Submitted by paglamo339 on Wed, 18/08/2010 - 8:05pm.
I have experienced and survived from a very severe depressive illness. Because of my experience and know more about it, I can say for sure that it could have been stopped at an early onset of the problem. None of my friends, relatives, my work mates & my GP did see that I might have a problem! Because of that, I was in coronary intensive care for 10 days, don't remember how many weeks in a severe mental health ward and then as an inpatient for nearly 11 months. Since then I am living in the community with my controlled mental health condition, some permanent damage to my body and health, don't forget stigma around me!
Can anybody guess how much the NHS had to spend to bring me to the present state of living? I don't. But I am sure about one thing, that it would have cost NHS less than half.
For last 3 years I have been trying to drum in to ears of NHS throw various meetings and conferences that bring about a system of early diagnosis at GP level and general public awarness programme regarding mental health.
"There is no health without mental health"
Submitted by anniegh100 on Sun, 16/05/2010 - 12:06pm.
I have been on and off anti-depressants for years, and am currently often in quite a dark place but manage to carry on my 'normal' working life in a stressful job - I often have feelings of not being able to cope, but the last thing I would ever want is for it to be known that I was off with stress, and certainly not with depression. This is because I do not want to be discriminated against, nor do I want pity - just more understanding and empathy would be great. I often wonder how many people who are, on the face of it, happy and confident and 'sorted' are actually struggling like me. I wish people would be more open about it. I really am glad that the 'time to change campaign is doing what it can to break down the barriers, and the article in today's independent on sunday is really good. I am heartened by the 'reclaim the lunch hour' day that Mind staff are having tomorrow, and I intend (hard as it is) to encourage my staff, led by myself, to take a lunch hour every day from now on!
Anyway, I should say that I am of the view that 'giving in' to depression and taking months off work is not always the right solution, as I have found very often that it is work that has kept me going, made me get out of bed, given me structure and feelings of worth. Having said that, I also understand that for some people carrying on is not the right option.
Submitted by tomjbridge on Wed, 05/05/2010 - 7:26pm.
Nobody knows how hard it is to be anxious. People sometimes think you're pathetic but some people don't realise how painful both emotionally and sometime physically. If someone spent a day like my and many others who have anxiety they wouldn't be able to cope. I used to have panic attacks and used to feel almost guilty to talk about it. No one is interested because no one really knows what it is or what happens. I really hope people open their eyes up to, not just anxiety, but all forms of mental illness and treat it as seriously as physical health problems. I want to try and start a support group in Wiltshire or do something to help. I think it would really help people to know of other people who have been through similar things because thats the thing I struggled with when I tried to get help. Anyone interested? Please reply.
Submitted by ONEVOICE4MENTAL... on Tue, 27/04/2010 - 6:35pm.
My goal is to have everyone wearing my cause bracelet. I do not make any money off the bracelet. For me the goal is have everyone affected by Mental Health issues wearing it GLOBALLY 4 awareness. People ALL over the world are wearing my bracelet! I support ALL issues that affect our mental state. Each one deserving support, respect and dignity. If we join together WE can make change possible as "One Voice" the voice of unconditionally LOVE! We need to join together as "One Voice" for that change. We Can change this. There is enough of us to make a difference.
Submitted by Michael_Yates on Sat, 24/04/2010 - 9:41am.
I am looking at helping out running events in the south-west London area and wondered if there are others in this area who would like to join forces. I am thus far a bit new at this so if there are people there who have links to the local PCT or Rethink then great. I could also go further afield so if you need a willing hand then do let me know.
Thanks, Michael
Submitted by LAURAMAY on Thu, 15/04/2010 - 2:52pm.
Hi,
I run a local Rethink group in Chelmsford, Essex...we are planning to work with other local charities, like Mind, and our NHS Trust to deliver something amazing this year on World Mental Health Day...ideas include a big 'walk a mile' event in a park, tying in with the local library to do events there and even a concert!
Thanks, Laura
Living in the community with mental health problems
I have experienced and survived from a very severe depressive illness. Because of my experience and know more about it, I can say for sure that it could have been stopped at an early onset of the problem. None of my friends, relatives, my work mates & my GP did see that I might have a problem! Because of that, I was in coronary intensive care for 10 days, don't remember how many weeks in a severe mental health ward and then as an inpatient for nearly 11 months. Since then I am living in the community with my controlled mental health condition, some permanent damage to my body and health, don't forget stigma around me!
Can anybody guess how much the NHS had to spend to bring me to the present state of living? I don't. But I am sure about one thing, that it would have cost NHS less than half.
For last 3 years I have been trying to drum in to ears of NHS throw various meetings and conferences that bring about a system of early diagnosis at GP level and general public awarness programme regarding mental health.
"There is no health without mental health"
intoductory post
I have been on and off anti-depressants for years, and am currently often in quite a dark place but manage to carry on my 'normal' working life in a stressful job - I often have feelings of not being able to cope, but the last thing I would ever want is for it to be known that I was off with stress, and certainly not with depression. This is because I do not want to be discriminated against, nor do I want pity - just more understanding and empathy would be great. I often wonder how many people who are, on the face of it, happy and confident and 'sorted' are actually struggling like me. I wish people would be more open about it. I really am glad that the 'time to change campaign is doing what it can to break down the barriers, and the article in today's independent on sunday is really good. I am heartened by the 'reclaim the lunch hour' day that Mind staff are having tomorrow, and I intend (hard as it is) to encourage my staff, led by myself, to take a lunch hour every day from now on!
Anyway, I should say that I am of the view that 'giving in' to depression and taking months off work is not always the right solution, as I have found very often that it is work that has kept me going, made me get out of bed, given me structure and feelings of worth. Having said that, I also understand that for some people carrying on is not the right option.
Anxiety
Nobody knows how hard it is to be anxious. People sometimes think you're pathetic but some people don't realise how painful both emotionally and sometime physically. If someone spent a day like my and many others who have anxiety they wouldn't be able to cope. I used to have panic attacks and used to feel almost guilty to talk about it. No one is interested because no one really knows what it is or what happens. I really hope people open their eyes up to, not just anxiety, but all forms of mental illness and treat it as seriously as physical health problems. I want to try and start a support group in Wiltshire or do something to help. I think it would really help people to know of other people who have been through similar things because thats the thing I struggled with when I tried to get help. Anyone interested? Please reply.
"One Voice" 4 Mental Health Awareness
My goal is to have everyone wearing my cause bracelet. I do not make any money off the bracelet. For me the goal is have everyone affected by Mental Health issues wearing it GLOBALLY 4 awareness. People ALL over the world are wearing my bracelet! I support ALL issues that affect our mental state. Each one deserving support, respect and dignity. If we join together WE can make change possible as "One Voice" the voice of unconditionally LOVE! We need to join together as "One Voice" for that change. We Can change this. There is enough of us to make a difference.
"One Voice" 4 Mental Health Awareness http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=251621098664&ref=mf
♥ Unity 2gether AS "One Voice" on a GLOBAL level ♥ Addressing ALL Mental Health issues with unconditional LOVE & Acceptance 4 ALL♥
Unity as ONE VOICE 4 ALL issues of Mental Health on a global magnitude by wearing the cause bracelet http://www.awarenessdepot.com/mentalhealthbraceletonevoice.html
Wandsworth, South London
I am looking at helping out running events in the south-west London area and wondered if there are others in this area who would like to join forces. I am thus far a bit new at this so if there are people there who have links to the local PCT or Rethink then great. I could also go further afield so if you need a willing hand then do let me know.
Thanks, Michael
In Chelmsford, Essex...
Hi,
I run a local Rethink group in Chelmsford, Essex...we are planning to work with other local charities, like Mind, and our NHS Trust to deliver something amazing this year on World Mental Health Day...ideas include a big 'walk a mile' event in a park, tying in with the local library to do events there and even a concert!
Thanks, Laura