder: exploring the ins & outs of the ups & downs
- presented by Rachel Butler: to raise awareness of symptoms, treatments, the science & lived experience of bipolar disorder… to promote MSM's Peer Support in Wombourne
PLEASE NOTE: this presentation is cancelled but will be rescheduled asap, it will still take place at the Fire Station, Giggety Lane, Wombourne, WV5 0AX.
PLEASE WATCH THIS SPACE!
Friday 10th: MSM Sponsored Walks in & around Stafford
- 10am starting from Quest, Tipping St, Stafford, ST16 2LL
- 3 walks (short, for everyone; medium, for some scenery; long, for the serious), all finish at Quest. Each walker is sponsored for the Peer Support Group / Activity of their choice
Saturday 11th: Stand in Cannock Library
- 10am - 2.00pm information on Schizophrenia & severe mental illness; signposting
Saturday 11th: Schizophrenia Awareness
- 1.00pm - 2.30pm Quest, Stafford
- presented by Leasa Hatherly; learning through fun & interaction; refreshments
Volunteer appreciation events will also take place in each locality
for details of presentations, contact:
Gemma Hobday (Operations Co-ordinator)
0787 5402 471
for details of sponsored walks, contact:
Linda Newton (Partnerships Co-ordinator)
0797 1050 881
Living with Schizophrenia
"Imagine suddenly developing an illness in which your are bombarded with voices from forces you cannot see, & stripped of your ability to understand what is real & what is not. You discover that you cannot trust your senses, you mind plays tricks on you, & your family & friends seem part of a conspiracy to harm you. Unless properly treated, these psychotic experiences may destroy your hopes & ambitions, make other people recoil from you, & ultimately cut your life short. Some 220,000 people in England have such psychotic experiences - we probably all know a family who is affected, but the stigma is such that they may be keeping it a secret"
(Prof Robin Murray, The Abandoned Illness - a Report by the Schizophrenia Commission)
Schizophrenia is the most commonly diagnosed psychotic mental illness. Over 26 million people worldwide… 220,000 people in England… some 30% of our mental health & social care spend, some £2.5 billion yearly… an overall cost to the nation of about £11.8 billion... with poor health indicators & high mortality rates, those with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia die 15 - 20 years younger than the general British population.
World Mental Health Day 2014 aims to open a conversation about, & call attention to this serious, often disabling, condition. Sharing information & guidance; networking care & support; tackling ignorance & mythology; fighting stigma & discrimination… it is amazing what a bit of a chat & a think might achieve!
WFMH have published a wide-ranging collection of papers, Living with Schizophrenia, which aims to reflect current medico-scientific knowledge about the illness, as well as capturing Schizophrenia's real-life impact on individuals & families… there's a fairly overt medical bias, but it's a good jumping off point for understanding more about this illness.
I strongly recommend the Schizophrenia Commission's powerful & shaming Report (or Executive Summary) which can be accessed here; a damning indictment of our society, our health & care & political institutions, yet a beacon of hope, shining light on solutions that can yet improve the lot of those who experience this most debilitating illness.
The National Audit of Schizophrenia (2012) attempts to collate a comprehensive picture of the quality of care received by people diagnosed with Schizophrenia in England & Wales.
Mind's website offers a broad range of information in regard to Schizophrenia, including causality & treatment, self help guidance, & advice as to haw family & friends can help.
Rethink Mental Illness & the Meridan Family Programme offer Caring for Yourself a guide to help those experiencing mental illness, their carers, family & friends. Aimed at helping folk developing new skills & coping strategies, the eight downloadable booklets offer tips & exercises about looking after oneself, as well as 'how to' information in respect of supporting a person suffering severe mental illness.
Sane, the Hearing Voices Network, the Voice Collective, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Time to Change etc. Many & varied is the research, information, advice, & personal experience relating to Schizophrenia; available on the internet & via your library, have a read, have a think, have an opinion… have compassion...
(Prof Robin Murray, The Abandoned Illness - a Report by the Schizophrenia Commission)
Schizophrenia is the most commonly diagnosed psychotic mental illness. Over 26 million people worldwide… 220,000 people in England… some 30% of our mental health & social care spend, some £2.5 billion yearly… an overall cost to the nation of about £11.8 billion... with poor health indicators & high mortality rates, those with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia die 15 - 20 years younger than the general British population.
World Mental Health Day 2014 aims to open a conversation about, & call attention to this serious, often disabling, condition. Sharing information & guidance; networking care & support; tackling ignorance & mythology; fighting stigma & discrimination… it is amazing what a bit of a chat & a think might achieve!
WFMH have published a wide-ranging collection of papers, Living with Schizophrenia, which aims to reflect current medico-scientific knowledge about the illness, as well as capturing Schizophrenia's real-life impact on individuals & families… there's a fairly overt medical bias, but it's a good jumping off point for understanding more about this illness.
I strongly recommend the Schizophrenia Commission's powerful & shaming Report (or Executive Summary) which can be accessed here; a damning indictment of our society, our health & care & political institutions, yet a beacon of hope, shining light on solutions that can yet improve the lot of those who experience this most debilitating illness.
The National Audit of Schizophrenia (2012) attempts to collate a comprehensive picture of the quality of care received by people diagnosed with Schizophrenia in England & Wales.
Mind's website offers a broad range of information in regard to Schizophrenia, including causality & treatment, self help guidance, & advice as to haw family & friends can help.
Rethink Mental Illness & the Meridan Family Programme offer Caring for Yourself a guide to help those experiencing mental illness, their carers, family & friends. Aimed at helping folk developing new skills & coping strategies, the eight downloadable booklets offer tips & exercises about looking after oneself, as well as 'how to' information in respect of supporting a person suffering severe mental illness.
Sane, the Hearing Voices Network, the Voice Collective, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Time to Change etc. Many & varied is the research, information, advice, & personal experience relating to Schizophrenia; available on the internet & via your library, have a read, have a think, have an opinion… have compassion...
World Mental Health Day 2014
Friday 10th October is World Mental Health Day 2014;
this year's theme is Living with Schizophrenia.
Established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), World Mental Health Day provides a global, regional, & local focus on mental health awareness, education, & advocacy. Emotional, psychological, behavioural, & neurological 'disorders' are remarkably common - the 1996 Global Burden of Disease study showed neuro-psychiatric disorders account for over 25% of all health loss due to disability, 8 times greater than coronary heart disease, 20 times greater than cancer, this highlighted the central place of mental distress in population health & the demand for proper health service responses.
Some facts:
* schizophrenia, depression, dementia, substance abuse & other mental illnesses make up 13% of global disease burden (WHO)
* more than 450 million people across the world experience mental illness (NIH)
* US citizens diagnosed with severe mental illness will die 25 years earlier than the general population; even in Denmark, with universal health coverage, it is almost 19 years earlier This differential is even greater in the developing world
* suicide is one of the three leading causes of death for those between 15 - 44 years of age, & second leading cause of death in the 10 - 24 year age group (WHO
* suicide rates have increased 60% globally (WHO); more than 90% of those who kill themselves have a diagnosable mental illness (NIH)
* mental & psychological disabilities are associated with unemployment rates as high as 90% (WHO)
* people who experience severe mental illness are more likely to have other major heath risk factors as well e.g. in the US 22% of the general population smoke, this rises to more than 75% of those with a severe mental illness; folk with depression are twice as likely to be obese.
* in the UK 70% of people affected by mental illness experience discrimination
* by 2030 depression will be the second highest cause of disease burden (WHO)
… Fundamental Facts, a comprehensive summary of mental health research, is available from the the Mental Health Foundation.
Every year, World Mental Health Day enables tens of thousands of people across the world to raise awareness & tackle stigma, to highlight available help & raise funds for such help, to promote individual self-awareness & encourage those experiencing mental distress to actively seek help… openness, communication, knowledge, & compassion, these are the values that underpin World Mental Health Day.
this year's theme is Living with Schizophrenia.
Established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), World Mental Health Day provides a global, regional, & local focus on mental health awareness, education, & advocacy. Emotional, psychological, behavioural, & neurological 'disorders' are remarkably common - the 1996 Global Burden of Disease study showed neuro-psychiatric disorders account for over 25% of all health loss due to disability, 8 times greater than coronary heart disease, 20 times greater than cancer, this highlighted the central place of mental distress in population health & the demand for proper health service responses.
Some facts:
* schizophrenia, depression, dementia, substance abuse & other mental illnesses make up 13% of global disease burden (WHO)
* more than 450 million people across the world experience mental illness (NIH)
* US citizens diagnosed with severe mental illness will die 25 years earlier than the general population; even in Denmark, with universal health coverage, it is almost 19 years earlier This differential is even greater in the developing world
* suicide is one of the three leading causes of death for those between 15 - 44 years of age, & second leading cause of death in the 10 - 24 year age group (WHO
* suicide rates have increased 60% globally (WHO); more than 90% of those who kill themselves have a diagnosable mental illness (NIH)
* mental & psychological disabilities are associated with unemployment rates as high as 90% (WHO)
* people who experience severe mental illness are more likely to have other major heath risk factors as well e.g. in the US 22% of the general population smoke, this rises to more than 75% of those with a severe mental illness; folk with depression are twice as likely to be obese.
* in the UK 70% of people affected by mental illness experience discrimination
* by 2030 depression will be the second highest cause of disease burden (WHO)
… Fundamental Facts, a comprehensive summary of mental health research, is available from the the Mental Health Foundation.
Every year, World Mental Health Day enables tens of thousands of people across the world to raise awareness & tackle stigma, to highlight available help & raise funds for such help, to promote individual self-awareness & encourage those experiencing mental distress to actively seek help… openness, communication, knowledge, & compassion, these are the values that underpin World Mental Health Day.
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