World Mental Health Day

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 11:29 am

Today is World Mental Health Day - an illness that affects more of us than you could ever imagine

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaig ... health-day

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 11:33 am

Always worth reaching out if needed.

I did a few years ago on CM and received plenty of support.

Redbeard also gave me his phone number that day and I had a couple of chats with him that, along with the written support on CM, helped me get over my dark spot.

I've made a lot of changes in my life since then, but there are still days when I feel down for no real/apparent reason.

tybfc · Post by **tybfc** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 12:10 pm

It's brilliant what they are doing but the NHS need to do more and not keep being cut back on finances and resources.

We got an appointment in June for our son to see a specialist in Blackburn urgently for mental health issues.

We got a letter to say it was in May next year.

Not really good enough.

If he was in a wheelchair it would have been next week.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 1:29 pm

Sidney1st wrote:Always worth reaching out if needed.

I did a few years ago on CM and received plenty of support.

Redbeard also gave me his phone number that day and I had a couple of chats with him that, along with the written support on CM, helped me get over my dark spot.

I've made a lot of changes in my life since then, but there are still days when I feel down for no real/apparent reason.

Summed up perfectly Sidney1st - very much worth reaching out when you need to and there is no explanation sometimes as to why you are having difficult days. It's so good to know that a thread on a message board can be of such help, that people like redbeard come forward, not just to offer help but just to be there on the other end of a phone.

IAmAClaret · Post by **IAmAClaret** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 2:15 pm

Without doubt more resource needs putting into Mental Health, but whilst budgets getting cut seems to be the norm now, that isn't going to happen anytime soon.

Perhaps if we took a more proactive approach to Type 2 Diabetes (seen as though it is preventable and eats 10% of the WHOLE NHS budget), the powers that be would have the option of where to spend additional resource.

Mental health gets no where near enough, mainly because it's silent.

LoveCurryPies · Post by **LoveCurryPies** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 2:20 pm

Heard about a hospital in Norway where they got depression suffers to help grow vegetables in the hospital gardens and 90% were ok after 3-6 months. I try spend an hour a day in the garden and a walk. Dreading the dark winter days.

Elizabeth · Post by **Elizabeth** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 3:55 pm

Mental Health event going in at the Turf this week, Thursday I heard. Might help .

minnieclaret · Post by **minnieclaret** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 4:02 pm

Dark Winter nights are a downer for lots of people. We have a family member who suffers with SAD and after finding out there has been a marked improvement.
Something as simple as weekends out and company can make such a difference.

dpinsussex · Post by **dpinsussex** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 10:34 pm

Depression is not something you will just pull yourself together.
Having suffered for a number of years and still taking medication to even out the peaks and troughs have every empathy wiyh fellow sufferers.
Mine kicked in when my ex wife threatened to kill my children. She was suffering herself at the time. But my life fell apart around this incident. I am still fighting to survive. I hold down a very full time stressful job but make it work thanks to a great understanding employer. I work a flexi pattern that suits the business and me.
Talking about mental health has been one of my coping strategies along woth being their for anyone who has needed support.
Councellors told me to stop forgetting about myself as easy done in all our busy lives. Please look after yourselves and seek help if you find yourself sliding. Acknowledge quickly when things arent quite what they should be.

Dp

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 10:39 pm

I'm thankfully able to manage without medication now but I know there are times when things become very difficult for me. I am fine for a lot of the time but when things get worse I do find myself sliding and often can't do anything to stop it. I have friends who are a great help, including a couple who post on this board, but then they often get the sharp end of it all because I have this habit of losing it for no apparent reason when I'm not in a good place.

boatshed bill · Post by **boatshed bill** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 10:43 pm

ClaretTony wrote:I'm thankfully able to manage without medication now but I know there are times when things become very difficult for me. I am fine for a lot of the time but when things get worse I do find myself sliding and often can't do anything to stop it. I have friends who are a great help, including a couple who post on this board, but then they often get the sharp end of it all because I have this habit of losing it for no apparent reason when I'm not in a good place.

I can totally empathise with this post, CT.
Getting older (64) doesn't help.

dpinsussex · Post by **dpinsussex** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 10:47 pm

The losing control on the slide is one of the hardest things to deal with. It almost feels like a travelator you cant climb or quick sand the more you fight the harder it becomes.
Friends and family that understand are the best strategy but they really need to understand this isnt really you. They put up with the crap you throw at them. They dont judge you when you are falling apart.
I am just so pleased to have started rebuilding a life with someone new who is great with my kids. That said i have now got 2 late teenagers to deal with presentimg ots own challenge.
I will beat this affliction. I dont know when. But i will

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 10:49 pm

Mine really started in the late 90s. Things weren't good at home at the time and that was made worse by a situation at work which was difficult for myself and some others to deal with. Combine the two and it brought me to my knees. I can honestly say that when I was at my worst, it was the football that kept me going, I was able to leave the house and go to a football match as if there were no problem.

It's had a serious effect on my life since but that's how it is and always will be.

I don't often get too much now in the way of problems, I have to say, apart from this lack of patience that leads me to lose it from time to time. All I would say is keep clear when I'm like that. I have to say I am much, much more fortunate than so many others.

As for my age - I just whinge about my arthritis now!!

Funkydrummer · Post by **Funkydrummer** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 10:57 pm

I started with a panic attack every few months and foolishly chose to ignore them. Six months ago, for no
apparent reason, I started with heart palpitations whilst, of all things, washing the car. These increased in
both frequency and magnitude until I started imagining all sorts of things, didn't want to go out and mix with
people and finished up in a very dark place in my mind. It was very very scary. I felt I had to hide my problem from family as they had
enough problems of their own.

Luckily, a good mate of mine recognised what was happening to me, got me to see sense and seek professional
help and advice. I will be forever in his debt for taking me by the scruff of the neck. I am well on the road to
recovery now with the help of medication and some counselling. It really does help to talk about it, and by doing
so you start to realise just how many other people suffer or have suffered the same thing(s). I was told by the
pharmacist that, in her experience, there are more people on medication for anxiety and/or depression than aren't.

There is no shame in it, get it sorted if you are in any way troubled.

LoveCurryPies · Post by **LoveCurryPies** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 12:30 am

I admire everyone who is brave enough to admit their problems. I do believe realising you are not the only person helps. Admitting you have problems in public might help others. Depression is difficult for people to understand for people who have never suffered. It affects the whole family. Getting medical help is crucial and medication does help. Walking and getting lots of exercise & fresh air helps.

Darnhill Claret · Post by **Darnhill Claret** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 1:39 am

I'm also 64, lol. I've been on medication for my depression since June 2010 (citalapram). Lost my job/career in January 2011. No complaints but I still feel that my employers could and should have been more sympathetic as I had informed Occy Health as soon as I was put on my medication. Think I'd been in denial for several years, but I'd been able to function very well in some areas of my life, whilst starting to fail in some other areas. In 2011 or 2012, in the summer, I felt stronger so I weaned myself off my medication as I thought I was getting better. 3 or 4 months later I was lower than I'd ever been and had to go back on my medication and some months later felt that I needed a change of medication. My GP agreed and I've been on Sertraline ever since and I'm in a good place now and have been for a little while now. I'm accepting that I'm unlikely to find work that I can both manage and enjoy so I've my state pension to look forward to next year. There are a few things that contribute to my better life now and of course a few people. Life experiences have contributed. At the time of crisis you never know how things may impact on you in later life, but now I know.

It is a long dark tunnel that we travel, but there is light to be found for some although at the time of suffering I didn't always know I was in the tunnel, until I saw the light.
Winter and the darkness it brings only serves to test me further. Can't wait for the clocks to go forward again next spring. Even now.
Strange thing is although I don't want anyone else to suffer, there is a sort of relief that I know that millions of others around the world, will at times struggle, just as I have done. I also accept that I will still have low days that I cannot explain or understand. It's like my system chooses to reject the medication for a couple of days.

Didn't mean to ramble. I'm good, really I am, lol.

Stuart

TheFamilyCat · Post by **TheFamilyCat** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 7:11 am

Working in a college, it is frightening how many teenagers declare having depression and prescribed medication.

It's difficult to know but part of me suspects that GPs are too quick to diagnose depression and condemn kids to a life of pills and stigma of "being mental".

Very few of these kids have been referred to a specialist or offered alternative therapies.

Funkydrummer · Post by **Funkydrummer** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 8:46 am

Sertraline is the treatment that has put and kept me on the straight and narrow. Not sure I am
brave enough to wean myself off it just yet, but will seek medical advice when I think the time is
right.

Not sure what effect the long, dark and cold winter nights are going to have - I'll just have to wait and see.

tybfc · Post by **tybfc** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 9:19 am

TheFamilyCat wrote:Working in a college, it is frightening how many teenagers declare having depression and prescribed medication.

It's difficult to know but part of me suspects that GPs are too quick to diagnose depression and condemn kids to a life of pills and stigma of "being mental".

Very few of these kids have been referred to a specialist or offered alternative therapies.

I have a 10 year old who suffers from massive amounts of anxiety and stress.

At the moment he makes it into school for one hour per day on a one to one basis as he cannot face being in a classroom with the other kids. He has stopped playing out when at home. He will not eat in the same room as his family.

He has been diagnosed with ADHD and autism.

When he gets anxious his shoulders and knees dislocate as his body becomes so tense and I have to 'get them back in'.

He is a great kid though. As I am typing this I can hear him singing away upstairs but I do fear for his future.

He has had loads of therapy and been the length of the country to see different specialists for different opinions but he is just one on his own.

We have refused any medication, other than calpol for the pain of dislocations, as we have felt that therapy and a loving home will serve him better.

The headmaster of his school says that he should be in a mainstream classroom and doesn't believe that any child has mental health issues but don't get me started on that one!

LoveCurryPies · Post by **LoveCurryPies** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 10:20 am

I have found making a list of things to look forward to really helps. Might only be a favourite tv programme one day, another day watching Burnley, another a long walk or visiting an exhibition, somedays it is simply getting out into the garden and enjoying the sun. You've got to keep looking forwards and take it one day at a time.

I'm also on Setraline and somedays think I should try and come off but other days I think better not. Realising we are not alone helps!

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 10:39 am

When I started this thread it was for no other reason but to let people know about the day yesterday. I wasn't expecting anyone to respond to it to be honest but thought at least I'd let people know about WMHD.

I've just read through the thread and so many little things stand out to me. One poster said it had cost him his career, that was also the case with me although it is a long time ago, even now I am disgusted at how bad my employer was.

But the thing that stood out for me was in the post above that references looking forward to things and included a tv programme. When I was at my worst, the very thought of having a 30 minute escape watching Coronation Street was crucial. It might sound daft to some but it almost felt like a life saver, as did going to football. It was almost an act going to the Turf, no one could see the real me, I was able to hide it.

claretdom · Post by **claretdom** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 10:41 am

The best thing that comes out of having a named day like yesterday as well as people on public forums speaking openly is it hopefully shows others in need there is no shame in asking for help.

ClaretMoffitt · Post by **ClaretMoffitt** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 10:50 am

Speaking out isn't for everyone.

Only a very small handful of people ever knew when it was the case with me, and that is the way I wanted it. I will say though, professional help is a must if your mental health is starting to have a destructive impact on your life, this is especially the case if you can't bring yourself to tell people around you. Your GP will point you in the right direction, and they really can help. This time last year I was very legitimately on the verge of suicide, now I feel like a totally different person. It almost feels unreal when I look back but I owe it all to the wonderful people at my local surgery, and the Lancashire MHT.

Marney&Mee · Post by **Marney&Mee** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 11:04 am

Some sound advice on here.

Exercise always helps, but it's the last thing you want to do when you're feeling low and sluggish. If you're a member of a gym the Nordic trainer and rowing machine are much easier to do than running

Writing things down is the best thing I've found. Sheet of A4...all the things bothering you on the left hand side...and the alternative positive thoughts on the right hand side. Always works a treat.

Also worth remembering that 90% of things you worry about never actually happen

hampsteadclaret · Post by **hampsteadclaret** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 11:18 am

I think this thread indicates how valuable this board [and others like it] can be sometimes when people/posters are facing difficult issues, and need someone to talk to [perhaps someone anonymous]..it makes it easier to realise that you are not alone, that there are some solutions, and that there is lots of support out there; that is invaluable knowledge for some I would imagine.

JarrowClaret · Post by **JarrowClaret** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 11:21 am

I stand on the other side of the mental health issue my Partner of 12 years suffers terribly with it. Whilst others have to take some of her anger I take the brunt of it and am sometimes made to feel at fault for this. The abuse can sometimes feel like mental torture and i can no longer work out what she means or doesn't mean I Love her dearly but unfortunately I fear we are near the end of our relationship Sadly I think I will have to move away, from my 3 kids and her partly for my own sanity but as I feel I have become a catalyst for her problems maybe (hopefully) it will start her on the road to some sort of recovery which would benefit the kids as well as her. I have no firm plans to move and I do hope we can find something that helps her which doesn't involve us splitting and me moving but not hopeful. Not sure how this will read but wanted to tell the other side of this terrible affliction.

BedfordsDad · Post by **BedfordsDad** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 11:26 am

tybfc wrote:It's brilliant what they are doing but the NHS need to do more and not keep being cut back on finances and resources.

We got an appointment in June for our son to see a specialist in Blackburn urgently for mental health issues.

We got a letter to say it was in May next year.

Not really good enough.

If he was in a wheelchair it would have been next week.

Sorry to hear of this tybc. This I am afraid is symptomatic of the uncaring policies of the various governments we have endured since 2010. There appears to be little regard and financial assistance for public sector bodies who endeavour to care for those in society who do not have the resources to seek private alternatives. There can be no future for the current ethos of "the survival of the fittest (or wealthiest)".

We hope Tony that your situation can be resolved quickly.

tybfc · Post by **tybfc** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 11:38 am

BedfordsDad wrote:Sorry to hear of this tybc. This I am afraid is symptomatic of the uncaring policies of the various governments we have endured since 2010. There appears to be little regard and financial assistance for public sector bodies who endeavour to care for those in society who do not have the resources to seek private alternatives. There can be no future for the current ethos of "the survival of the fittest (or wealthiest)".

We hope Tony that your situation can be resolved quickly.

As much as they try we pretty much gave up on what the NHS had to offer though we still take what is given but we have had to pay privately for him to go to see specialists in Huddersfield, Leyland, Liverpool (20 times), Manchester and a doctor on Harley St, London none of whom come cheap really.

There are doctors locally who can help but having to wait a year for every appointment as I said isn't really fair to him, or us.

COBBLE · Post by **COBBLE** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 11:41 am

This is a very humbling and uplifting item. It shows that this message-board is so much more than a football site, more than a
social media site but a trusted community support mechanism with love of BFC at its heart.

My problems can't compare to what I've read here and largely revolve around anxiety, strangely, partly driven by relentless tinnitus and
vertigo for which I take beta blockers. My favourite book, (a bit ancient now) is Further Along the Road Less travelled by Scott Peck.

I agree with the consensus here that mental health does not attract the immediate awareness and recognition that a wheelchair or blue light creates, look at the fight in Chorley to reopen their A and E, but the more people share their experiences then we might slowly redress the balance.

Imploding Turtle · Post by **Imploding Turtle** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 12:01 pm

There's no such thing as mental health. Mental health is just Big Pharma trying to convince the innocent and the gullible that their problems aren't their fault in order to sell snake oil "medicines" that do nothing but offer a placebo effect as a cure. They probably give you cancer of the autism too.
I know people who took mental health drugs, and then 30 years later they died anyway. Don't fall for their lies.

quoonbeatz · Post by **quoonbeatz** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 12:21 pm

i know thats obviously a joke and i might be missing something but whats the point in posting it on this thread?

Claret_1984 · Post by **Claret_1984** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 12:36 pm

Until mental health is fully acknowledged and not joked about, as Imploding Turtle does in his post, it will never get the funding it deserves. This is why I am always there for anyone who ever needs to talk - talking has always really helped me and, if I can be there for anyone, I see it as a privilege.

If people joke about mental health or say that it's not real, I just tell myself that it is impossible for anyone to understand it who hasn't been through it. I mean, I don't understand it and I have suffered. So you can't really blame them for their narrow-mindedness. After all, society has stigmatised mental health.

This year has been the best and worst of my life. I've had so many ups and downs. The only constant thing in my life has been Burnley Football Club and I am truly grateful for that. I feel like things are on the up now - I've got so many exciting things planned for next year, which will both challenge and reaffirm my belief in myself.

Rather than writing down how I feel, sometimes I make a short video on my phone. Then, I can watch it and see that today isn't as bad as that day. It also helps me to rationalise my thoughts because often things are not what they seem when depression kicks in.

Above all, I think the most important thing that anyone can do is not worry too much about what others thing. I spent too many years trying to be something I am not and, now that I am embracing who I am, I am truly free.

Walton · Post by **Walton** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 12:38 pm

Don't think Imploding Turtle's filter is working today.

Imploding Turtle · Post by **Imploding Turtle** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 4:23 pm

I think if you think i'm mocking mental illness, and not those who deny the seriousness of mental illnesses, then you don't understand the joke. And that's OK. Well, it's not really, i'd suggest you go play with traffic but some people might take that seriously too and delay my journey home.

claretdom · Post by **claretdom** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 4:26 pm

Maybe some threads don't need a joke on for people to understand / misunderstand in the first place

Imploding Turtle · Post by **Imploding Turtle** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 4:27 pm

What the point of fighting anything if we can't also laugh in its face?

RattyClaret · Post by **RattyClaret** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 4:33 pm

Imploding Turtle wrote:There's no such thing as mental health. Mental health is just Big Pharma trying to convince the innocent and the gullible that their problems aren't their fault in order to sell snake oil "medicines" that do nothing but offer a placebo effect as a cure. They probably give you cancer of the autism too.
I know people who took mental health drugs, and then 30 years later they died anyway. Don't fall for their lies.

How is this even a joke? am i missing something? this was a postive thread where alot of posters have found a common ground to talk positivily about a subject that has effected their lifes one way or another, so I dont understand the need for a Joke about mental health.

There is a time and place for jokes I dont think this was one of them

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 6:12 pm

RattyClaret wrote:How is this even a joke? am i missing something? this was a postive thread where alot of posters have found a common ground to talk positivily about a subject that has effected their lifes one way or another, so I dont understand the need for a Joke about mental health.

There is a time and place for jokes I dont think this was one of them

If I'd seen it or had it been reported before people responded to it, I'd have removed his totally unnecessary and unacceptable comments.

dpinsussex · Post by **dpinsussex** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 6:19 pm

JarrowClaret wrote:I stand on the other side of the mental health issue my Partner of 12 years suffers terribly with it. Whilst others have to take some of her anger I take the brunt of it and am sometimes made to feel at fault for this. The abuse can sometimes feel like mental torture and i can no longer work out what she means or doesn't mean I Love her dearly but unfortunately I fear we are near the end of our relationship Sadly I think I will have to move away, from my 3 kids and her partly for my own sanity but as I feel I have become a catalyst for her problems maybe (hopefully) it will start her on the road to some sort of recovery which would benefit the kids as well as her. I have no firm plans to move and I do hope we can find something that helps her which doesn't involve us splitting and me moving but not hopeful. Not sure how this will read but wanted to tell the other side of this terrible affliction.

Jarrow i really do know how you feel. Whilst my ex partner /wife had a major battle. The pressure takes its toll on loved ones around. The being the strength and the rock is such a hard job to do. It will take its toll eventually on you. Make sure that whilst giving what u can fir the sake if the children that you take something for yourself. Buzarely mine was my refereeing. It took me away from the stress at work and home and gave me something else to think about. Parking the other issues. The exercise made me feel good and whilst i cane home shattered set my self goals to improve and move up the ladder. I am now so close to the semi pro ranks and being in the top 5% in the country but it was that focus in something else really helped me cope.

Dawlishclaret · Post by **Dawlishclaret** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 6:23 pm

Could I just flag up that the Samaritans offer a lot of support to people of all ages with mh issues. We are there 24/7. Either face to face at your nearest branch, by phone on freecall 116123, email jo@samaritans.org or txt 07725 909090 (standard charges apply).

randomclaret2 · Post by **randomclaret2** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 6:24 pm

Another example of Imploding Turtle amusing himself again. Why he feels the need to expose the rest of us to it is beyond me.

Clarethomeboy · Post by **Clarethomeboy** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 6:26 pm

A brilliant thread and probably beneficial to probably many utc readers,and absolutely not a thread for any attention seeking jokes, great to hear people being so honest about this subject,sometimes this board is a gem.

Clarethomeboy · Post by **Clarethomeboy** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 6:31 pm

Can i just second the exercise comment, there are some fantastic walks around these parts within a ten minute drive, if it only helps a little bit its something and will certainly not make anyone feel any worse.

Darnhill Claret · Post by **Darnhill Claret** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 6:39 pm

IT, this is not a subject that you should joke about indiscriminately. I've worked for the police, health service, social services and Samaritans so for me your joke was fine. But the jokes should be in small group settings or one to one and only with those that you know wont be offended. Many people who are close to tragedy will joke about it but the overwhelming majority will try to ensure that they offend no-one. On here you know that you will offend someone. We aren't all the same and don't all 'see the joke'.

Yellow card from me and you owe anyone that you upset or offended an apology and I I'd like to think that you are big enough to comply with my request.

Thankyou.

Healeywoodclaret · Post by **Healeywoodclaret** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 6:46 pm

TheFamilyCat wrote:Working in a college, it is frightening how many teenagers declare having depression and prescribed medication.

It's difficult to know but part of me suspects that GPs are too quick to diagnose depression and condemn kids to a life of pills and stigma of "being mental".

Very few of these kids have been referred to a specialist or offered alternative therapies.

My husband suffers low mood, partly PTSD mils depression and doesn't do well at all when the dark days of winter are here. He has resisted medication but did on the Pharmacists advice take St John's Wort which apparently is a natural mood enhancer. And I must say it dud work. He has agreed to take whenever he feels he needs to take it.

On the subject of growing older we all feel more vulnerable as we get older, more anxious about things. And we do need some escapism like footie!

Personally I've never been a sufferer but believe me if a member of your family is, you live through it with them and it can be stressful for all the family.

There is a stigma attached but he has always told me GP's don't just dish out anti depressants they refer to mental health services first who offer counselling and advise that if they consider you are likely to be a danger to others or yourself you will be sectioned. Is that right or is it him just resisting drugs?

Darnhill Claret · Post by **Darnhill Claret** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 6:53 pm

On the subject of what helps, walks and other forms of exercise such as swimming, badminton. Social events, going out, attending an event, being in a crowd (if you can) although that can be extremely difficult for many. I couldn't attend a football game for two years and that was painful. Colouring books, reading, listening to music but choose carefully!!
Also keeping to the usual social hours. Go to bed before midnight and be up, showered and dressed before whatever time is right for you. Try and have an interest even if you have to invent one from scratch. Evening classes. day classes or groups. Libraries have details of so much that is happening in your local communities. Volunteer. Recognise you skills, your good points and see if there is anyway that you can use them in a positive way. Try to overcome those negative feelings of staying alone. learn a new skill, gardening, cookery, car maintenance, sign language, walking football, etc, etc.

Most of all, I want to send my best wishes to everyone who has their down moments and don't get too upset with yourself whilst suffering.

Ightenclaret · Post by **Ightenclaret** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 7:01 pm

Healeywoodclaret wrote:
There is a stigma attached but he has always told me GP's don't just dish out anti depressants they refer to mental health services first who offer counselling and advise that if they consider you are likely to be a danger to others or yourself you will be sectioned. Is that right or is it him just resisting drugs?

Correct Healeywood, but every case is different. The severity of the mental illness dictates the best plan of management. Sometimes exercise alone can be effective. In more severe cases, admission as an inpatient may be required. There is a spectrum of illness and it's sometimes difficult to find where one sits within it, when the government recommend no longer than 10 minute consultations.

jdrobbo · Post by **jdrobbo** » Tue Oct 11, 2016 7:18 pm

What is strikingly obvious is just how many people have mental health problems in this small football supporting community alone.

I think this thread has really surprised a lot of people, in Seeing that they are definitely not on their own and that there are lots of people who are happy to sit and listen.

Mental health is a very complex issue and talking about it can be one of the hardest steps to take. If people want to sit at their keyboard and share their worries, feelings or concerns, then they should feel free to do so… Even if it helps them just a tiny little bit, it's a little bit of progress for them.

Finally, this thread, perhaps more than most, highlights just what a wonderful forum this can be. If we could be more accepting of each other and less belittling, then more people may wish to contribute going forward. There are so many people who read this board but rarely comment and I know a few in person. It would be great if we could make this forum that little bit more inviting for everyone… And it wouldn't take much effort.

Healeywoodclaret · Post by **Healeywoodclaret** » Wed Oct 12, 2016 8:29 am

Darnhill Claret wrote:On the subject of what helps, walks and other forms of exercise such as swimming, badminton. Social events, going out, attending an event, being in a crowd (if you can) although that can be extremely difficult for many. I couldn't attend a football game for two years and that was painful. Colouring books, reading, listening to music but choose carefully!!
Also keeping to the usual social hours. Go to bed before midnight and be up, showered and dressed before whatever time is right for you. Try and have an interest even if you have to invent one from scratch. Evening classes. day classes or groups. Libraries have details of so much that is happening in your local communities. Volunteer. Recognise you skills, your good points and see if there is anyway that you can use them in a positive way. Try to overcome those negative feelings of staying alone. learn a new skill, gardening, cookery, car maintenance, sign language, walking football, etc, etc.

Most of all, I want to send my best wishes to everyone who has their down moments and don't get too upset with yourself whilst suffering.

Some really good advice there. As mentioned before most of my husbands demons stem from PTSD from military events late 1980's and early 1990's. I also think he suffers from SAD seasonal affective disorder which is a very real problem for a lit of people and why I always dread winter particularly the first three months of the year when Christmas is over and the waiting for spring drags on.

Some of the advice on here is excellent and great to share our thoughts. In his case exercise has always been a very important part of day to day living and I think talking things through really helps even if you have to go over old ground and have the same discussion several times.

Jambo · Post by **Jambo** » Wed Oct 12, 2016 11:27 am

Good thread this and credit to those being so open. At my lowest, around when my dad was dying and after, watching Seinfeld was just about my only comfort. It's vital to find something that distracts you from how rotten you're feeling.