Be Ur Own Light has teamed up with the amazing Monologues Project for this months #showandtell feature. In it they interviewed us about our journey with mental health and asked questions about our lives.
It is such a pleasure to be working with them. Thank you Monologues Project!
To read the in depth article, click here:Â http://www.themonologuesproject.org/features/003
by Rhona Mackenzie, Clinical Director, Deepdene Care
For more please clink link above or see http://www.deepdenecare.org.uk/
Be Ur Own Light is happy to partner with Deepdene Care,a health provider in the UK
At Deepdene  we support people with severe mental health issues such as psychosis.
As mental health problems are often complex and involve an array of factors, the best course of action for any case is structured, multi-faceted approach that is rolled out over months and possibly years with the primary objective of reducing the impact of the condition on an individual’s life.
As a service provider we have to look at the bigger picture:
Staff have a deeper understanding
A high level of staff training is an intrinsic part of any treatment and care plan.
We train staff to understand and increase their knowledge of all mental health conditions. In the case of psychosis, they are taught to be aware of what hallucinations and delusions are, so that they can act in a proper, effective manner, and are also taught how brain chemicals can affect people. This gives them an educated insight, which not only helps with treatment, but allows them to understand what an individual is going through, ensuring empathetic responses.
In addition, staff have to have an understanding of the side effects of medication. So, again, they are properly equipped to be able to help the service users and approach them with understanding.
Therapies and activities
Therapies and activities are also a key factor in the recovery process, especially occupational therapies, where service users are able to fill their time with meaningful activities. This helps individuals gain routine in their lives, bringing a sense of direction back into what they do and acting as a representation of everyday life.
Getting to know the person and their symptomsÂ
It is essential that anyone with psychosis under our care is supported and treated as an individual, as each case is completely different from another and symptoms can vary quite dramatically. This is why we place a great deal of focus on listening to patients, observing their behaviours and supporting them in every way possible.
We also promote therapeutic relationships between staff and service users, with the central goal being to build trust and respect among them.
Destigmatising mental illness
As a mental health provider, we have to advocate and educate people to destigmatise mental illnesses and accept the person the way they are – promoting empathy among team members and throughout the service as a whole.
If a person has had a mental illness they are usually more understanding and empathetic towards another mental health sufferer. If a service user/person is being discriminated against, we may need to support them on how to deal with that.
Outside support
We also support those with psychosis through outside professionals like psychologists.
But, and we can’t stress this enough, none of our work would be effective, if we don’t support, respect and accept the individual for the way they are.
Mental Health Recovery
Our ultimate goal is to have individuals be responsible for their own behaviours, which is why we look to educate them to self-support their own physical, emotional and social needs, while we are on hand to offer support when necessary. Almost like a safety net to cushion any falls individuals may have on their personal journey to recovery.
It’s important to dispose of any one-size-fits-all solution. This is about treating the person as an individual, accepting their illness as part of their individuality while at the same time seeing them as a whole person and not just defining them by their mental health condition.
Self-belief is a huge part of the recovery process and we’re able to help individuals develop their esteem, empowering them by educating them on relationships, finance, occupation, choices, diet, exercise and lifestyle. Placing control back into their own hands through guidance and advice.
It’s important to understand individuals so that we know when they are at their best, at which point we can work with them to develop crisis and relapse plans and find out exactly how they’d like to be treated. Essentially it’s a two-way street, and we place a great deal of importance on working with individuals to find the best path.
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Trigger warning: discussion of psychosis and acute mental health.Â
Psychosis is something that I have experienced but havn’t ever fully written about as it can be quite a confusing, painful and scary subject
However, today I had some time to write a blog about it and thought I would share my experiences to educate others and raise awareness.
What is psychosis?
Psychosis takes many forms- its when your brain goes into a heightened psychotic state- meaning you could start believing things that aren’t real (delusions), hearing voices or seeing hallucinations, talking to yourself, being convinced you are in grave danger- about to be attacked or killed for example (linked to delusional beliefs). Along side psychosis you may also get what is known as ‘grandiose’ beliefs. This means that you believe you can do absolutely anything or that you have super powers/ can run the world/are a religious saviour, for example.
What is important to note is that every human with psychosis is an individual with unique brain chemistry and so not everyone will present in the same way or have the same symptoms. Furthermore, you may be diagnosed with an illness such as bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder which can trigger your unique symptoms or alternatively, psychosis can be brought on by drug use such as ‘skunk’ (a potent form of cannabis) or other hard drugs.
How can we treat psychosis?
Its likely that if your symptoms are really bad you will be encouraged to go into hospital so you can be treated under a psychiatrist and given anti psychotic medications. These medications (some older and some new drugs) work to stop the heightened thoughts, delusions, voices etc….. and slowly bring you down from the psychotic state.
This is even more important if psychosis was brought about by drug use, to be in an environment where you cannot take drugs. Furthermore, If you have a diagnosed illness or a suspected illness, the care you will receive in hospital by mental health nurses and psychiatric team is generally good and you will be monitored and watched.
I experienced bad psychosis in 2014 during a bipolar manic episode. While I never heard voices or saw hallucinations, I had very bad delusions about the world and was extremely fearful. I thought that I had been kidnapped and was being watched in hospital by a gang (including the nurses). This eased over time as I was given Haloperidol and tranquilisers to slowly bring me down over a few months by a medical team. Thankfully the medication expertly worked on my brain and I was monitored carefully.
I have written this to say- you can survive psychosis and go back to a relatively normal life. Everyone is an individual so this isn’t the same for everyone, especially if you have addictions. For me though as someone with bipolar disorder controlled on medication, I have been able to get back to a happier and normal, stable life.Â
Trigger warning: discussion of suicidal thoughts.
For more from Joshua please email: rebuildrepaircredit@gmail.com
Hello! My name is Joshua, I am one of seven. Â 1 in 7 people have bipolar disorder. I have noticed that mental disorders are often overlooked or misunderstood. So here I am, stepping up to talk about it in the open.
I would not be here today to write this if had I not gone through my bipolar epiisodes and become stronger. I will not lie and say I have conquered it fully, but I am able to tame the beast . So, I hope I can help you. Are you struggling with any mental disorder? I love you and know you can fight it. It will not be easy, but you can do it.
The devastating effects of bipolar depression aka the main problem
First, a topic frequently avoided is suicidal thoughts.
Have you ever felt suicidal? I sure have. Â I wanted to die so badly at such a young age. I broke down crying on the floor after I almost attempted to. Welcome to severe bipolar depression. A very difficult thing to cope with.
Do you still feel suicidal?
Honestly, I think everyone has these feelings. But bipolar and depressed people feel them seep into their hearts and minds much stronger. Suicidal thoughts are a nasty beast, attacking people at their weakest. Mental illness can break even the strongest people- if you are going through it right now, you are so strong!
Do you still feel this way today?
So to answer your question honestly, I do still have thoughts sometimes. Will I ever end my life ? No! I will promise you all that today. Promise me today that you will never do it as well. Stay with us, hang in there, please. Â You must fight with everything, to live. You are a wonderful person and you deserve to live as long as possible! So am I! Fight with me!
One in seven? That is a lot of people! Do I know any people with bipolar disorder?
Chances are very high that you know someone dealing with bipolar. Lots of famous people are affected today and also in the past.
‘Never, never, never give up’. – Winston Churchill. I have a poster that I like with a frog being eaten by a pelican. Except the frog is choking out the pelican and not allowing himself to be eaten! Be the frog. So, never ever give up. To succeed in life this is demanded.
My favourite quote is ‘If you’re going through hell, keep going.’ – Winston Churchill
Fight on and continue!
When did you realize you had bipolar disorder?
First, from an early age, I realised I was different. Not in a bad way, but unique. I would say around 7-9 years old, I was already in counselling. Â 7-9 years old was one of my worst times for sure and I started experiencing bad symptoms aged 13. Mental disorders often begin in puberty due to hormonal changes. Hormones plus bipolar do not mix well. Controlling emotion is a big part of conquering bipolar.
Do you take medicines now? They work well for some. Do they help you?
I have tried many different medications. My team tried their best to see what would work with my body chemistry. Yet, there was a big problem. Every single medication had terrible side effects. The killer for me was the massive migraines.
During high school, trying to function felt downright impossible! I was so depressed I could not get up in the morning.  The medications I tried were challenging for me and didn’t always agree with my body.
Tell me a little more about you. What makes up the mind of a person with bipolar disorder?
I am far from perfect, but on a great path. So I am not here to brag. Everyone is intelligent in their own ways. I have always been intelligent as well. So my point is that you should do your best to not let this hold you back. It does not have to be a disadvantage. Also, many people with bipolar are highly intelligent.
I have always loved people. So I always try to see the best in them. Â I am a triple full-time dad and entrepreneur. Â I have started multiple successful businesses. Currently, I run websites. RebuildRepairCredit.com is a free credit repair clinic I started. Every single day I better myself. Now I try to better the world around me every day as well. You too can do the same. Improving yourself is the best investment you can make.
What else is difficult when you have bipolar disorder?
There are manic times. More recently I have learned to harness these gifts. However, if you are not careful these gifts, they can be challenging.. They were most of my life. Manic episodes can leave you awake for days or weeks and longer! Have you ever been awake that long? Sleep deprivation is torture. Be kind to these people! As I said before I have been awake nearly a month straight with 5-minute naps. This was a manic episode worsened by the wrong medication. Antidepressant only without mood-stabilisers can do this! Finally, in manic periods someone with bipolar may do things they would not normally do.
Final tips and advice on getting through bipolar
First, be sure to seek professional help when needed. Â These can be lifesavers. Sometimes a professional ear can break down an issue and make it easier to deal with. Keep your chin up! So you will break, you will fall. This does not mean you have failed! Also, you are stronger than your weakest moment. So recover, stronger each time. Fight back!
To conclude, if you or  someone you know  has bipolar disorder,  be kind.  Nobody really knows the struggles another is facing. You may feel broken. Know you are loved and can overcome this. It will take time and lots of effort, but it is worth it. Finally, know you can still lead a full and productive life. Fight past your disabilities whatever they are. Because you are more powerful than your minor shortcomings.
I am excited to share with you all my first blog for the charity Bipolar UK. Bipolar UK assist those with bipolar disorder and their families, as well as raising awareness.
In this very personal blog, I share what it is like when suffering with a depressive and anxious episode. I hope you enjoy reading it and it helps you feel a little less alone!
‘The other day I was sitting in my room feeling contemplative and I found one of my journal notebooks from 2011. I’ve been journalling on and off since I was young and have documented a lot of my life as it’s so therapeutic.
In 2004 I was diagnosed with bipolar at the age of just 16. I’m now 28 and have spent the past 12 years managing my illness through medication, therapy and a good support network….’
Click here to read the full article:
https://www.bipolaruk.org/blog/what-having-bipolar-means-for-me
Hi, my name is Stephanie and I blog over at Making Time For Me https://cmugrad817.wordpress.com
Here at Be Ur Own Light, we promote good health and wellness. We were delighted to learn about a stress management initiative – National Stress Awareness Day – that has been in existence for almost 20 years in the UK. The founder is Carole Spiers, Motivational Speaker and CEO of the Carole Spiers Group (CSG), a stress management consultant who is also Chair of the International Stress Management Association (ISMAUK).
ISMAUK is a charity and was established in 1974. They are a membership organisation and set professional standards dedicated to excellence and best practice. Their mission is to promote stress prevention and wellbeing.
This year, for National Stress Awareness day, they focused on stress for employees in the workplace.
As Spiers writes, ‘It is vital that the stigma of stress is removed and that stress is accepted as a mental health issue both nationally and internationally. Employees are an organisation’s most valuable resource. It is very difficult to replace this human asset which is why ‘workforce wellness’ is an organisational imperative’. (ISMAUK)
National Stress Awareness Day – Wednesday 2nd November 2016
This year, National Stress Awareness Day took place on 2nd November and its theme for this year was ‘Workforce Wellness – your Prime Investment’.
Founded in 1998, the day runs annually on the first Wednesday of November and its aim is to educate people on the recognition of stress in self and others together with providing solutions and strategies.
Activities take place throughout the country that provide training, advice and consultancy. Last year, the day was talked about widely with over 121,000 comments alone discussing it on Twitter!
Through ISMA’s global reach, Stress Awareness Day is also run throughout the world.
Spiers continues, ‘The Carole Spiers Group proactively educate employees on how to build a healthy workplace culture. Through our nationwide employee counselling service and range of resilience and organisational change training programmes, our aim is to provide solutions and strategies to help people manage stress – both at home and at work.’
So how can you get involved with next years National Stress Awareness Day?
If you are already an ISMA member, you can organise an ISMA workshop for your employees and colleagues, deliver presentations on the subject and talk to the press and on social media to further raise awareness. A reduced rate pack is on the ISMA website to help you get started! http://bit.ly/1RyIZKL
This packs contains powerpoint slides, workbooks and media guidance to help you get the most out of your Stress Awareness Day.
For more information on ISMA and Stress Management Day on  2nd November each year, email info@carolespiersgroup.co.uk and tweet about it using the handle #nationalstressawarenessday
Be Ur Own Light is proud to collaborate with Mark at http://www.phobiasupportforum.com. Phobia Support Forum, support people suffering from a wide variety of mental health conditions and specific phobias. They have a forum where sufferers can talk and ask questions and form friendships.
My guest blog for them is about my anxiety and working with a care coordinator. You can read it here:
http://phobiasupportforum.com/expert-guest-articles/an-amazing-care-coordinator/
We are truly so happy to be a part of Phobia Support Forum and look forward to working together in the future. I hope all you lovely readers enjoy my blog!
(image: google/ quotesgram)
It feels like ages since I just sat down and wrote my heart out about my own life, which is how Be Ur Own Light started. In fact this blog was a diary and once called Diary of a Nearly Thirty Year Old (as I am 28!) The level of interest in mental health writing and my blog is growing which is wonderful and I love sharing everyone’s stories and featuring guest posts from brave mental health warriors. Today though I want to update you on my story.
Thank fully, I am not depressed or too anxious these days. I have been able to go out more, see friends and family and just enjoy myself. This week my Dad and I ran two charity events at Jazz after Dark, a teeny little club in Soho, Central London. Jazz after Dark is where Amy Winehouse walked in and began her career and where she wrote part of Back to Black. Our charity events used live music, amps, phone stages and hifi systems like Graham Slee Hifi.Â
Our event was in aid of a young girl who passed away this year aged just 20. Many professional singers and musicians gave their time for free for us to raise money for an ambulance , which was the dying wish of the girl who passed away.
We managed to raise £3,500 for the charity supplying the ambulance through ticket sales, a raffle and auction. My Dad put so much of it together and on the nights we worked so hard. It was a thoroughly enjoyable 2 nights and I had the chance to watch live music and meet acquaintances and see old friends. I was so thankful to feel comfortable doing this and for feeling so happy at what we all achieved.
Additionally, my cousin got engaged last weekend which was lovely, we had a family party for him.
I am also contemplating a new career in writing professionally. I have always written, journalled, wrote poetry and did English at university.. I always have used writing as an outlet. However, I want to share my story in overcoming adversity and living with mental health issues. I have been so lucky to already have collaborated with people and 2 big mental health charities. So this journey is new and exciting and rewarding. I thank you for reading here in my little corner of the internet and for following the journey together.
(image:google images)
Hi everyone,
I am delighted to announce a collaboration with the wonderful people (Dionne and Victoria) at The Counsellors Cafe. Counsellors cafe is a community for people to share articles and knowledge about their mental health, and links therapists and sufferers.
I have written a blog for them on living with social anxiety which was published yesterday!
‘I wrote this piece  on social anxiety so I can write with my heart without feeling ashamed and can share what it is like to live with mental ill health at times. This is something that has been a part of my life since I was 15 years old and I will be 28 this year. It doesn’t feel like 13 years have passed since I first got sick, but its true that time definitely passes quickly. ‘
 You can read it here and at their website:  http://www.thecounsellorscafe.co.uk/single-post/2016/11/01/I-Will-Get-There
For more see: http://www.thecounsellorscafe.co.uk/
#beurownlight
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