Tag: Wellbeing

Empowering Homebound Parents Through Mental Health Support Strategies by Lizzie Weakley.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 3 Comments

(image: Alexander Dummer)

Being a parent is challenging, but being a parent who is homebound can be incredibly isolating and stressful. With the added pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, homebound parents have been struggling with their mental health more than ever before. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are several mental health support strategies that parents can implement to help them cope with this challenging time and help them continue to provide their children with the love and care that they deserve.

Prioritise Self-Care

Self-care practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and exercise can help homebound parents manage their stress and maintain their mental health. They can schedule regular exercise routines at home, and practice deep breathing and meditation during their downtime. It is essential for homebound parents to set boundaries and take care of their well-being to increase their capacity to address the demands of parenthood.

Seek Professional Help

Homebound parents who are struggling with their mental health should consider seeking the support and guidance of a mental health professional. They can benefit from online therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, or taking medication that might help them feel better. There are also many mental health hotlines and online resources available to parents struggling with their mental health.

Connect with a Support Network

Homebound parents can engage with online support groups where they can share their experiences, offer and receive advice, and connect with other people going through the same thing. It is also a good idea to connect with friends and family members for emotional support. Social connection is vital to maintaining good mental health.

Utilize Home Health Care Services

Home health care services can provide support and assistance for parents who are struggling with their health. These services can include anything from medication management to helping with household chores and providing much needed respite care for parents. Home health care services can also help parents navigate local resources to receive additional support.

Practice Stress-Reducing Activities with Children

Homebound parents can engage their children in various stress-reducing activities such as sensory play, guided meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga. These activities can help children learn how to manage their emotions and provide a calming environment for both parents and children.

Being a homebound parent is challenging, but it becomes even more challenging when mental health struggles are involved. Still, it is essential to prioritise self-care and seek professional help when needed. Engage with a support network, consider utilising home health care services, and perform stress-reducing activities with children.

These strategies will significantly empower homebound parents and help them cope with the challenges of parenthood effectively. With the proper support, homebound parents can provide the love and care their children need and deserve.

This article was written by writer Lizzie Weakley.

World Mental Health Day 2023: Bipolar Disorder has the Highest Rate Of Suicide- Bipolar UK.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 4 Comments

(image: Study Starter)

This World Mental Health Day, clinical experts in bipolar have today announced that successive failings in government policy could have led to a significant reduction in quality of care for those living with bipolar in the UK.

Despite vast improvements in key areas of mental health, the average age for people to get a diagnosis of bipolar is 34 if someone was diagnosed within the past five years, compared to 26 if someone was diagnosed 30 or more years ago.

“It is shocking that today people are living with undiagnosed bipolar for longer than they were when the charity was formed 40 years ago. The current average delay to diagnosis is 9.5 years. That’s nearly a lost decade where people are struggling with confusing symptoms without getting the vital bipolar-specific treatment and support they need,” said Simon Kitchen, CEO of leading charity Bipolar UK.

“This delay is having catastrophic consequences, with the Bipolar Commission finding that more than a third of the 2,458 people surveyed had attempted suicide because of this delay. This is backed up by research which shows that ‘time to treatment’ is significantly associated with hospitalisations and lifetime suicide attempts.

Tragically, global research estimates that up to 1 in 5 people will take their own life and 60% of people with bipolar will attempt suicide at least once during their lifetime.

It is well established that bipolar has the highest risk of suicide of any mental health condition, yet it is only mentioned once in the Government’s recently published national suicide prevention strategy.

CEO of Bipolar UK CEO, Simon Kitchen, said, “Since Bipolar UK was founded as a charity 40 years ago, we have never stopped campaigning on behalf of those living with bipolar and their families.

“To help prevent the high rate of suicide in those with bipolar and to reduce this unacceptable waiting time for a diagnosis, we are currently campaigning for the Government to commit to prioritising bipolar in the implementation of their national suicide prevention strategy and to commit to reducing the average delay to diagnosis to five year within five years.”

The Bipolar Commission’s Bipolar Minds Matter report launched in parliament in November 2022 includes several recommendations that experts in bipolar and clinicians believe will reduce diagnosis time, improve the quality of life and reduce the high risk of suicide for those living with bipolar.

Kitchen added; “The current care system for bipolar is broken, resulting in an ineffective and inaccurate pathway to diagnosis.

“It is shocking that diagnosis delays are worse now than when Bipolar UK was founded 40 years ago.

“Although we are providing as much support as we can, we desperately need the government to sit up and take action before we lose even more people to suicide.”

To find out more about Bipolar UK’s peer support services please visit: www.bipolaruk.org/get-support 

Keeping Yourself In Balance, Mentally And Physically: A Guide by Meghan Belnap.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 1 Comment

(image: Pexels)

In today’s fast-paced, stress-laden world, it can be a real challenge to keep yourself mentally and physically balanced. It’s easy to overlook the impact of your lifestyle choices on your overall well-being and end up feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and burnt out. However, maintaining a healthy mind and body is crucial for long-term happiness and success. This post intends to explore tips and tricks for prioritising your mental and physical health and keeping them in balance. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or just seeking a more balanced lifestyle, there are answers to follow. 

Eat Healthily 

The food you eat keeps your body in shape and can significantly impact your mental health. Research shows that eating a balanced and nutrient-rich diet can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Try incorporating more whole foods, fruits, greens, and lean proteins into your diet, and steer clear of processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats. If you want to take it a step further, try meal prepping always to have healthy food when you’re in a rush. 

Exercise Regularly 

Exercise is one of the best ways to balance your body and mind. Whether going to the gym, taking a yoga class, or going for a run or walk, exercise releases endorphins that lift your mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Make sure to find something you enjoy that you can stick to long-term. Even if it is just 30 minutes of physical activity daily, you’ll notice a huge difference in your overall well-being. 

Rest and Relax 

With life’s stressors always looming, finding time to rest and relax can be challenging. However, taking care of yourself by getting enough rest is crucial to balancing your mental health. Ensure you are getting enough sleep, aiming for around seven to nine hours per night, and take other measures to relax, such as massage, a bubble bath, or indulging in your favourite hobbies. 

Prioritise Your Mental Health 

Mental health is just as important as physical health. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or another mental health problem, it’s essential to prioritise your mental health. Seek professional mental health care if necessary, talk to trusted friends and family about any concerns, and make sure you take time each day to do things you love. Self-care and meditation can also work wonders to quiet your mind, reduce stress, and ease feelings of anxiety. 

Find Balance in Your Relationships 

Achieving balance in your relationships is also crucial for mental health. Sometimes, unhealthy relationships can lead to unhealthy habits that throw you off balance and make you feel worse. Make sure you only surround yourself with people who support you, respect you, and have your best interests at heart. Ensure you set boundaries, say no when necessary, and openly communicate your needs and feelings. 

Keeping yourself in balance mentally and physically is an ongoing process that requires continual effort and investment. However, the rewards of prioritising your mental and physical health can be nothing short of life-changing. By taking care of yourself and making sure you are eating healthily, exercising regularly, getting enough rest, prioritising your mental health, and finding balance in your relationships, you can achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. So, try some of these tips, and watch yourself grow into the best version of yourself yet. 

Meghan Belnap is a freelance blogger, researcher and writer.

7 Tips On How To Get Good Rest As A New Mom/Mum.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Kelly Sikkema: Unsplash)

Being a mother, let alone a new mother, is no easy task. New moms might find themselves flustered with the idea of being a parent for the first time ever. No longer do they only have to care for themselves but also a little one, too, who depends on them. Frustration, stress, and lack of sleep are all common for new mothers. So, how can they fix this? Here are some tips.

  1. Sleep in the Same Room as Baby

Waking up every few hours in the night is no easy task. Having your sleep disrupted when in a groggy state is several times easier when your baby is close by to you.

Keep a crib or bassinet right next to your bed or at least a few feet away to reduce long walks throughout the house to tend to your baby in the night. This way, you can resume sleep as soon as possible.

  1. Prepare a Feeding & Changing Station Before Bed

Another way to ensure proper rest and sanity as a new mom is to keep a feeding and changing station stocked before going to bed for the night. Keep diapers, wipes, rash cream, baby powder, and a change of clothes nearby. Also keep clean bottles and formula (if applicable) within close reach.

  1. Don’t Skip the Bubble Baths

Good hygiene provides relaxation, which in turn, helps us feel more put together and well-rested. There’s nothing quite like soaking in a calming bubble bath to ease those tense muscles.

  1. Keep Your Mental Health in Check

After having a baby, your mental health is of utmost importance. When you’re in a bad mental health state, it’s difficult to get quality sleep at night. You may have problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or may be oversleeping. Either way, you find yourself feeling unrested.

If your mental health is suffering, it may be time to consider postpartum depression care in Orange County.

  1. Let the Household Duties Slide

Right now, your wellbeing and your baby’s well being matter most. A pile of dirty dishes? Leave it for tomorrow. Now is the time to prioritize your physical and mental state in the form of good rest. Unless there’s broken glass on the ground or a horrible stench in the house, the chores can be put off.

  1. Get Physical

Even simply going on a walk around the block can be a great way to get exercise in. This in itself can be a relaxing activity. And as everyone knows, getting exercise can also allow you to get a better night’s rest.

  1. Drinking Calming Teas

Turning to herbal teas like chamomile or lavender can be great ways to unwind after a hectic day as a new mom. Never underestimate the power of a hot beverage filled with calming herbs, especially before bedtime.

Conclusion

Being a new mother is going to be a challenge no matter how you look at it. However, what a mom can do differently to make things easier is to ensure she gets proper rest. With the latter tips, any overwhelmed, exhausted mom can get the rest and relaxation she needs to feel rejuvenated after a long day of parenting.

This article was written by a freelance writer.

Bipolar UK- Suicide Prevention Webinar Video.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

Please watch with care.

It was an honour to record this alongside Bipolar UK CEO Simon Kitchen and expert police officer Ashley Brice, who helps people who are suicidal.

On average, 1 person a day every day with bipolar dies by suicide.

If you watch this, I hope you find it informative and helpful.

Eleanor x

Shana Tova: Happy New Jewish Year To All Our Readers!

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

As long summer days wind slowly into the peacefulness and darker evenings of Autumn, us Jews around the world celebrate Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year. Although, it is not so much a celebration with fireworks and partying, but a time to come together for introspection of the year that has been and looking to the new year ahead. We gather with family, pray, give charity and eat lots of apple and honey (and honey flavoured treats) for a sweet year. They say that on Rosh Hashanah, your fate for the year ahead is written, but you have time to change that.

It has been a fulfilling year- with many twists and turns, ups and downs. This year, two sweet nephews were born and my best friend had a baby too- which were joyous. We celebrated birthdays, engagements and weddings. We travelled to Cyprus on holiday (which was wonderful) and went on a steam train for Robs birthday. We went to the theatre numerous times and the cinema too! We met new people, made new friends and had new experiences too.

We lost relatives and people we loved this year. This year was a year of growth but also of endings, as well as beginnings.

The blog has been busy this year and it is amazing to still be blogging after 7 years!

I know that Jewish festivals can be a hard time for people’s mental health and are a time for reflection. Please reach out for support if you need it from loved ones or helplines like the Samaritans 116 123.

This year, I pray for health, happiness and goodness in all areas of life.

With love and light,

Shana Tova U’Metuka (good and sweet year)

Eleanor

Maintaining Mental Wellbeing: Tips for Navigating an Alcohol Assessment Centre by Brooke Chaplan

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(Image: free image)

The decision to seek help for alcohol use disorder is an important one. It takes courage to admit that you need assistance, and taking the first step toward recovery can feel like a daunting task. One of the early steps of recovery is an alcohol assessment centre, which can assess your condition, provide treatment recommendations, and connect you to ongoing support. However, navigating an assessment centre can be overwhelming, especially if you are feeling vulnerable or uncertain. In this post, we will discuss some tips for maintaining your mental well-being while navigating an alcohol assessment centre.

Educate Yourself

Before entering an assessment centre, take some time to educate yourself about the process and what to expect. This can help to ease anxiety and provide a sense of control in an unfamiliar environment. You can research online, check out the centre’s website, or speak with someone who has been through the process before.

Prepare Mentally and Emotionally

Entering an assessment centre can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it’s essential to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. You might consider bringing along a trusted friend or family member who can offer support and help you stay grounded. You can also practice mindfulness or deep breathing exercises to help you stay centred.

Speak Openly and Honestly

It’s important to be honest about your alcohol use, even if you feel embarrassed or ashamed. The professionals at the assessment centre require accurate information to provide the best treatment options for your specific needs. Honesty also helps to build trust and openness in the therapeutic relationship between you and your counsellor.

Focus on Your Goals

Entering an assessment centre can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to focus on your goals for recovery. Discuss your goals with your counsellor, and work with them to develop a plan for achieving them. Remembering why you’re seeking help and what you want to achieve can help motivate you and make the process easier.

Take Care of Yourself

Finally, remember to take care of yourself while going through an assessment centre. It’s essential to prioritise your mental and physical well-being, which can include eating well, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough rest. Self-care also means taking breaks when necessary, practicing healthy coping mechanisms, and setting boundaries with those around you. Navigating an alcohol assessment centre can be overwhelming, but it’s an essential step towards recovery from alcohol use disorder.

By educating yourself about the process, preparing yourself mentally and emotionally, speaking honestly with your counsellor, focusing on your goals, and taking care of yourself, you can maintain your mental well-being while going through the process. It is highly recommended to reach out to facilities where you are, like A Better Choice Counselling/ Alcohol, Drug & Assessment Center, for more information or to answer any questions you may have.

Remember, seeking help for alcohol use disorder is a brave decision, and with the right support and resources, recovery is possible

Bipolar And Suicide Prevention Webinar with Bipolar UK- 11th September 2023

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Bipolar UK)

On Monday 11th September, I am looking forward to being on a webinar on Bipolar and Suicide prevention for Bipolar UK charity, with their CEO Simon Kitchen and a police officer, Ashley Brice (pictured), who specialises in suicide prevention for people in crisis in Wales. This is a difficult topic to discuss and one that will be tackled with empathy.

If you can join, please register here for free: https://www.bipolaruk.org/suicidal-thinking

Thanks,

Eleanor x

Finding A Sense Of Belonging, Where No One Wants To Belong: On a Psychiatric Ward by Katie

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Kelly Sikkema: Unsplash)

In 2021, I was hospitalised for the second time in my life, due to an acute psychotic episode as a result of my then-recent diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder (Type One). Hospitalisation is one of the scariest, most unsettling periods of time but – a sometimes – necessary stage to recovery. I was so deep within my psychosis for the first week of my admission that I was quite oblivious to my surroundings and the people I was sharing the space with.

However, when my psychosis started to subside and I began to return to my true self, more free from delusions and mania, I was struck with a strong feeling of not belonging. I felt truly and utterly lost. 

My ward was made up of around fifteen other women, with varying diagnosis, in differing mental states and from different walks of life. Yet, somehow I still felt like an outsider.

At first I was trying to think why. Was it because I was a Northerner in a Southern hospital? Was it because I was one of few that was the same ethnicity as myself? Was it that I was younger than most? There were so many factors that could have been the result of me feeling at a loss and not finding belonging.

Ultimately, no one wants to feel like they belong inside a psychiatric hospital. However, I believe there is merit in feeling like you have a place and in finding a sense of belonging helped me to have grounding and a base that wasn’t initially there. 

Here are a few factors, of which helped me to find belonging:

  1. Acceptance – A lot of my initial struggle was the complete denial, fuelled mainly by my delusional thoughts, that I wasn’t mentally ill and I was in the wrong place. The acceptance that I was a patient in a place that was designed to help me was a key turning point within my recovery. I belonged and thus was worthy of treatment and a future. 
  1. Routine – Although I grappled with feeling like I was becoming institutionalised, I think sticking to the routine of the ward was really important. Asides from the benefits of attending meal times, having the structure meant seeing familiar faces, both staff and patients and having positive interactions. 
  1. Involvement – Attending the therapy sessions that were available were so beneficial. My ward had a brilliant occupational therapist and other specialists that would come in to do structured sessions such as music therapy, cooking or yoga classes. Again, I got to see familiar faces and it brought with it a sense of community. 
  1. Authenticity – One of my biggest struggles throughout both manic, and depressive periods, is finding it hard to connect to my true authentic self. Reconnecting to myself and allowing myself to just be me meant that I felt more relaxed and at ease.

Finding this sense of belonging in a place where no one wants to belong ultimately gave me the grounding to go forward and look forward to a brighter future. 

Katie is a freelance writer who lives with bipolar disorder in recovery and has courageously shared her experiences of being hospitalised here.

Helping A Loved One Feel More At Ease In A Care Home.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 1 Comment

Making the decision for a loved one to enter a care home is never an easy one. You probably feel guilty for doing it, but the truth is that it will help them get the best possible care as they get older – more than you might be able to give yourself! There’s a lot of negativity about the subject, but many people find their quality of life improves in a care home, and there are things you can do to make that even better. Ultimately, it comes down to making a decision for their best interests, and even if it doesn’t feel that way at first, it soon will.

So what can you do to help them settle in? You can do your bit by finding ways to help them feel more at ease in their new surroundings. Here are some ideas to help your loved one adjust to life in a care home.

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

Make their space feel more like their own

One of the biggest changes people face when going from their own home to a care home is the lack of personalisation and familiarity, and feeling like the space isn’t theirs. But there are things you can do to help fix that, including:

  • Decorate their room with things from their own home, including pictures, furniture, rugs, etc.
  • Choose from care home beds that they are happy with (if the home allows you to do this).
  • Add familiar fragrances.
  • Make sure they can indulge in their hobbies and interests with books, TVs, etc.

Talk to your loved one about what would help them settle in and do what you can to make it happen. 


Be there to make things more enjoyable

With your loved one receiving proper residential care, you can be there to help them have fun and stay active, something that might not have been possible while you were caring for them. Use your energy to take them out for trips, help them exercise, and spend quality time with loved ones. The Body Coach even has his own workout series for older people!

Being in a care home doesn’t mean your usual outings and activities have to stop, so you can help them keep up a routine that they enjoy.

Exercise is very important to help improve mobility and mood. Finding ways to help your loved one’s physical health can also benefit their mental health, improving their mood and helping them feel more at ease.


Get to know the staff 

There are a lot of reasons you should get to know the staff at a care home:

  • It can help you be more involved in your loved one’s life by getting to know the other people who are in it.
  • They’ll know more about you and your loved one, which can help them provide better care.
  • If you experience any issues, it’s good to have someone familiar you can talk to.
  • It creates more of a family atmosphere.

Regular visits and chatting with the staff more will help you make those connections, helping you feel more involved in your loved one’s care. It makes things nicer for them and for you, and is a fantastic way for you all to get to know people better. 

You will have all sorts of feelings about your loved one being in a care home, but it’s important that you focus on them and ensure they feel happy and comfortable where they are. Talk to them about what they want and how you can make it happen, helping them settle in quicker so you can both feel more at ease.

This article was written by a freelance writer.