Aaron Lennon

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Tue May 02, 2017 11:11 pm

Just seen that he has been sectioned under the mental health act. Hope he gets the help he needs and makes a full recovery.

Also hope some positive comes from it and its another way of highlighting how terrible mental illness and how indiscriminate it is. Regardless of fame, fortune, health and fitness.

A lot of people think that money prevents this sort of thing. Couldnt be further from the truth.

It also affects more people than many realise and the sort of people you would never expect.

Hope one day the stigma disappears and proper help and treatment (not tablets) can prevent and cure mental health problems.

Good luck Aaron Lennon.

hampsteadclaret · Post by **hampsteadclaret** » Tue May 02, 2017 11:15 pm

A sad story that...I hope he is ok eventually.

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cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Tue May 02, 2017 11:31 pm

Me too. Really annoyed me how quickly and brutally people judged Clarke Carlisle.

If anyone is suffering dont be ashamed or afraid to speak out, seek help and get proper treatment.

Nobody should suffer in silence. Speak to a friend, family or even a stranger. Dont bottle it up, hide it or pretend it doesnt exist.

Plenty of people care.

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Tue May 02, 2017 11:32 pm

Ditto Stan Collymore.

Feel for him and hope he gets better soon

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Tue May 02, 2017 11:32 pm

Wow, didn't expect that.

I hope he gets the help he clearly needs.

Blackrod · Post by **Blackrod** » Tue May 02, 2017 11:36 pm

Thankfully no road users were injured either and he was intercepted quickly.

ALP · Post by **ALP** » Tue May 02, 2017 11:54 pm

Hopefully he will get the right treatment and be on the right road to a full and lengthy recovery, good luck Aaron and get well soon fella.

tim_noone · Post by **tim_noone** » Wed May 03, 2017 12:24 am

I wish him well....life today is a drama. TV....news...24 hour news...social media....reality tv,....newspapers....etc,etc.a lot of brains being overloaded with sh!te. Im sure he will overcome his demons.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Wed May 03, 2017 12:28 am

Said exactly same. Modern society has a huge part to play in all of the increased psychological issues.

Instant gratifaction generation.

tim_noone · Post by **tim_noone** » Wed May 03, 2017 12:34 am

No...you cant beat a bit of instant gratifacation.

Suratclaret · Post by **Suratclaret** » Wed May 03, 2017 3:21 am

I think many of us will have been in a dark place at some stage in our lives...I know I have...and recovery can be a lonely battle. The more mental health issues are brought out into the open and discussed, the sooner there will be more acceptance of these problems generally. Mental health problems are no less serious than physical illnesses yet you still hear people saying things like "get a grip" or "sort yourself out" etc. You won't hear comments like that if you have an arm in plaster or recovering from surgery.

Claretmatt4 · Post by **Claretmatt4** » Wed May 03, 2017 7:28 am

Hope he gets the help he needs, best of luck Aaron.

Woodleyclaret · Post by **Woodleyclaret** » Wed May 03, 2017 7:42 am

Another sad story of a player at the end of his career.
Not been really involved at Everton and has clearly become depressed .
I have never suffered from depression but know plenty who have and it's a fact that nobody should judge or critise those who seemed to be golden boys and yet still can't function in an every increasing stressed out world.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Wed May 03, 2017 10:03 am

Suratclaret wrote:I think many of us will have been in a dark place at some stage in our lives...I know I have...and recovery can be a lonely battle. The more mental health issues are brought out into the open and discussed, the sooner there will be more acceptance of these problems generally. Mental health problems are no less serious than physical illnesses yet you still hear people saying things like "get a grip" or "sort yourself out" etc. You won't hear comments like that if you have an arm in plaster or recovering from surgery.

A friend of mine lost his wife 15 years ago after she took her own life. He later told me that he kept telling her to pull herself together, not realising that apart from doing no good it was actually making things even more difficult for her. One day people without these issues will understand what we go through when things get tough.

As for Aaron Lennon, not a lot I can say other than my very best wishes to him for a full recovery.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Wed May 03, 2017 10:40 am

ClaretTony wrote:A friend of mine lost his wife 15 years ago after she took her own life. He later told me that he kept telling her to pull herself together, not realising that apart from doing no good it was actually making things even more difficult for her. One day people without these issues will understand what we go through when things get tough.

As for Aaron Lennon, not a lot I can say other than my very best wishes to him for a full recovery.

Yes. Untrained, unqualified and inexperienced people can say the worse things. And this isnt because they intend to. They are actually trying their level best to help but because of the lack of understanding (not their fault) they make things worse.

Listening is often better than talking.

starting_11 · Post by **starting_11** » Wed May 03, 2017 10:44 am

Clarke Carlisle whatever... I don't like him because he's a degenerate that leaves a massive trail of destruction in his wake... And that's nothing to do with his illness.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Wed May 03, 2017 11:06 am

Have you not thought that maay be as a result of said illness?

tybfc · Post by **tybfc** » Wed May 03, 2017 11:07 am

starting_11 wrote:Clarke Carlisle whatever... I don't like him because he's a degenerate that leaves a massive trail of destruction in his wake... And that's nothing to do with his illness.

Do you actually have any idea what you are talking about?

WestMidsClaret · Post by **WestMidsClaret** » Wed May 03, 2017 11:59 am

I suffer from really bad depression, have done since a kid, and have attempted to take my own life a few times. Last time was 6 years ago when I was stood in the middle of a busy dual carriageway to crossover and for absolutely no reason whatsoever I wanted to walk out in front of the oncoming traffic. I wasn't even suicidal at the time and as far as i can remember wasnt even depressed! Something just took hold of me! At that point i decided to get "help". Went to the doctors, was put on medication in all likelihood will be on it for the rest of my life and told my family.

People who regularly suffer with depression will most likely at some point in their lives, depending on the severity of the depression, lose the control of their mind or will feel there is no other way to stop the pain and attempt to or will kill themselves. Nobody is immune from this illness. The brain is very fragile. I never used to tell anyone about how I was suffering or what I was thinking. I was ashamed and felt like I was crazy. I'm not. I'm a decent enough guy, ask anyone who knows me, i just have a horrible illness that will never leave me though it is almost under control nowadays. I have friends on here who will probably have no idea i suffer from this, some will but society HAS to change and quicker because even though it is getting better it's only ever so slighlty and people shouldnt need to suffer in silence. Its extremely hard to describe and put into words but we have to find a way. I did and believe me if I can then anyone can.

DON'T SUFFER IN SILENCE. Talk to people/professionals. If anyone says "man up" or "pull yourself together" tell them to start understanding you and if they don't then they aren't worth telling.

Rick_Muller · Post by **Rick_Muller** » Wed May 03, 2017 12:07 pm

WestMidsClaret wrote:I suffer from really bad depression, have done since a kid, and have attempted to take my own life a few times. Last time was 6 years ago when I was stood in the middle of a busy dual carriageway to crossover and for absolutely no reason whatsoever I wanted to walk out in front of the oncoming traffic. I wasn't even suicidal at the time and as far as i can remember wasnt even depressed! Something just took hold of me! At that point i decided to get "help". Went to the doctors, was put on medication in all likelihood will be on it for the rest of my life and told my family.

People who regularly suffer with depression will most likely at some point in their lives, depending on the severity of the depression, lose the control of their mind or will feel there is no other way to stop the pain and attempt to or will kill themselves. Nobody is immune from this illness. The brain is very fragile. I never used to tell anyone about how I was suffering or what I was thinking. I was ashamed and felt like I was crazy. I'm not. I'm a decent enough guy, ask anyone who knows me, i just have a horrible illness that will never leave me though it is almost under control nowadays. I have friends on here who will probably have no idea i suffer from this, some will but society HAS to change and quicker because even though it is getting better it's only ever so slighlty and people shouldnt need to suffer in silence. Its extremely hard to describe and put into words but we have to find a way. I did and believe me if I can then anyone can.

DON'T SUFFER IN SILENCE. TALK TO PEOPLE.

Stu, very similar issues to me mate - I remember picking you up from near your place to take you to a match in Burnley a few years back as I was passing on the way up myself (cant for the life of me remember what game it was!) and we had quiet a frank discussion on the way up about all sorts of things because we had similar views and thoughts.

I'll echo you in saying don't suffer in silence and talk to people. I even find my friends on here good to sound off to at times.

Stockbrokerbelt · Post by **Stockbrokerbelt** » Wed May 03, 2017 12:10 pm

Starting 11 why post that, do you actually know what happened or just to quick to judge, i've trained around mental illness through my company due to an individual i managed coming to my home to try & commit suicide.
The guy had issues & a drink problem but like the chicken & egg too difficult to understand was it the drink or the illness that was the cause. I still see the guy who has become a close friend who is now registered & treated for a mental illness & always thanks me for my help, impotantley he is still alive & enjoying his life most of the time.

fidelcastro · Post by **fidelcastro** » Wed May 03, 2017 12:17 pm

starting_11 wrote:Clarke Carlisle whatever... I don't like him because he's a degenerate that leaves a massive trail of destruction in his wake... And that's nothing to do with his illness.

And the award for belmtard of the week goes to...

Seriously though, that has to be the most ignorant view ever expressed on here, and as some have already alluded to, why we have plenty still to do in educating people about mental health issues.

WestMidsClaret · Post by **WestMidsClaret** » Wed May 03, 2017 12:19 pm

Rick_Muller wrote:Stu, very similar issues to me mate - I remember picking you up from near your place to take you to a match in Burnley a few years back as I was passing on the way up myself (cant for the life of me remember what game it was!) and we had quiet a frank discussion on the way up about all sorts of things because we had similar views and thoughts.

I'll echo you in saying don't suffer in silence and talk to people. I even find my friends on here good to sound off to at times.

Hi mate hope you're well. Was it the Blackburn game? I remember you giving me a lift up to Burnley and everything else except the actual match ha! Yeah I think it wasnt long after the incident. I probably chewed your ear off about stuff. Apoligies but I'd just started taking medication which, I think it was 3 years later, was told I shouldn't have been on that particular one. I'm more stable now

Rick_Muller · Post by **Rick_Muller** » Wed May 03, 2017 12:29 pm

WestMidsClaret wrote:Hi mate hope you're well. Was it the Blackburn game? I remember you giving me a lift up to Burnley and everything else except the actual match ha! Yeah I think it wasnt long after the incident. I probably chewed your ear off about stuff. Apoligies but I'd just started taking medication which, I think it was 3 years later, was told I shouldn't have been on that particular one. I'm more stable now

I'm good thanks mate, dont get to see the Clarets as much these days which is a shame. Last game I went to was away at Liverpool. Thinking back it could've been the Blackburn match - we ended up meeting up with a few others in a very busy town centre pub if memory serves, but I cant remember the game either mate

WestMidsClaret · Post by **WestMidsClaret** » Wed May 03, 2017 12:40 pm

tybfc wrote:Do you actually have any idea what you are talking about?

Tony, people like that arent worth giving the spotlight to. They're probably ignorant and have no idea about it. But this is why its hard for people to come forward and say anything to anyone even their family members due to silly uneducated comments like that. I tend to just ignore and pity people who spout that crap on the internet because i guarentee they'd be quiet like a mouse face to face.

Rich, I still go to quite a few games but have slowed down a bit since we had a baby last July. Think it was the Blackburn game because it was a Sunday and I was struggling to get up there.

jlup1980 · Post by **jlup1980** » Wed May 03, 2017 12:49 pm

Depression is a horrendous thing. It's affected my wife quite badly since we had our second child. She was prescribed pills but they alone can't beat it. You need support and understanding. I've tried very hard to support her in the last 4 years and I've constantly praised the positive steps she's taken. That was how I tried to help. Quite simple really; discuss what makes her feel like she does and take positive steps to change it. Counselling helped her hugely, as did Mindfulness sessions and yoga. I helped her leave her job (which she always hated in fairness!) and start her own business from home. All along the way it was a case of me showing her and telling her what she'd achieved; not the pills, her. I couldn't believe how someone could achieve so much good yet just not see it. That's the power of depression though. I'm very proud of her and she actually came off the pills for the first time in about 4 years last month. That was scary for her, really scary, and a huge step. But again in my mind it was about opening her eyes to the good things in her life and the positive things she's done. She's built this life she now lives and it's an incredible thing to be part of.

Before this I never had an understanding of what it can do to a person and it's opened my eyes to a different world to be honest. I wish anyone with depression all the very best in trying to beat it. It can be a hard thing to do in today's society.

WestMidsClaret · Post by **WestMidsClaret** » Wed May 03, 2017 1:08 pm

jlup1980 wrote:Depression is a horrendous thing. It's affected my wife quite badly since we had our second child. She was prescribed pills but they alone can't beat it. You need support and understanding. I've tried very hard to support her in the last 4 years and I've constantly praised the positive steps she's taken. That was how I tried to help. Quite simple really; discuss what makes her feel like she does and take positive steps to change it. Counselling helped her hugely, as did Mindfulness sessions and yoga. I helped her leave her job (which she always hated in fairness!) and start her own business from home. All along the way it was a case of me showing her and telling her what she'd achieved; not the pills, her. I couldn't believe how someone could achieve so much good yet just not see it. That's the power of depression though. I'm very proud of her and she actually came off the pills for the first time in about 4 years last month. That was scary for her, really scary, and a huge step. But again in my mind it was about opening her eyes to the good things in her life and the positive things she's done. She's built this life she now lives and it's an incredible thing to be part of.

Before this I never had an understanding of what it can do to a person and it's opened my eyes to a different world to be honest. I wish anyone with depression all the very best in trying to beat it. It can be a hard thing to do in today's society.

Jlup, as you've pointed out its hard on both sides. Its not just about the person who has the depression it's also about the partner too, if the sufferer has one, because it can also effect them badly too. Were we feel lost and find it hard to put in to words or have the energy to find the help/answers partners must feel equally frustrated and almost useless to start off with. I told Kell when we 1st met what i have and how i suffer. She went and read up on it so sort of knew what to expect. Unless people have experienced it in some sort of form then its almost impossible for them to get their heads round it which is why we need to educate people about it. It's an illness not a plague.

DCWat · Post by **DCWat** » Wed May 03, 2017 7:40 pm

Part of the issue is that it's not visible and is used by some as the modern day "bad back". This does nothing to help those that genuinely suffer not make those in authority take it as seriously as they should.

I've been in meetings with COO, HR and Heads where the conversation was about how we could identify these people ahead of recruiting them to reduce absence numbers. Support, although it's there, is often more of a tick in the box than of genuine concern.

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Wed May 03, 2017 7:59 pm

Rick_Muller wrote:
I'll echo you in saying don't suffer in silence and talk to people. I even find my friends on here good to sound off to at times.

I know I've mentioned it before, but I put out a cry for help on CM 4-5 yrs ago because I was an emotional mess.
Help was forth coming, the main person being Redbeard and I'll never forget what he did for me.

I still have issues to this day and just work through them as best as I can but it can be a real struggle sometimes.

Saxoman · Post by **Saxoman** » Wed May 03, 2017 8:23 pm

I suffer from depression and have had a bad day today. My way is just accepting it, I'm powerless to prevent it and move on to the next day and hope I feel better. I will live like this for the rest of my life.

pushpinpussy · Post by **pushpinpussy** » Wed May 03, 2017 8:37 pm

although i have symapthy with all of you who have depression i now know why this message board is usually dull and boring.

Saxoman · Post by **Saxoman** » Wed May 03, 2017 8:38 pm

pushpinpussy wrote:although i have symapthy with all of you who have depression i now know why this message board is usually dull and boring.

Thanks for the input.

spadesclaret · Post by **spadesclaret** » Wed May 03, 2017 8:44 pm

pushpinpussy wrote:although i have symapthy with all of you who have depression i now know why this message board is usually dull and boring.

You are welcome to leave.

MiltonKeynesClaret93 · Post by **MiltonKeynesClaret93** » Wed May 03, 2017 8:57 pm

Saxoman wrote:I suffer from depression and have had a bad day today. My way is just accepting it, I'm powerless to prevent it and move on to the next day and hope I feel better. I will live like this for the rest of my life.

It doesn't have to be that way though. People out there understand what you go through, including myself.
Reach out.

CombatClaret · Post by **CombatClaret** » Wed May 03, 2017 9:08 pm

Saxoman wrote:I suffer from depression and have had a bad day today. My way is just accepting it, I'm powerless to prevent it and move on to the next day and hope I feel better. I will live like this for the rest of my life.

My closest friend suffered from depression and extreme anxiety but he is seeking professional help. I would recommend you do the same instead of using this board as your own personal stress ball.

Caernarfon_Claret · Post by **Caernarfon_Claret** » Wed May 03, 2017 9:58 pm

I always think the modern split in society is not between rich and poor or between generations but between those who do or have suffered depression/anxiety and those who haven't. One of the biggest things for me was the massive lack of motivation. Also where I can function on a physical level whilst being a mental and emotional wreck.

tim_noone · Post by **tim_noone** » Wed May 03, 2017 11:25 pm

Caernarfon_Claret wrote:I always think the modern split in society is not between rich and poor or between generations but between those who do or have suffered depression/anxiety and those who haven't. One of the biggest things for me was the massive lack of motivation. Also where I can function on a physical level whilst being a mental and emotional wreck.

Talking is the key. Having family and freinds,little changes in your lifestyle ,as ive mentioned earlier avoid what i call crap on tv im aware theres been two documentaries on tv this week....why anyone would watch this stuff is beyhond me. Try getting out when the weathers good and link up with freinds.when i wake up in a morning my mantra is 'its a beautiful day' every day i say that,even if it isnt ,put on a bit of music quietly away have a brew.im not keen on winters either so the one just gone i created a feel to my living room and bedroom by decorating it in warm colours and changed furnishings etc! And the old incence sticks burning. But trust me on the tv.........

dpinsussex · Post by **dpinsussex** » Wed May 03, 2017 11:37 pm

Saxoman wrote:I suffer from depression and have had a bad day today. My way is just accepting it, I'm powerless to prevent it and move on to the next day and hope I feel better. I will live like this for the rest of my life.

It might help supporting the clarets. Always good to have positives in your life

On a more serious note i suffer too. I really hope tomorrow is a better day.
Being open about our illness is the only way forward. I had to go back to my gp and ask for my meds to be increased back to where it was. ( i had weaned myself off previously but recognised that horrible slippery slope )

Good luck battling this horrible illness

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Wed May 03, 2017 11:49 pm

tim_noone wrote:Talking is the key. Having family and freinds,little changes in your lifestyle ,as ive mentioned earlier avoid what i call crap on tv im aware theres been two documentaries on tv this week....why anyone would watch this stuff is beyhond me. Try getting out when the weathers good and link up with freinds.when i wake up in a morning my mantra is 'its a beautiful day' every day i say that,even if it isnt ,put on a bit of music quietly away have a brew.im not keen on winters either so the one just gone i created a feel to my living room and bedroom by decorating it in warm colours and changed furnishings etc! And the old incence sticks burning. But trust me on the tv.........

The TV is a big thing. Mine is rarely if ever on now other than for football, documentaries and the occasional film. And thats very rare.

I used to have no time for films because they werent real. But thats exactly why I now DO like them. Bit of escapism now and again.

But why anyone would watch stories about a little kid being shot, soaps, celebrity nonsense or the news is beyond me.

The news is terrible. First thing in the morning fill your head with negativity and last thing at night. Balls to that!

Wile E Coyote · Post by **Wile E Coyote** » Wed May 03, 2017 11:53 pm

Tough old game at times, I too have suffered, thankfully it has become less of a taboo.
I find the honesty on this post refreshing. The particular reference to the footballer is quite specific , I have no wish to pry into his circumstances, it is great that people can discuss these serious issues and advise others to take heart and seek assistance.
Many of us are capable of remarkable achievements, we can be brave and strong. No shame whatsoever in admitting that sometimes we can begin to succumb to very confusing and frightening pressures. Biggest battle we will probably face.

dpinsussex · Post by **dpinsussex** » Thu May 04, 2017 12:01 am

"Your mind forces negative thoughts on itself and you dont know how to deal with it. " great quote on BBC1 just now and so true

tybfc · Post by **tybfc** » Thu May 04, 2017 12:17 am

Saxoman wrote:I suffer from depression and have had a bad day today. My way is just accepting it, I'm powerless to prevent it and move on to the next day and hope I feel better. I will live like this for the rest of my life.

Saxo - DON'T

I've been to more psychological clinics with my eleven year old in the past two years that you could care to mention.

Get in touch and I will try and help (not just with your choice of football club)

Bin Ont Turf · Post by **Bin Ont Turf** » Thu May 04, 2017 12:39 am

Where is the 'education' for people to 'understand' this?

It's apparent that it isn't uncommon yet there's just the words like 'you don't understand' or 'you need educating' on every thread that we've had on this subject.

There was a thread on the old board ( I think it was Clarke Carlisle's documentary) when I said that usually depression comes from one of lifes tragic/not pleasant events. I was shouted down.

On a thread on this subject on this board not too long ago, some of the same people who had previously shouted me down, posted about how a tragic/not pleasant event in their life had made them suffer from depression.

Surat's post further up - No you wouldn't say 'pull yourself together' to someone who had a broken arm or if they were recovering from surgery, because you see it and understand it.

You also wouldn't say that to someone who had mental health issues/depression if you could 'see it' or 'understand it'.

What education?

Wile E Coyote · Post by **Wile E Coyote** » Thu May 04, 2017 12:41 am

thanks for the post cricketfieldclarets. Worthy topic. Appreciated.

Rowls · Post by **Rowls** » Thu May 04, 2017 2:11 am

cricketfieldclarets wrote:A lot of people think that money prevents this sort of thing. Couldnt be further from the truth.
It also affects more people than many realise and the sort of people you would never expect.
Hope one day the stigma disappears and proper help and treatment (not tablets) can prevent and cure mental health problems.
Good luck Aaron Lennon.

I've never met anyone who assumes that wealth defeats mental health problems. However I would like to agree that it can affect people of any kind of social status.

Having said that, the idea that it affects either "anyone" or "everyone" is wrong - mental heath problems affect people with remarkable predictability.

Just like lifestyle choices increase your risk of heart disease or cancer, certain lifestyle choices increase your risk of mental illness.

The basic things to avoid and/or do are:

* Don't take drugs
* Don't drink to excess
* Eat a healthy balanced diet
* Socialize with friends and family regularly
* Exercise and stay active
* Get in the sunshine when possible
* Enjoy yourself
* Minimize your 'screen time' and being on your phone

Follow those guidelines and you'll do well.

Humans get stressed, anxious, sick and unwell in exactly the same way as factory-farmed animals. It's no surprise to anyone that caged hens exhibit signs of stress, The same goes to "caged humans". If you're in an office 9-5 and you spend your free time on your phone and don't make time for the pleasant activities listed above then you're likely to find yourself with a mental health condition.

You cannot expect to live the life of Riley and maintain a fantastic mental health. We all need to recognize our animal instincts and look after our basic needs,

All the best everybody and stay healthy.

tybfc · Post by **tybfc** » Thu May 04, 2017 8:08 am

Rowls wrote:I've never met anyone who assumes that wealth defeats mental health problems. However I would like to agree that it can affect people of any kind of social status.

Having said that, the idea that it affects either "anyone" or "everyone" is wrong - mental heath problems affect people with remarkable predictability.

Just like lifestyle choices increase your risk of heart disease or cancer, certain lifestyle choices increase your risk of mental illness.

The basic things to avoid and/or do are:

* Don't take drugs
* Don't drink to excess
* Eat a healthy balanced diet
* Socialize with friends and family regularly
* Exercise and stay active
* Get in the sunshine when possible
* Enjoy yourself
* Minimize your 'screen time' and being on your phone

Follow those guidelines and you'll do well.

Humans get stressed, anxious, sick and unwell in exactly the same way as factory-farmed animals. It's no surprise to anyone that caged hens exhibit signs of stress, The same goes to "caged humans". If you're in an office 9-5 and you spend your free time on your phone and don't make time for the pleasant activities listed above then you're likely to find yourself with a mental health condition.

You cannot expect to live the life of Riley and maintain a fantastic mental health. We all need to recognize our animal instincts and look after our basic needs,

All the best everybody and stay healthy.

Rowls - that is a very simplistic answer to a very complex disease.

There are people who have posted on this thread who could tick all of the above boxes that you have written and yet have still suffered with depression and stress.

WestMidsClaret · Post by **WestMidsClaret** » Thu May 04, 2017 8:39 am

Rowls wrote:I've never met anyone who assumes that wealth defeats mental health problems. However I would like to agree that it can affect people of any kind of social status.

Having said that, the idea that it affects either "anyone" or "everyone" is wrong - mental heath problems affect people with remarkable predictability.

Just like lifestyle choices increase your risk of heart disease or cancer, certain lifestyle choices increase your risk of mental illness.

The basic things to avoid and/or do are:

* Don't take drugs
* Don't drink to excess
* Eat a healthy balanced diet
* Socialize with friends and family regularly
* Exercise and stay active
* Get in the sunshine when possible
* Enjoy yourself
* Minimize your 'screen time' and being on your phone

Follow those guidelines and you'll do well.

Humans get stressed, anxious, sick and unwell in exactly the same way as factory-farmed animals. It's no surprise to anyone that caged hens exhibit signs of stress, The same goes to "caged humans". If you're in an office 9-5 and you spend your free time on your phone and don't make time for the pleasant activities listed above then you're likely to find yourself with a mental health condition.

You cannot expect to live the life of Riley and maintain a fantastic mental health. We all need to recognize our animal instincts and look after our basic needs,

All the best everybody and stay healthy.

Paul believe me it isn't as black and white as that. I do the above and can brilliant one minute then for no reason whatsoever be really low the next then thats it. It can also be due to an chemical imbalance in the brain. Some people can get out of it some people need help i.e. medication. I take medication because i need to stimulate a neurotransmitter in my brain that helps messages get around (so the experts say). It's far more complex then what most people think. There has been a vast difference in me from when I started taking the right medication for me. Most of it's trial and error. If I didnt take my medication then I wouldn't be here it's that easy. Even on meds and doing things off your list i still struggle and suffer but I can cope with things a lot better so it isn't as bad or traumatic and believe me you can tell and feel the difference.

Please don't think its a case of dust yourself down and get on with doing things because for some that works but for a lot especially the one's who suffer from severe depression and have long term then it really isn't that simple.

tim_noone · Post by **tim_noone** » Thu May 04, 2017 9:28 am

Rowls my self and others are only laymen so to speak as regards these matters,i echo his sentiments.we can only offer what we think is good advice.failing that leave it to the professionals.because the flip side of being involved with someone with mental illness is equally traumatic,and debilitating.

WestMidsClaret · Post by **WestMidsClaret** » Thu May 04, 2017 9:42 am

tim there's a difference between what the average joe thinks is good advice to what actually is good advice. Again as with the meds it's all trial and error. No way am i having a go at people for offering what they think is good advice because hey its better then being ignorant to it but say if joe thinks that saying "just get in with it" to the person genuinely helps and the person says "you're not helping" a lot of joe's will continue to say them sort of things. Rather then helping the person up the ladder they've just helped them to jump off.

I think a lot of people say those kind of things not necessarily because they dont care but because they don't understand and don't know what to do. To be able to help you've got to understand what you're dealing with. And that's where things need to change in society. How it changes I've no idea. I don't preach or try to convert if people have a specific opinion on it I'll only chirp up to tell them when they are wrong. Of course the list rowls wrote helps a lot with a lot of people including me but some people need an extra bit of a gee up hence medication. It's all small steps.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Thu May 04, 2017 10:15 am

cricketfieldclarets wrote:Really annoyed me how quickly and brutally people judged Clarke Carlisle.

Some did judge him far too quickly, but a hell of a lot more judged Keith Treacy even more quickly, another sufferer.