Here you go … our first mention of Easter!
Tag: mental health
Let’s talk about Dementia
STARTING this month, Alzheimer Scotland – Action on Dementia is launching a Let’s Talk about Dementia campaign. The campaign aims to open up more discussion on the subject of dementia and to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis.
Stigma, negative perceptions of people with dementia and perceptions that there is little or no help available are some of the reasons which prevent people from seeking help sooner rather than later. The negative perceptions also create fear and worry meaning that many families avoid talking about dementia.
The worry that you or someone close to you may have dementia is one of the most difficult conversations we may have. The Let’s Talk about Dementia campaign hopes to raise awareness and get families talking to each other and medical professionals so that more people living with dementia can get the help and support they need in place to ensure they have the best quality of life possible.
Alzheimer Scotland’s Let’s Talk about Dementia campaign will offer detailed information, support on the organisation’s website (www.alzscot.org/conversation) and via the Dementia Helpline (0808 808 3000) which is free to call and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Alzheimer Scotland will be promoting the campaign on radio, in print and through social media (Facebook and Twitter). Social media is particularly important, as these difficult conversations are often intergenerational; involving partners, adult children, grandchildren, other family members and beyond. We want people to share their own experiences of these often difficult conversations and if, in hindsight, they would have handled things differently. Alzheimer Scotland will also be sharing real life case studies, information and advice via its Facebook page and Twitter feed.
www.facebook.com/AlzheimerScotland
“I wish I’d trusted my instincts about dad earlier. Got us to sit down as a family and discuss it. If I had the chance again, that’s what I’d do.” Ian
“I knew there was something wrong with me and I kept asking questions until I found out what it was. My family and friends have been wonderful – they support me in so many ways and I’m glad I can talk openly to them. Nobody should have to face dementia alone. Never be afraid to ask: ask people, ask questions and ask for help.” Anne
“Nobody’s happy to get a diagnosis of dementia, but it was so much better than the not-knowing. It gave mum, and me, a way of dealing with the changes that were happening in her life.” Donna
Breathing Space Day: stay connected
HAVING good relationships with friends, family or the wider community is important for mental wellbeing. The message to ‘stay connected’ with friends and loved ones will mark national Breathing Space Day on Sunday 1 February.
The annual awareness day is promoted by Breathing Space, Scotland’s mental health phoneline, and is supported by Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, Jamie Hepburn MSP and a number of national organisations.
Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator, explained: “Social connections can improve feelings of self-worth, happiness and self-confidence. Relationships and friendships can have a huge positive impact on a person’s sense of wellbeing. Go for that coffee, phone that relative you’ve been meaning to catch up with – talking things through and making that connection can help relieve worries and stresses in your life. Even doing something like volunteering in your local area can improve your sense of connectedness.”
The campaign is being promoted with a touring van featuring prominent messaging supporting the ‘stay connected’ theme.
Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, Jamie Hepburn MSP, said: “Looking after our mental health and wellbeing is crucial. Making space and time for the people that make us happy is one of the best ways of looking after our own mental wellbeing.
“The Breathing Space telephone advice line provides an invaluable service for people experiencing low mood, depression and anxiety. It can make such a difference to know that there’s someone there who is willing to listen and offer a sympathetic ear. I’d like to thank the Breathing Space call handlers for the tremendous work they do on a daily basis.”
Coffee mornings, conversations cafes, walks, yoga sessions, football tournaments and relaxation classes are just some of the activities taking place for Breathing Space Day.
Community Football Manager at Elgin City FC Robbie Hope said: “I welcome the opportunity to work with Breathing Space and Moray Community Health and Social Care Partnership to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing in Moray.
“As a football club we recognise the importance of keeping mentally as well as physically fit. There is a clear link between being physically active and mental health. The more active we are the better mental health we have. We would encourage everyone in Moray to look after their mental health and wellbeing by supporting Breathing Space Day and by getting active, and staying connected with family, friends and people in the community.”
Clegg launches search for Mental Health Heroes
The Deputy Prime Minister is calling on people to nominate unsung mental health heroes in their local area as part of his campaign to raise awareness of mental health problems.
One in four people will experience a mental health problem this year but for many the stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental health will make it harder for them to speak out and seek the support they need. That’s why the Deputy Prime Minister is calling for nominations for local Mental Health Heroes to celebrate those from every region – from healthcare professionals to next door neighbours – who have gone above and beyond to help, support or inspire people with mental health conditions.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:
It could be the woman sitting next to you on the bus, the dad picking his child up at the school gates or a colleague from work – everyone knows someone living with a mental health problem.
I want to celebrate those who have gone that extra mile, whose passion and commitment have helped someone get through their darkest days and helped challenge the taboo around mental health which has existed for far too long.
It is my ambition to bring mental health out of the shadows and create a fairer society where people can speak up about how they feel and get the support and treatment they need to live the life that they choose.
To nominate someone complete and return the nomination form.
The winning nominees will be invited to a ceremony in London on Thursday 5 February, which will mark Time to Change’s ‘Time to Talk Day’ to encourage people to speak out about mental health and spread the message that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of.
Norman Lamb, Care and Support Minister, said:
Mental illness touches us all and, everyday, people in our communities are doing amazing things to improve the lives of those affected. We want to recognise and reward them.
I am determined to end discrimination faced by people with mental illness, which us why we’re continuing to fund Time to Change and support Time to Talk Day. Everyone has a part to play in tackling stigma and this is an important opportunity to start the conversations that will make lasting change.
The awards are part of the Deputy Prime Minister’s ongoing work to bring awareness and treatment for of mental health in line with physical health. In Government he has helped build a strong foundation for the improvement of mental health services, securing:
- The UK’s first Mental Health Taskforce to combine the efforts and resources of ministers from across the Coalition
- £400m investment expanding talking therapies
- £150m investment in treatment and support for children and young adults with eating disorders
- £120m investment in mental health to include the introduction in April 2015 of the first ever waiting time standards for mental health in the NHS
- £54m for the Children and Young People’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme
- £7m investment to fund 50 new inpatient beds for children and young people.
If you would like to nominate someone for the Deputy Prime Minister’s Local Mental Health Hero Award complete the nomination form.
Closing date for applications is Tuesday 27 January
We are looking for people who are changing lives through one or more of the following:
- Helping to break the stigma around mental health.
- Inspiring others in addressing or overcoming mental health problems.
- Making it easier for people to access mental health support and advice
- Supporting people experiencing mental health problems to stay in or return to work
- Pioneering new or innovative ways of supporting people with mental health problems and/or their families.
Statistics on mental health:
- 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year
- 3 children in every classroom have a diagnosable mental health condition
- Only a quarter of people with a common mental health problem get treatment, mostly in the form of medication
- 2.3 million people with a mental health condition are out of work and mental health conditions are the primary reason for claiming health related benefits.
- OECD estimated that mental ill-health costs the economy an estimated GBP 70 billion a year, equivalent to 4.5% of GDP, through lost productivity, social benefits and health care.
- The most common mental health problem is depression which is experienced by 8 to 12% of the population.
Out of mind: attitudes to mental health must change
‘The best way to start to deal with a mental health problem is to talk about it’ – Michael Matheson, Minister for Public Health
More than a quarter of people have experienced a mental health problem and nearly half of those interviewed would not want other people to know if they had a mental health condition, according to new research.
These findings are revealed in the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey, commissioned by the Scottish Government to find out how attitudes are changing over time. The survey, published today, was carried out by ScotCen Social Research, and builds on previous surveys, the last one being in 2008.
Of the 1,500 people surveyed, 26 per cent said they had personally experienced a mental health problem at some point, with depression being the most common. This is similar to previous surveys.
A total of 47 per cent said that they wouldn’t want anyone to know if they were suffering from mental health problems, a slight increase from 44 per cent in the previous survey in 2008. However, of people who have actually experienced a problem, 85 per cent have talked to someone about it, slightly down on 88 per cent in the last survey.
Other findings include:
• 85 per cent of people with a mental health condition have told someone about their condition. Usually this is a friend or family member (80 per cent). Much smaller proportions (less than 20 per cent) had told someone at work.
• 37 per cent have experienced negative social impact as a result of their mental health – an increase from 23 per cent in 2008.
• 65 per cent of people said they knew someone who had a mental health problem, a similar level to 2008.
• 22 per cent have avoided a social event because of how they feared they would be treated, and 13 per cent have been discouraged from attending by someone else.
• 22 per cent of people said they were not willing to interact with a person with schizophrenia
The Scottish Government is tackling mental health discrimination and stigma by funding the campaign group See Me. See Me have held 22 events around Scotland since April 2014, reaching more than 1,200 people, and have supported 24 projects around the country.
Michael Matheson, Minister for Public Health, said: “This survey gives us some invaluable information about attitudes towards mental health, which helps us to better tackle the prejudices and misconceptions which still exist.
“It shows us that unfortunately there is still some stigma surrounding mental health. For that reason it’s all the more important that the Scottish Government continues our work to reduce the stigma suffered by people with mental health conditions. We fund See Me, which has just launched an anti-stigma campaign called ‘People like you will end mental health stigma and discrimination’.
“The best way to start to deal with a mental health problem is to talk about it. Also, if more people talk about their problems this will help to spread greater understanding and tolerance. This could be talking it through with a friend or family member, or going to your GP. There are treatments available that will help you to deal with your problems.”
Attitudes to Mental Health in Scotland: Scottish Social Attitudes Survey 2013 can be viewed read:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/Recent
Living Well North Edinburgh AGM
’tis the season for AGMs …
Living Well North Edinburgh (LWNE), (formerly Pilton Reach Out Project (PROP) and PROP Stress Centre), is a community mental health organisation. The essence of LWNE is people working together to improve the mental health and well-being of their local community and themselves. It’s their AGM next week …
LIVING WELL NORTH EDINBURGH
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
THURSDAY 30 OCTOBER – 12 noon
5 WEST PILTON PARK
A buffet lunch will follow the AGM
RSVP by Wednesday 29 October to Gillian Fairgrieve, call 343 6375 or email admin@livingwellnorthedinburgh.org.uk
Autumn arts festival tackles mental health stigma
A national festival aiming to tackle the stigma of mental health launches across Edinburgh and the Lothians this weekend.
The Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival aims to challenge preconceived ideas of mental health as well as celebrate the artistic achievements of those with lived experience of mental health issues.
More than 65 events will be taking place across Edinburgh and the Lothians exploring this year’s theme of personal, political and social power. The programme includes film, theatre, music, dance, photography, comedy, storytelling and guided walks, with many of the performances and activities free of charge.
The festival, which is celebrating its seventh year in Lothian, officially launched yesterday with Out of Sight/Out of Mind, an exhibition featuring work by artists with experience of mental health issues.
The exhibition, which is free, opens to the public at Summerhall, Edinburgh today and will also appear at Ocean Terminal, Central Library, Edinburgh University Chaplaincy Centre and Portobello Library throughout the month.
Linda Irvine, Strategic Programme Manager, Mental Health and Wellbeing, NHS Lothian, said: “One in four people in Scotland will experience mental health problems at some point in their life. We know the arts have the power to tackle the stigma associated with mental ill health and promote recovery.
“This year’s festival features a number of inspiring and provocative events, from hard-hitting theatre to family storytelling events and there really is something for everyone.”
Jane Crawford, Co-ordinator of The Consultation & Advocacy Promotion Service (CAPS), an independent advocacy organisation for people who use or have used mental health services, said: “The Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival is a very powerful focus for people to convey their feelings and experiences of mental health in a creative way. Advocacy is all about giving people a voice and this can be done in many different ways – not just by speaking. Poetry, painting, sculpture, comedy, song all allow people to give expression to their experiences.”
Other highlights of the festival include:
- Voices of War at Edinburgh Castle, an evening of poetry and reflection exploring the pioneering work of World War I psychiatrist Captain WHR Rivers, Thursday 9th Oct, 7.30 – 9pm
- Lothians on Film is an exciting selection of short films made in and around the Lothians. The selection includes documentary, fiction, animation and film art and will be shown, for free, at various locations across Edinburgh and the Lothians from Thursday 2nd October to Friday 10th October.
- Resilience: Legislative Theatre is radical, participatory theatre giving power back to the people of Edinburgh. Audience members will be invited to propose, discuss and debate new ideas for legislation. The event is free and takes place on Saturday 11 October at Out of the Blue, Edinburgh from 3 to 9pm.
- The International Film Awards 2014 The annual film awards ceremony will honour the very best of the films submitted by filmmakers from all over the world. Expect to be moved and inspired by the stories shown in the excerpts. Thursday 16 October at the Filmhouse Cinema, Edinburgh
- The Wellbeing Mela is a free, fun, family day to celebrate diversity and promote positive mental health and wellbeing amongst Edinburgh’s varied minority ethnic communities. Music, dance, complementary therapies, relaxation workshops and lots more will be happening on Sunday 19 October at Out of the Blue, Edinburgh
The Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation in association with the following national partners: the University of Strathclyde Glasgow, See Me, VOX Scotland, NHS Lothian, NHS Health Scotland, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire Recovery Network, Healthier Scotland, the Royal College of Psychiatrists and Bipolar Scotland.
A full programme of events taking place in October is available at www.mhfestival.com
Exposure: powerful images of mental health
Mental health issues have inspired a group of young people to produce a photography exhibition that will feature in a national festival next week.
Exposure is the first photographic event by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Positive Steps for Young People (PS4YP), and will be a highlight of the Scottish Mental Health and Arts Film Festival.
Basing their pictures on the festival’s theme of “power”, the young people at PS4YP have taken the lead and chosen 30 images that reflect their personal experience of living with mental health issues.
The images aim to stimulate thinking around stigma and discrimination, particularly in relation to people who experience anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression and social isolation.
Exposure will run from Monday (6 October) until Friday next week at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall in Dalmeny Street from 10am – 5pm– and entry is free.
Councillor Ricky Henderson, Health, Social Care and Housing Convener, said: “This is an exciting project for the people who are involved in the Positive Steps service, and a fantastic opportunity for them to show off their skills. It is a vital service that helps to break down the stigma attached to mental health, which can affect any one of us at some point in our lives.
“We are committed to delivering high quality care and support to the many people who will be affected by mental illness at some point in their lives.”
PS4YP provides personalised and supported accommodation in a safe setting to people with mental health issues aged between 16 and 25.
Read between the lines and help to prevent suicide
Read between the lines – that’s the message being promoted by the City of Edinburgh Council during National Suicide Prevention Week.
Two lives a day in Scotland are lost to suicide and the awareness week, which runs from today (Monday September 8), reaches out to the people close to those who are at risk.
Events to raise awareness will take place in shopping centres, libraries and neighbourhood offices in a bid to urge Edinburgh residents to help those who may be suicidal. As well as information stalls, a free showing of A Single Man starring Colin Firth is being held at the Filmhouse on Lothian Road on Wednesday (10 September).
The “read between the lines” campaign promotes the message that if you are worried about someone asking them how they feel can help to save their life – even if they say that they are feeling fine.
Activities kicked off at the weekend with the Choose Life Challenge five-a-side football tournament at Gracemount Leisure Centre. A church service for people whose lives have been touched by suicide took place yesterday in the Augustine United Church.
Councillor Ricky Henderson, Convener of Health, Social Care and Housing, said: “Talking to someone about suicide can make the difference between life and death and this can bring a real sense of relief to people who are struggling with these thoughts.
“Staff from Health and Social Care are actively involved in the Edinburgh Choose Life Steering Group with partner organisations, which supports the Scottish Government’s suicide prevention strategy.
“If you are worried about someone’s behaviour, please read between the lines and don’t be afraid to broach the subject. There are a number of excellent, professional organisations out there that would be happy to help.”
For help and further advice if you are concerned that someone you know might be at risk, contact Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.
Football tournament kicks off World Suicide Prevention Week
THE recent suicide of the much-loved actor Robin Williams highlighted how suicide can affect anyone. Sport can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, so a five-a-side football tournament will kick off World Suicide Prevention Week in Edinburgh next Saturday (6 September).
The Choose Life Challenge Cup will run from 9.30am until 12.30pm at Gracemount Leisure Centre on 2 Gracemount Drive with sixteen teams from Edinburgh, Midlothian, West Lothian and Dundee taking part. Among this particpants are two ladies teams from Edinburgh who will be copeting in the tournament for the first time.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill will be there to present the trophy and other prizes.
Event organiser John Murphy, a project worker with Scottish charity Health in Mind, believes the Choose Life Challenge Cup is a fantastic event as it offers a comfortable space for guys to get together, reduces isolation and promotes a sense of belonging.
John said: “So many young men find it hard to talk about their feelings and in 2013, there were 795 suicides recorded in Scotland, with the rate for men more than three times that of women.”
John said the event provides a great opportunity for people to find out about the issues and the services available locally. “If there’s someone you know who you think might be considering suicide; ask them and be willing to listen and encourage them to get help – you could help save their life. Alternatively if you are feeling suicidal, don’t hide it; find someone you trust and talk to them.”
The Choose Life Campaign is part of the national strategy and action plan to prevent suicide in Scotland.
The partners supporting the Choose Life Challenge Cup – Lothian Five-a-Side Football Tournament are NHS Lothian, East Lothian Council, The City of Edinburgh Council, Midlothian and West Lothian Councils.
