Category: medicine

7 Ways To Care For Yourself And Your Mental Health This Autumn/ Fall.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 1 Comment

(image: Ella Ivanescu, Unsplash)

Autumn (or if you’re in the USA, Fall) is one of my favourite seasons. Beautiful autumn leaves, the weather getting gently cooler, cosy hot chocolates and pumpkin spice, the autumn harvest of pumpkins, snuggling in blankets with a good book or TV show and for some- walks in nature with the orange and yellow trees and landscapes. However, did you know that the clocks going back and the change in light and dark, with nights drawing in, can affect your mental health? Studies have shown that when its darker, people are more prone to depression and anxiety and some (like myself at times) struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

There are many ways to take care of yourself if you feel your mood dipping or you are becoming more anxious. If you feel it is affecting your daily functioning, please reach out for support from your doctor (and if you have one, a therapist or psychologist). Here I talk about a few tips to help support your mental health this Autumn.

  1. Make sure you rest as well as play and work

Work can become all consuming, but if you prioritise rest this season too, your body will thank you. Autumn is all about slowing down, recovering, resting (and for animals (and some humans) hibernating). Yes you can work and play hard if you prefer, but make sure you find that balance to support your wellbeing. In our busy lives and for those who are parents or just struggling with their mental health, self care can slip. Practising good self care- eating well, resting, gentle exercise, can really help our minds.

2. Release Control- Give Stress Over

Gabby Bernstein, my favourite spiritual teacher, often says ‘Release control to find peace, surrender it to the Universe’. Surrendering means not obsessing about what we can’t control, but giving it over to a higher power or the universe. This can really help when we feel overwhelmed and stressed, to pray and meditate or simply write down how you are feeling and then ask the universe to take it from you. Journalling thoughts and feelings can help too.

3. Nature walks

Despite the cold, this Autumn, walking in nature can help get the blood pumping and our minds to reset. Sometimes going with a friend, spouse or family member can cheer you up- there is something about the colours of nature, the soft greens that is truly calming.

(image: Erika Mendes, Unsplash)

4. Make your home cosy

Whether its getting some new cushions or blankets, fairy lights or lamps, investing in cosy and light interiors for the darker seasons is a must! I like to use lamps when the nights draw in.

5. Get enough sleep (but not too much!)

During the Autumn/ Winter period, most of us naturally want to hibernate in the evenings. Sometimes this period can make depression and anxiety worse. I know with my bipolar that sometimes I feel lower or more anxious. Getting enough daylight and if you struggle with seasonal affective disorder, use an SAD lamp, which can help you to wake up gently in the mornings. Similarly, make sure you get enough sleep for you to keep your mental and physical health at its best. Depression can cause us to sleep longer hours and hide away- I find daytime distractions can help me not to sleep too much.

6. Take your medication as prescribed

If you struggle with mental health in winter and are prescribed antidepressants or other meds, do not suddenly stop them as this can cause a relapse in your mental health. Make sure you speak to your doctor first!

7. Treat yourself

Treat yourself to a hot chocolate (or pumpkin space drink) and a good book or TV show, wrapped in a cosy hoodie or blanket. You deserve it!

Wishing you all a wonderful and well Autumn/Fall season.

Eleanor

Expert Advice On Bipolar And Staying Well During The Summer With Bipolar UK

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 3 Comments

(image: Angelo Pantazis, Unsplash)

More than one million people (including myself) are living with bipolar in the UK and, despite the summer meaning excitement and positivity for most, for many living with bipolar this is not always the case.

Common challenges in summer can impact people living with the condition- including high temperatures which can interfere with certain medications (including Lithium and anti psychotics or anti depressants), the longer daylight hours which can disrupt mood stability, and travelling which can sometimes trigger symptoms.

There are ways to manage seasonal challenges, and Bipolar UK is now sharing its top tips to help people navigate the summer months!

Top tips for navigating the next few summer months if you have bipolar from Bipolar UK:

  1. Sleep

Maintaining a regular sleep routine is an important way to support mood stability. Lighter nights can make it more difficult to switch off and wind down; and early sunrises can cause disruptions to sleep. Blackout curtains or an eye mask might help.

  1. Heat

Hot weather can affect both physical and mental wellbeing. Certain medications used to treat bipolar can make it harder for the body to regulate its own temperature, leading to overheating. Staying cool, drinking plenty of water and staying out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day can help reduce the risk of overheating and becoming dehydrated. Rest is important so communicate with friends and family about how you’re feeling and if you need to rearrange plans.

  1. Travel

Be mindful when travelling to different time zones. Jetlag can have an impact on bipolar symptoms. Try to make time to sleep and rest whilst on the plane and when you arrive so you can acclimatise. Set a reminder on your phone of when you need to take your medication so you can stick to your schedule. 

  1. Sensitivity

Some bipolar medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight so protecting your skin with a high factor suncream when outside is important, as well as seeking shade when possible. Continue to take your medication as prescribed but do speak to your medical professional if you have any concerns.

  1. Socialising

There are often more social activities during the summer, with people wanting to make the most of the better weather. If it all feels too much, learn to say “no” and preserve your energy. Pick and choose which activities you’d like to do, but don’t feel obliged to do them all.

  1. Routine

Longer days can lead to changes in routine which can trigger shifts in mood. Some people with bipolar feel their mood can shift more easily into hypomania and mania during the summer months, whereas others notice their mood dips into depression. Noticing the signs early and speaking to your mental health team, family or other support network can ensure you get help when you need it and potentially avoid a relapse.

(image: Link Hoang, Unsplash)

Bipolar UK offers support to anyone affected by bipolar with their free UK-wide services – peer support line, peer support groups and eCommunity – and resources, including their Could it be bipolar?  campaign and Mood Tracker app.

National UK Inquiry Reveals 19% Increase In Suicide for People Living With Bipolar- With Bipolar UK

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Michelle Henderson: Unsplash)

Trigger warning: discusses suicide

The National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH) released its Annual Report for 2025 last week, revealing that over the past decade, nearly 20% more individuals with bipolar disorder are dying by suicide due to shortcomings in the UK’s mental health system.

According to national charity Bipolar UK, the report provides stark evidence that specialist care is lacking, Lithium (an important mood stabiliser medication) is under-prescribed and suicide prevention measures are falling short.

The report highlights that from 2012 to 2022, there were 1,491 suicides by patients with bipolar, with an alarming 19% increase from 2019 to 2022. Despite Lithium being a clinically proven suicide prevention treatment for people with bipolar, only 39% of those who died were prescribed it and just 12% were receiving psychological therapy​.

This data echoes the findings and lived experience of Professor Tania Gergel, Head of Research at Bipolar UK, in her recent article in The Lancet Psychiatry where she said: “Globally, 15-20% of people with bipolar disorder die by suicide, with 30-60% making at least one attempt. These rates are not decreasing despite an overall decline in global suicide rates.”

According to the Nuffield Trust, there is set to be a £4.8 billion unfunded shortfall in the NHS England revenue budget for 2024/25, raising the prospect that without further funding, service cuts may be inevitable.

With bipolar increasing an individual’s risk of suicide by 20 times that of the general population, Bipolar UK is urging the government to commit to addressing health waiting lists and to invest money in creating a dedicated care pathway for bipolar to reduce suicide rates.

Simon Kitchen, CEO of Bipolar UK, said: “This report is devastating but not surprising. We’ve been shouting from the rooftops that people with bipolar aren’t getting the care they need and now the data lays it bare.

“Bipolar carries one of the highest suicide risks of any mental illness, yet specialist services are practically non-existent, and Lithium – the gold-standard treatment for suicide prevention – is underused. The time for excuses is over. We need real action, and we need it now.”

The charity has heard from its community of people living with the condition, who are concerned that they are unable to access psychiatrists, have little to no continuity of care and are not being monitored adequately when at high risk. There is also a lack of bipolar specialists in the UK, leading to people not receiving a correct diagnosis or waiting too long to receive one – all of which add to the risk of suicide.

Professor Gergel said: “Neither bipolar disorder nor suicide in people with bipolar disorder are research priorities, resulting in major knowledge gaps in both. This can and must change. The shocking statistics might well underestimate the prevalence of suicide in people with bipolar disorder, given the probability of death by suicide before treatment or accurate diagnosis.”

Adding to that, Simon Kitchen said: “Suicide prevention in bipolar requires a shift in both research priorities and clinical practice. We know lithium saves lives, but it is still under-prescribed. We know specialist care works, but most services are generic and fail to meet the specific needs of people with bipolar. Bipolar suicide is not inevitable, but without urgent action, people will continue to die.”

(image of Prof Gergel, Bipolar UK)

The NCISH report also revealed broader systemic failures contributing to preventable deaths. Alarmingly, patients with bipolar were more likely to:

  • Die within three months of being discharged from inpatient care, highlighting dangerous gaps in post-discharge support​.
  • Miss vital clinical appointments, often due to social isolation or side effects from medication, with 15% identified as non-adherent before their deaths​.
  • Experience extreme distress without access to psychological therapies, with only 12% receiving talking therapies​.

With more than a million people living with bipolar in the UK, the figures from this latest inquiry represent lives lost and has led Bipolar UK to call for urgent action, including implementing:

  1. Specialist bipolar services in every NHS region to ensure timely diagnosis, access to evidence-based treatments and care tailored to the complexities of the condition.
  2. Increased lithium prescribing, in line with NICE guidelines, ensuring every person with bipolar who could benefit from it is given the opportunity.
  3. Enhanced suicide prevention measures, including better follow-up after hospital discharge and targeted support for those who miss appointments or struggle with medication adherence.

Simon Kitchen concluded: “We need all UK health authorities and departments of health across the nation to act now because lives depend on it. The evidence is undeniable, the solutions are clear, and the cost of inaction is catastrophic. Specialist care, Lithium, and targeted suicide prevention measures can and will save lives.

“Bipolar suicide is a national emergency, and the upcoming 10-Year Plan is the critical opportunity to turn the tide. Bipolar-specific services are not optional; they are a lifeline.

“The government and NHS must act now, before more lives are lost to preventable tragedy. It is time to get it right.”

(image: Simon Kitchen, CEO, Bipolar UK)

For more information about suicidal thinking and bipolar, visit: Bipolar and suicide prevention

About Bipolar UK   

Bipolar UK is the only national charity dedicated to supporting people affected by bipolar. Bipolar UK provides a range of services, including information and advice, a network of support groups, an eCommunity, workplace training and telephone and email peer support. Bipolar UK also works in partnership with research organisations and campaigns for change to tackle critical issues. For more information, visit www.bipolaruk.org 

7 Important Facts About Depression Medication You Can’t Ignore.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Anthony Tran, Unsplash)

Explore 7 essential facts about depression medication, including types, benefits, side effects, and tips for safe use to support mental health.

Mental health issues like depression are on the rise globally. Medication can be very powerful for many to cope with symptoms, complicated feelings and chemical imbalances. The medication for depression helps even out chemicals in the brain so the symptoms of sadness, low energy, trouble concentrating, etc., lessen, but knowing how these medications work, what they can do for you, and what side effects they may have can make the trip a little easier. This guide covers seven key facts about depression medication to help you or a loved one make informed decisions for a healthier, happier life.

1. Types of Depression Medication and How They Work

Different types of depression medications work differently within the brain. The most common types of antidepressants include SSRIs, SNRIs, and atypical antidepressants. SSRIs are drugs that help increase serotonin, a chemical that affects your mood. Because they have fewer side effects than older medications, these are typically the first choice for treating depression.

SNRIs work similarly but affect two chemicals in the brain rather than one, and this may help some people respond better. Some other choices may have atypical antidepressants or tricyclics that work with different parts of the brain and are considered when other medications haven’t been effective. Everyone’s body and brain chemistry is different, so finding the best medication for you can take time.

2. Depression Medication is Often Part of a Larger Treatment Plan

Medication alone can assist, but it’s often most effective when combined with other forms of treatment. Therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), helps people understand and manage their thoughts and behaviors. Many doctors suggest combining therapy with medication for better results.

Depression also needs to be managed with lifestyle changes. Many people have seen their moods and energy increase by eating healthy, exercising, and getting the right amount of sleep. A mental health professional can help create a holistic treatment plan so you can address symptoms and acquire skills to overcome day-to-day hurdles.

3. Medication Takes Time to Show Results

The most important thing to know about depression medication is that it doesn’t work overnight. Most medications take about 4 to 6 weeks to have an effect. When someone is ready to be relieved, patience can be hard.

Your doctor may ask you to report any positive or negative changes during this time. Your doctor can use tracking how you feel to make any needed adjustments to the medication. It is also important to take the medication on a consistent basis because missing doses can slow or prevent effectiveness. If the changes feel slow, stick with the treatment, and you can get better, lasting results.

(image: Christina Craft: Unsplash)

4. Possible Side Effects of Depression Medication

Depression medication can be very effective, but it has some side effects. Nausea, fatigue, headaches, and sometimes weight changes are common. The effects of these medications vary from person to person and from medication type to medication type and often diminish over time as the body adjusts.

You must talk to your doctor if side effects are overwhelming or don’t improve. Your doctor may change your dose or have you switch to a different medication. Although most people say that the benefits of medication outweigh the initial discomfort of side effects, monitoring your experience and communicating with your doctor will help ensure a positive one.

5. Stopping Medication Requires a Doctor’s Guidance

It’s not recommended to stop depression medication abruptly, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as dizziness, headaches, and bad mood. Your doctor can instead help you taper off slowly, giving your body time to adjust. The method for doing this is called “tapering,” where the amount of the drug slowly decreases over time to try and avoid withdrawal.

Some people may feel better and think they don’t need their medication anymore. If you are thinking about stopping, talk with your doctor first. They can help you decide when is the right time and lead you through a safe process. Never stop the medication without a doctor’s advice; otherwise, you risk your progress.

6. Medication Can Be Safe for Long-Term Use with Monitoring

For others, depression medication is a short-term tool to use during difficult times. For others, ongoing symptoms require long-term medication. These medications have been used safely by many people for years under a doctor’s guidance. Regular check ins with your healthcare provider will ensure the medication is still working and that any side effects are being watched.

The doctors may also check for blood pressure or weight to ensure no other side effects in the long run. Depression medication can be a safe and influential part of long-term care if it is properly monitored and can help people live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

7. Depression Medication Isn’t a Cure but Can Support Recovery

Medication helps manage symptoms of depression, but it doesn’t ‘cure’ depression. Depression is often a condition that needs to be watched. Medication may help, but they work best combined with other strategies.

Working with a therapist, staying active, and connecting to supportive people are all very important for recovery. A complete, balanced approach will lead to better mental health, which in turn will decrease the chances of a relapse. This is just one part of the puzzle, alongside other medications that can help someone feel stable and work towards a healthier future.

Conclusion

Depression medication can be a helpful tool for managing symptoms and improving one’s daily life, but it’s important to know how the drugs work their magic, as well as their limitations. Knowing these seven key facts will help people make informed decisions and feel more comfortable using medication for their recovery. If medication is needed for a few months or some years, working closely with a medical provider will ensure medication is used safely and appropriately.

If you or a loved one is seeking help for depression and addiction treatment and you are in the USA, contact Virtue Recovery Las Vegas at 725-777-5685 for guidance on treatment options. Our team is here to support you on your journey to wellness.

This blog was written by a freelance writer and contains paid links.

The Problem with Self-Medicating for Mental Health Issues by Maya

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Marcos Paulo Prado: Unsplash)

Self-medicating to resolve mental health issues can sometimes leave the door open for substance abuse. A lot of information goes into choosing the right psychiatric medicine, and it is not something you should choose without medical input. To avoid this common problem, here are a few things you should know about self-medication.

The Consequences

Mental and physical health are a top priority for dual diagnosis treatment. Depression, mania, anxiety and irritability are only a few underlying mood changes that someone may experience. On their own, these mental health conditions are already hard to deal with. When those same conditions are combined with possible substance use disorders, it creates a co-occurring disorder. As an example, a person that is suffering from anxiety will try to self-medicate with unprescribed depressant drugs. These downers are sedatives by nature, and can quickly turn into an addiction for someone who becomes dependent on how it makes them feel. These should only be prescribed by doctors and taken with care.

The Truth

When you’re aware of the consequences of self-medication, the treatment steps become much clearer as a goal. Without professional experience, you can’t diagnose the original underlying cause of your condition. Not all symptoms are created equally, and there is no way for a patient to factor in how a specific medication will interact. Psychiatric medications should never be combined with alcohol, which includes things like cough medicines. Self-medication is not good for you and your body or mind should never be the experiment to find out what works.

Risky Behaviour

Mental health stigmas are one of the reasons that people are open to the dangers of self-medication. They feel that society has a judgmental attitude towards mental health prescriptions. With self-medication, these same prescriptions and their variants are purchased after going through multiple illegal hoops.

Besides the legal issues that could arise, there is a good chance that you are not treating the correct condition. Getting medication to treat depression is a terrible idea for someone that is suffering from bipolar disorder. And when you’re suffering from anxiety, the risk of overdose rises. There is no reason to risk the mental and physical consequences of self-medicating when there are more appropriate avenues to treat your condition. Please seek help from your psychiatrist or get referred to one.

Reaching A Personal Goal

When your health is in danger, think twice about going the risky route of self-medicating. It’s easy to use clouded judgement as an excuse for not getting better. No matter how you start, a healthy mind will always be positively fuelled by making healthy personal decisions. Sometimes, self medication can turn into addiction, which can wreak havoc on your body and mind. Reach for appropriate medical support to help support your recovery.

This article was written by Maya.

Mental Health Medication And Dangerous Side Effects In The Heatwave by Eleanor

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 8 Comments

(image: Roman Odintsov)

In the words of Motown singers Martha Reeves and the Vandellas,

‘Just like a heatwave
Burning in my heart
Can’t keep from cryin’
It’s tearing me apart’

Temperatures yesterday here in the UK reached 40 degrees celsius, the hottest day here on record ever! Some people love the heat- ‘Oh it reminds me of being on the beach on holiday’, ‘It’s not that hot- just put a cold flannel on your face’ and ‘Why are people moaning, we go abroad to get this weather?’ are things i have heard this week. However, for people like myself who take strong mental health medication, in a country not used to these temperatures, this weather is quite literally no picnic.

Firstly, my parents and sister are redheads with pale skin. I am the same and am not built for the heat or humidity. Then, we can add in the fact that I have bipolar disorder and take daily medication- which if not managed correctly can send my blood and body toxic. This has never happened as I stay indoors, don’t do strenuous exercise and drink constantly (and eat enough) in the heat. Yesterday though was a big risk as it became SO hot.

(image: Karolina Grabowska: Pexels)

The risks of Lithium, a mood stabilising medicine, in the heat are fairly well known. It is a natural salt, dehydrating the body so if you don’t drink enough water or eat enough salt, the level of Lithium in the blood saturates and becomes too high- toxic.

Signs of lithium toxicity include: nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, confusion, drowsiness, slurred speech, increased thirst and lack of coordination of muscles. Severe toxicity signs are: blurred vision, severe muscle spasms, seizures and coma. It is no joke. So trying to cope with Lithium in 40 degree weather and in most places, lack of air con, meant I was confined to my home as I didn’t want to feel like I was melting or run out of water. Thankfully, I didn’t go toxic!

Additionally, I take the anti psychotic Quetaipine which stops me developing mania and psychosis. This and another such medications can impair the body’s ability to regulate it’s own temperature. I am therefore at risk of developing hyperthermia- excessive body temperature- which can be fatal. (scary right??)

So you can imagine that when I hear we are having a heatwave, I instantly think ‘stay indoors, cool showers, ice lollies, sit by air con unit, drink lots and lots’ . I worry about commuting or travelling in the heat. I still can be out in some heat- but 40 degrees was too much!

Something that has troubled me as i wrote this blog is this. My employers have been amazing and let me work from home yesterday. I am able to hydrate myself and eat and keep myself cool. But for those who are ill and unable to, I imagine many were rushed to A and E with the above symptoms yesterday. As a vulnerable adult, my GP didn’t even call to check on me or highlight the side effects of my meds… I only know all this from Dr Google!

There is still a long way to go with proper care for those of us living with (as termed by my doctor) ‘severe mental illness’ whether we live in remission/recovery or whether we have a support network…..I may be 34, not 94- but I could be at risk and they wouldn’t know.

I hope by writing this blog and highlighting these side effects that more people will be aware of this too- which affects people with bipolar, schizophrenia/ schizoaffective disorder, psychosis, depression and other illnesses where anti psychotic meds are used.

One positive- when the heat broke last night and the summer rain fell as Rob and I watched on our balcony.. it reminded me of being in India during monsoon season and in Ghana having a shower in the rain so I suppose not all bad! I admitted I cheered when I saw the rain.

Lastly, I can’t finish this blog without highlighting we had a family bereavement yesterday- a cousin (but more like an uncle) passed away after illness. I will miss him terribly but learnt so much from him- kindness, humility and faith.

Stay safe in this heat! Do your meds affect you?

Love,

Eleanor

xx

5 Spiritual Tips for Coping With Your Mental Health

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments
(image: Tatiana from Pexels)

Mental health is as important as physical health. Through life’s many challenges, it is hard to maintain one’s mental health. Often, people with mental health issues are not being taken care of properly by their community. That’s where spiritual practices come in. These practices help to bring mental peace and healing to the mind and body.

Here are five spiritual wellness tips that you can use today for better mental health.

Talking with Self via Meditation

Talking and listening to oneself is an excellent spiritual practice that can be done at any time. Whether you’re sitting in meditation or listening to a guided meditation, talking with yourself in terms of listening to your thoughts and feelings, is an effective way to clear your mind of thoughts and concentrate on the present moment. You may find your mind wandering and thats OK! Just keep checking in with yourself.

Avoiding Negative Thoughts Through Gratitude

It’s important to note when negative thoughts come up, like those of anger or negativity. Negative thoughts are not good for the mind and body, so it’s important to let these thoughts pass as best you can and don’t give them energy or power. One way to do this is by practicing gratitude in your daily life. Gratitude helps you keep positive vibes going and increases happiness levels and you can do this by keeping a gratitude journal.

Being Kind to Yourself

The best way to start living a healthy and happy lifestyle is by being kind to yourself. One of the best ways you can do this is by starting your day with a positive affirmation. For example, you might tell yourself that “I am capable, this will not be difficult,” or “today I am making good decisions.”

This simple act can greatly improve your mental health and give you a boost for the rest of the day. Treat yourself with kindness and care and don’t be too hard on yourself.

Cultivating a Loving Mind

We live in a world that is constantly giving us reasons to be angry. The news, the internet, and even people in our own lives can make us feel like we are surrounded by chaos. However, it’s important to cultivate loving thoughts and feelings.

This doesn’t mean that you always have to feel happy and cheerful. Sometimes, life calls for sadness or anger. But cultivating a love-filled mind helps prepare you for these moments when they arise. It also helps to keep your mind clear of worries and helps you see the good things in life more clearly.

Maintaining a loving mind is hard work. It means turning thoughts away from fear and anger as soon as they arise and replacing them with love instead. This is done through meditation or spiritual practices such as prayer or yoga. These practices help keep your body calm while helping your mind stay peaceful and open, allowing you to channel your Psychic Lights.

 

Letting Go of Anger

People often try to suppress their anger. However, this is actually a bad idea. According to the researcher Dr. Robert Firestone, “Anger is an adaptive emotion that can be used as a motivating force for good.”

When we suppress anger, it can lead to many mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. That’s why it’s important to let go of your anger in ways that are physically and emotionally healthy. You might want to write it down or hit a punching bag when you’re feeling angry. Expressing your anger in a healthy manner will help you feel better and reduce stress on your body.

All of these ideas can help to keep you calmer, more positive and feeling more tuned in with your mind and body. These can be used in conjunction with attending therapy or taking (prescribed) medication if needed. Look after yourself and find a wellness spiritual practice that suits you.



This article was written by a freelance writer and contains affiliate links.

Taking Mental Health Medication Doesn’t Make You ‘Weak’: Fighting the Stigma by Eleanor

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 4 Comments
(image: Matthew Ball for Unsplash)

Disclaimer: All medication must only be prescribed by a psychiatrist or GP dealing with you individually. Advice from medical professionals must be sought before taking any medication., Never take someone elses medication or try to cure yourself!

This week, I had a conversation with someone about being on mental health medication, in this case, anti depressants for clinical depression. We reminisced that as teenagers, we just weren’t taught properly by school or in society about mental illness. It wasn’t talked about here in the UK back in the 2000s and everything was really hushed up, cloak and dagger, as if you had to be ashamed of it. As if anything to do with our mind was shameful- no one really had much education, unless it happened in your family.

I know that for many people, even in 2022, taking medication for their mental health carries this sense of shame.

For me personally, I was so ill that there really was no choice for me as a 15 year old, but to be started on medication. My symptoms of bipolar disorder first appeared at the age of 15 with depression and anxiety episodes, followed by mania and psychosis. So, I was on anti psychotic medications as well as what is known as a mood stabiliser, a medicine for mood disorders that stabilises moods (in this case, the bipolar poles). I also took regular anti depressants and anti anxiety medications and still do daily. My medicine regime is pretty intense but it means that my bipolar is well controlled and in remission- and that I am stable. My family has a hereditary illness that can be severe- so medication was the right choice for me.

However, for those without a severe mental illness like bipolar or schizophrenia, you may be recommended to try anti depressants first. There are varying different types which work on seretonin reuptake in the brain and help to balance brain chemistry.(although scientists cannot pinpoint the cause for depression fully yet). These can be used in combination with therapy and exercise to help treat depression and anxiety.

Some families and cultures hold great shame to be seen taking mental health medication and so hide it from loved ones. Others stop taking it, believing they are stable and well because the medication has balanced them out- and then crash into depression. For some though, anti depressants are a shorter term thing. The point is, its all so individual and there is no one size fits all medicine- you must do what is right for your recovery but definitely do not suddenly stop them.

In my family, my Dad was already on mental health medication- Lithium for bipolar, when I became ill. So, I was lucky that I had a loving supportive and accepting family, including plenty of medical professionals who understood. It was a steep learning curve for everyone though. And yes, as a teenager, I did hold some shame for taking medicines because I just wanted to ‘fit in’ and be a ‘normal’ teen. Coupled with the fact no one openly talked about mental illness at school or in general (this was just before social media!) and I felt this overwhelming sense of shame that my brain chemicals had let me down. I never once skipped taking medication though.

The thing is with mental health is that you can’t see it. But, you can absolutely feel when something is wrong and when you feel chemically depressed or other mental illness. This is usually depression unlinked to a life event- you wake up with it and you know its back, you feel despondent and unable to cope.

Yet, because you can’t see it- shame is even greater because how do you explain it to others? And are you ‘weak’ or ‘crazy’ to need medication to function?

The answer is No. To have to take the correct prescribed medication for you daily is an effort. You have to commit to it and to seeing how some medicines go. To go through episodes of mental illness makes you stronger and more resilient, surviving each day. You are not weak, your brain just needs help (like helping diabetes or a heart problem) and the words ‘crazy’ or ‘unhinged’ just serve to reinforce stigma. There is no need to be afraid or filled with shame or self loathing- but it is valid to feel this way as you are human!

In 2017, it was estimated that 792 million people worldwide lived with a mental health disorder (one in 10 globally). 46 million of those had my disorder, bipolar. However, this is the tip of the iceberg because mental illness is often underreported due to stigma. So- you are not alone. There is treatment out there to help you.

Remember not to be ashamed of needing medication to cope with life’s challenges (alongside therapy etc). The stigma is slowly falling and I will continue to write and share to this end.

You are not weak! You are powerful beyond comprehension .

Do you take medication? Does it help you?

Love,

Eleanor x

The Difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist. Which can best address your needs? By Anita Ginsburg

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments


It’s always important to seek professional help if you are dealing with a mental health issue. Unfortunately, finding a professional can be harder than you might think. Even if you can find someone for you, you’ll still have to decide upon which type of professional with whom you should work. For most, the answer comes down to knowing the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist.


What Is a Psychologist?

Generally speaking, a psychologist is a person with an advanced degree in psychology who works with patients on their mental health. These individuals usually use various types of talk therapy to help individuals work through a diverse number of mental health issues. When many people think of the basic idea of therapy, they’re thinking about what a psychologist does.

When to Choose a Psychologist

It makes sense to choose a psychologist when you’re looking to address your mental health issues without medication. Attempting to change behavior of the long-term is usually best done with the help of a psychologist, especially if you’re looking to get to the root causes of why you feel how you feel. It should be noted, though, that even those who do seek medication can often work with a psychologist as well as a psychiatrist.

What Is a Psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is specifically an individual who holds a medical degree and specialises in psychiatry. While psychiatrists do conduct many of the same types of therapy as psychologists, they differ from psychologists because psychiatrists can prescribe medication to their patients when needed.

When to Choose a Psychiatrist

The most common reason to choose a psychiatrist is because you are considering the possibility of pursuing some type of medical treatment for your mental health problems. This can range from specific types of medical therapies to medication, but all of these therapies do require a psychiatrist’s oversight. While most do choose psychiatrists because of the medical angle, many psychiatrists do still use talk therapy in a manner similar to psychologists.

It’s important to know what you want from therapy before you make a choice between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. While each type of professional does deal with mental health from a specific angle, whether one is better than the other has everything to do with your personal situation. While you will ultimately need to make the choice between the two, choosing to pursue at least some kind of therapy is a good step on the path to a brighter future.

This article was written by freelance writer Anita Ginsburg

Bereavement, PIP, Promotion and Panic by Eleanor

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 11 Comments

 

 

Hi lovely readers,

So much has been going on that its been a little overwhelming so I didn’t feel able to sit here and type out my feelings. But today, I feel like I can share so here goes.

My dear father in law passed away from brain cancer at the age of just 67 last month. This was expected, after a two year battle, rounds of surgery and chemo and radiotherapy and being told they could do no more treatment as he had two aggressive tumours and they couldn’t operate further. However, it was still immensely painful when it happened (although we were all with him at a nursing home) and we had the funeral and week of mourning (shiva) as per Jewish tradition. I moved in to my in laws home that week to be there to support my husband, brother in law and mother in law.

We will all miss him terribly- a truly wonderful man and it was a privilege to know him.

Despite this sadness in our family, some positive news has followed. I had applied and been awarded a disability benefit called PIP (Personal independence payment) and been awarded it due to my bipolar disorder and panic attacks impacting on my mental health and ability to work outside the home. This greatly helps our situation and means I can work alongside it too in my role at the Body Shop from home and around my writing (my book Bring me to Light is available here) . We also found out that Rob is being taken off furlough and returning to work on the 1st September- he has been furloughed for 6 months and this was a huge relief for us, as you can imagine.

Additionally, a few weeks ago I got promoted to Area Manager of my Body Shop team, team Hope. This means I manage a team of consultants/ manager in training and help them to develop their businesses too. I feel incredibly lucky to do a job that I love from home and be so supported by my manager Sarah and all my wonderful team mates too. I truly love this job and hope to make it my full time career eventually. The products are so good for self care too.

Now on to my mental health. My anxiety has returned with a vengeance these past few weeks. One night I was up til 5am with panic and insomnia (feeling tearful, restless and pumped with adrenaline) so took some prescribed anxiety medication. I also use a lavender pillow mist which helps me to sleep better too. I have had to cancel and reschedule things. I am not good with change and my anxiety is being triggered. I have a wonderful therapist and so I will definitely book in another session with her soon because I can feel myself dipping a little.

The guineapigs are adorable and good for cuddles and I have had a lot of support from friends and family, so thank you for that, and from Rob too.

How is everyone?

Eleanor xx

 
Infographic by Mindful Urgent Care